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Maps, plates. chart». etc., may be filmed at different reduction retios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hend corner, left to right end top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartas, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Atre filmAs A des taux de rAduction diff Arents. Lorsque le document est trop grsnd pour Atre reproNduit en un seul clichA, II est filmA A psrtir de I'engle supArieur geuche. de gauche A droite. et de haut en bes. en prenant la nombre d'images nAcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrant la mAthode. 1 2 3 32X . 1 2 3 4 5 6 Ci REVl THE DOCTRINES AND DISCIPLINE OF THE Canahion H^?0lqttn 3fHrt|jniiiat NEW CONNEXION CUV WL CM* REVISED AND APPROVED bt th* ANNUAL OONFERENCS HELD AT TORONTO, 1853. 1 J TORONTO: BEEWEB, McPHAIL k, Co^ PRINTERS, 46 KING ST. EAST. 1854. o .. ^ ) . . '.r IS*^*".'- CONTENTS. .1.' :. I;, -y^- iBtrodvctioi...... T— li Ttrms of Union x SECTION I. Of CMidldntOi and AdmiMioB into Sodctf 19 SECTION n. ConetniDf Mtmbcn of Soeitty ...» 14 SECTION m. CoDctniBf the Ctort fa me n t and Inatraetion of tho Cbnicii 18 SECTION IV. Society Meetinge. %9 SeetionlY {CvmHmui) ,. llO SECTION V. Lendora and Stewarda, and their Mcetinfi tl SECTION VI. <^Mrlor|]r Moctinfa 97 SECTION vn. SECTION vni. Mfmama'^Ezhonoia— Local Preachera and thoir Meetinfe — Local Eldera— Citeait IVeacheia Sa- perintcttdent Preacheia, 39, 48 SECTION IX. Fkaadm^ Salariea.. 48 SECTION X. iv. Index, SECTION XI. Missioai v«»>^ j &I SECTION XII. Conference •••••••i^ ^^ SECTION XIII. Annual Committee...., ,,....9..^.,..**;A7 SECTION XIV. v?v :.T On Religious Ordinances and Meetings for Christian E.dificsMon ....r..:. ^ S8CTION XV. Doctrines,..,. ...•• • .»- * 69 SECTION XVI. Chapels •n4 ittads of the ConnexioD... ;..—!•••«-?— ••-v6l ^* SECTION XVII. Beneficent Society... J.......; ,.....^..«. 63 9?he Lords Supper , ;.....,; 7i Jkptism 74 Baptism of those of Riper Years 7o Matrimony , 79 ^rial of the Dead -. -..f ^ Ordination of Elders 84 Trust Deed for Chapriff.., 7..... 89 Memorial for Trust Deed...... .......••.^w., •..,... 9^ NoTB.— By mistake, *-ri X YA^n INTRODUCTION. PREJTXED to the edition of 1841. The Annual Committee authorized by the Ck>nference to prepare a book of Discipline applicable to the present state of the Coonexioni before entering upon their work, deem it neces- sary to give some account of the two Bodies that have united— of the manner in which the union was formed-^aad of the position in which they now stand. The Canadian Wesleyan Methodists seceded from the Episcopal Methodist Church in Canada in 1829, in order to secure a more Ul^eral and scriptural form of Church Grovemment, by unit* ing the People with the Ministers in all legisla- tive and judicial acts^ still retaining the doctrines and ordinances of that body^ The Methodist New Connexion seceded from the Wesleyan Methodist body in England in 1797, influenced by similar reasons, and desirous of accomplishing the same great objects as their Brethren in Canada. During the early years of their existence, they had to endure severe trials from various causes; but they had espe- cially to endure all mtfnner of obloquy and ri. Introduction, persecution from certain parties on account of maintaining and defending those principles of Religious freedom, which are the patrimony of every man, and the chartered boon of eyery Christian. In a few years, howcTcr, they out- lived the unmerited calumnies which were cast upon them; and, through the Divine blessing, were favoured with peace and spiritual prosper- Itjr. For more than twenty years they have sup- ported a Mission hi Ireland; that Mission has gradually enlarged, so that at the present time they have more than twenty Missionariea in the field preaching in English and in Irish, besides a number of Scripture Readers. For the last Kve years that Mission has progressed with great rapidity, so that by its increased means of use- fulness, it is gradnally becoming a greater bles». ing to the inhabitants of that morally benighted country. For many years past, the Methodists of the New Connexion have been convinced, from a view of the spiritual destitution of many parts of the world, and of the means which God has placed at their disposal, that it was their imper- ative duty to open a foreign Mission. For se- veral successive Conferences the subject was discussed. At length the Canadas were fixed upon as the scene of their benevolent operations. Several reasons brought them to the conclusion, ItUroduelion, Til. that the Canadas presented the strongest olaimf to their sympathies. In 1887, at the Confer^ enoe held in Leeds, they appointed an Agent (Mr. Addtman) to visit the Canadas, and to select a field of labour for himself and other^ Missionaries that would be sent. The Agent oontmenoed his Missionary work in Lower Cana- da, where the Almighty, by a singular providenooi opened his way Into many important and desti* tute places, which are now occupied by other agents of the same body. In the early part of 1840, the agent made a todr through a great part of the Upper Provincei for the purpose of ascertaining its spiritual statOi and its general means of Religious instruction* During that tour, he became acquainted jvith the Canadian Wesley an Methodists at Hamilton. A union was then suggested], and from various considerations, and particularly from a routine of coincident circumstances, it did appear that such a union Was favored by Divine providence. At the ensuing Conference of the Canadian Wesley an Methodists, held at Cavan in 1840, the representatives of the two bodies met to- gether, and adopted terms of union subject to the approval or disapproval of each body. Gen- erally, the terms of union were approved, and at the last Annual Conference in 1841, held at Hamilton, the union was unanimously consum- mated. In consequence of the change oocasioued via. IrUroductUm. by the union, it was deemed necessary by the Conference that a new Book of Discipline should be immediately prepared. The Annual Com- mittee were therefore requested to direot their attention to that important business. Having given the above explanation of the reason which led us to publish this Book of Dis* cipline, we now send it forth amongst you, with our fervent prayers for your happiness and prosperity. We hope to see this little work extensively circulated ; for nothing is more important, next to a knowledge of the word of God, than that our own members should be well acquainted with the Doctrines we teach, and the Discipline by whieh we are governed, and trained to habits of usefulness and fitness for heaven » The Rules contained in this Book will be your guide. They provide for the peculiarity of Missionary operations — for maturing the Mis« sionary stations — and for their settlement into re- gular circuits. They provide also for the govern, ment of your various Meetings and Offices, and for the maintainance of that wholesome discipline amongst you, which is essential to your individ- ual comfort, and to your collective welfare. Most devoutly do we pray, that Preachers and People may be united as the heart of one man — that whilst walking by these rules, both your piety and usefulness may be promoted-— and Introduction, IX. that the groat Head of the Church may pour out His Spirit, and abundantly prosper you, through Jesus Christ, to whom he praise and glory for ever. I TERMS OF UNION. I I 1. That the Local Preachers now in the Canadian Wesleyan Methodist Church be en- titled to stand in the same relations to the united body, and enjoy the same privileges they now do in the Canadian Wesleyan Church. And all Local Preachers hereafter received, shall submit to the Rules, and graduate according to the Regulations of the Methodist New Connex- ion, and enjoy such privileges as it provides. 2. That the forms for Sacraments, Marriages, and Ordination of Elders, used among the Cana- dian Wesley ans, be retained. 3. That the Canadian Wesleyan Methodist Circuit Preachers be received into the united body, according' to their various standings in that community. 4. That for the present, the name of the united body be the Canadian Wesleyan Metho- dist New Connexion. d. That twenty pounds per annum (subject to future alteration, as the case may require), be allowed from the English Missionary fund to- wards the support of a married, and twelve Tlgrms of Union, XI. pounds per annum towards the support of a single preacher. These sums to form the maxi- mum of allowance, and that it be left to the discretion of tlie^uperintendent of the Mission^ with the assistance of the Conference, to appor- tion the grurii^ witli a due regard to economy, and the necessities of each particular case. 6. That a Paternal and Beneficent Fund be established, for the encouragement of which the Missionary Society agree to grant the sum of thirty pounds annually to each fund, until in the judgment of the Conference it shail not be longer necessary. T. The Canadian Conference to have the di. rection of the work in Canada, assisted by the representative of the Methodist New Connexion in England, as the Superintendent of the Mis- sion, who shall be a member of the Canadian Conference ae-^ficio, and Corresponding Mem- ber of the Annual Comnuttee. It will be the duty of said representative, or general superin- tendent, to see tkat all engagements connected with claims on the Mission fund are faithfully performed, and to assist the Conference to carry out the benevolent plans contemplated by the union. 8. That to ensure, so far as prudential means can accomplish the object, a supply of suitable Preachers for the wants of the united body, the Wesleyville Institution be established to a^rd sit. Terms of Union. the means of instruction for a limited t)erio(f. And that in the first instance, suitable young men, conneeled with the religious eommunitj iQ Canada, be selected, or yovmg men reconu mended from Elngland by the Missionary Com- mittee. 9. That the stations of the Methodist New Connexion in the Eastern part of this province ^formerly called Lower Canada) be tmited with the Canadian Conference. 10. As Missionary exertions are employed to gather precious souls into tbe Church of Christ, and extend the Redeemer's Kingdom, so the exertions of the English Methodist New Con* aexion Missionary Society will be direeted to the establishment of an active, prosperous, and permaneuft distinct community in Canada. That as this important end is attained by the formation of circuits, the introduction of the system, an^ the Missionary stations becoming so many parts of the bofiy, in that proportion the infiuenee of the English Connexion shall cease in its concerns; and the hoiy ia Canada shall become a distinet religious eonmunity, united only to the Breth- ver in England in Christian love, and in those kind offices which will always be proper anjd acceptable. DOCTRINES AND DISCIPLINE OF THE CANADIAN WESLEYAN METHODIST NEW CONNEXION CHURCH. SECTION I. OF eAMSIOATES AND ADMISSION INTO SOCIETY. 1. Persons desirous of uniting with our Soci- eties are rehired to evidence an earnest concern for the salvation of their souls, by a diligent at- tendance on our means of grace, aud by ceasing to do eviU and learning to do weU. 2. When persons first begin to meet in Class they shall be considered under the watch-care of the Church, till they give satisfactory evidence of their religious experience, then they shall be re- ceived into full connexion in the Church. The mode of admission shall be by the Preacher, at a Society Meeting, with exhortation and prayer. If, however, a person wishes to De received more privately, and there is reason for such a wish ; the Leaders' Meeting, and if there be no Leaders' Meeting, the Society Meeting will doubtlee^ endea- vour to meet such views. 3. It is expected that those persons who are ad- mitted into our Society, should procure a copy of our Rules, that they may make themselves, well acquainted with our Doctrines and Dlscipliuec 14 Members of Society. SECTION II. CONGEKNING MEMBERS OF SOCIBTT. Persons admitted into church-fellowship us, shall be required to meet weekly in 1. with Class, or as frequently as possible. 3. For the support of the Ministry amongst us, and to discharge other pecuniary demands ^nless prevented by real inability) all our Members are expected to contribute at least one quarter of a dollar per quarter ; our more affluent friends shall contribute according to the greater ability with which God hath blest them, that the deficiency of our poor Members may be supplied. 3. All our Members shall dilligeatly attend the public and private means of grace with which, as a religious community, we are favored : and especially that most invaluable ordinance, the Supper of the Lord. 4. It is the duty of our Members to cultivate a spirit of brotherly affection towards one another, and to manifest this spirit bv promoting each other's welfare, preferring each other in business, advising each other in difficulty, and defending each other in character : encouraging to duty ; admonishing in error, and restoring when fallen ; comforting in distress, visiting in affliction, and assisting in need ; thus shall we bear each other's burdens, and the household of faith will be esta- blished. 5. Should one Member consider himself injur- ed by another, he shall conform to our Lord^s direction: "If thy brother shall trespass against thee go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone ; if he shall hear thee thou hast gained thy brother ; but if he shall not hear thee, then Members qf Society^ 15 take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established ; and if he shall neelect to hear them, tell it unto the Church : but if he neglect to hear the Church, let htm be unto thee ae an heathen man and a publican." Mat. xviii. 15—17, 6. Brother ought not to go to law with brother, but should first endeavour to adjust existing differences through the mediation of mutual friends ; and our Members are exhorted to sub- mit their differences to this reasonable and scrip, tural mode of adjustment. 7. Should a Member become insolvent, and make an assignment, or become bankrupt, or take the benefit of any Legislative Act, whereby he shall not pay his creditors their full demands, it shall be the duty of the Church to inquire into such case, that the character of our upright but unfortunate Members may be satisfactorily sustained, and that those who are guilty of dis- honesty may be excluded from amongst us. It is also expected from those Members who have failed in business, or have contracted debts fbr which they have ceased to be legally responsible, that, if they afterwards become possessed of property, they pay, as soon as possible their former deficiencies, and fulfill their former con- tracts. 8. If a brother be overtaken in a fault, his Leader shall be informed thereof; when such Leader shall endeavour to restore his offending brother with faithfulness and affection. 9. Any Member guilty of causing disturb- ances, of indulging in slandering or tale-bearing, of refusing to pay his lawful debts, of propagat. 16 Members of Society. ing false doctrines, or refusing to be governed by our rules or of immoral conduct, shall for the first offence be reproved ; for the second be suspended from the enjoyment of church privi- leges for such time as shall be deemed necessary; and for the third be expelled. But should the crime be flagrant or notorious, then upon due evidence thereof, he shall be put out immediately. 10. Members removing from one dass to an- other should explain to their Leader or to the Leaders' meetins^ their reasons for so doing, and when removing from one Circuit to another, they shall take with them a testimonial from the Su- perintendent or the Leaders' meeting, certifying that they are in good standing with the Church from which they are removing. 11. As forming part of the universal Church of Christ, our people are called upon to entertain liberal feelings, and to cherish a friendly dispo- sition towards professing Christians of other denominations ; and to evidence the same by al- lowing them a place at the Supper of the Lord, and in other social means of grace, by rendering them the kind offices of brethren, by giving them an interest in our prayers, and by rejoicing in their prosperity. 12. It is incumbent upon our Members, under the various circumstances, and in all the relations in which they are placed by Divine Providence^ to exercise themeelves to have a conscience void of offence towards God and mim. As to their private duties, they should examine themselves whether they be in the faith, possessing the power as well as the form of godliness, and growing in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Chridt ; they should search the Scriptures daily ; be medi God. patte worlc Members of Soeieiyi IT be regular in secret prayer ; frequent in devout meditation ; and in all things, walk humbly with God. As husbands and wiyes> they are to be patterns of fidelity, helpers to each other in their worldly cares and in the way to heaven. As parents, it devolves upon them to provide for the temporal and spiritual wants of their children ; attending to their instruction, leading them to the house of Grod, confirming their precepts by a holy example, and crowning the whole by their strict attention to the exercises of family devotion. The pious children united with us are by their good conduct, to be the joy and comfort of their parents ; behaving towards them with affection, and rendering to them due obe- dience : administering to them in necessity, and supporting them in old age. As members of civil society, it is the duty of all our people to submit themselves to the constituted authority of the state to maintain the laws of the land : to promote peace and good order around them, and to implore the divine blessing on kings, gover* nors, magistrates, and on all classes of our fellow subjects. As masters and servants, they are to be exemplary in performing their respec- tive duties ; as neighbors, to be kind ; as friends, to be confidential ; and to be courteous and be* nevolent in all their social intercourse. In the world, our people are to l^ diligent in business^ punctual in theip engagements, and upright in their dealings ; useful in public offices, and faith* ful in all their trusts ; to be patterns of temper- ance and frugality, avoiding places of dissipation - and public amusement ; to flee the appearance of evil, and to delight in the company of the righteous. They should never forget the high 18 Church GovemmeiU and InstrucUan, character which Christians are to sustaki as the ** salt of the earth," and the *' light of the world ;" and that it is expressly enjoined by the great Head of the Church Himelf : ** Let your light so shine befere men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." SECTION III. 5 i- I COMCKRIIIKO tBS OOTsaiVlnNY AND IRStRtJCTION 6t tUt CBtTIiCB. The GrOTemment of each Church or Society in our Connexion is vested in itself; and is exercised partly by the members of the whole Church as« sembled together, and partly by chosen brethren denominate L&adbbs and Stewarm, who gen« erally meet every week for this purpose. These separate Churches, whenever it is neces* sary or expedient, are united in a federation of Churches called a Circuit, which Circuit is watched over, instructed, and regulated by Min« isters and other Church Officers appointed for the purpose, and meeting once every three montbSi and sometimes on special occasions, in a meeting or conference called the Quabterlt Confsrencb of the Circuit. The Connexional element, Scriptural in itself, and producing the happiest results in the mutual relation and combined action of Churches, is fur- ther applied and developed in the union of these Circuits into Districts ; and also in the combi- alien of the whole of the Churches in one general Connexional relation^ represented and regulated Soeietjf Meetings. 19 by an annual meeting of Ministers and Lay Breth^ ran appointed by the Circuits ; and which assem- bly is called the Annual Confkrsncb of the Con* nexion. The Rules relating to these institutions of Government and Instruction follow in order« SECTION IV. Boenrr mbstiiig9« 1. These meetings shall be held whererer h is practicable at least once a quarter, and the con. teners of them shall be the Circuit Preacher or Society Stewards, or both acting in concert. The principal object of these meetings is the spiritual edification of the Church, by exhortation on the part of the Minister present, by prayer and other religious exercises. The MembNers shall be spe- cially and faithfully admonished respecting their personal religion and Christian deportment, their closet and family duties, and their attendance on our prirate and public means of Grace. At these meetings, ^rtions of the rules relating to private membera shall be read over ocGasionally, so as if possible to insure the whole being read once a year. 2. The miscellaneous bumness of Society Meetings includes:— The election of Society SteW" ards; the reception eS the Society's Financial Accounts y the expressioa of their views respect^ ing any of the brethren proposed for the Ministry, and the election of the Representatives to the Quarterly Conference ; and lastly, to record their votes for the eleetion ol Lay Representatives to I' ¥ Fi *■ to Trial tf Accused Memhefi, the Annual Conference. But as a diversity eX" ists in our Circuits as to the mode of electing these last named Chunoh Officers^ each Society shall regulate its action in such elections by the rule or custom of the Circuit to which it belongs% 8. In the formation of a new Church, the members thereof wouM have the appointment, in conjunction with the Circuit Preacher, of the Leader or Leaders, but when Churches are or- ganized, the Leaders' meeting shall nominate the Leaders and the Class concur in the appointment^ according to rule in Section V. Rule IL SECTION IV. I • MODS OP BKIlfOIKa Air ACCUSED M IMBBR ^O TitlAt. 1. Every accused person, whether Preacher or Layman, shall not be expelled or suspended from the enjoyment of his Church privileges) until he has had a fair trial according to Rule^ 2. Every accused person shall hav^ sent him officially a copy of the charges preferred againt him, one week previous to trial ; that he may be prepared to examine witnesses, and make his de» fence on his trial. 3. The Quarterly, or a Special Circuit Meeting) shall be competent to inquire into any charge b^'ought against any Circuit Preacher, in regard to immoral conduct, preaching false doctrine, or gross neglect of duty ; but no such charge shall be entertained, unless the Preacher has had seven day's previous notice of its nature, and of the Trial y accuM "Memiers,' 21 time of bringing it for^.fd. In oond acting this inquiry, the Meeting shai? hear the charge and evidence in the presence of the Preacner accused, and also his defence again^n the same; after which it shall determine, in the fear of God, and, if necessary, it shall suspeud the Preacher till the ensuing Conference ; subject to the right of appeal as provided for in our dis- cipline. When circmustances allow, the Su- perintendent Preacher, or Circuit Stewards, shall previously consult or obtain the assist- ance of the Annual Committee, and in all cases shall give an early account of its proceedings to the Corresponding Member of the Anaua| Committee. , 4. Bvery Layman shall be tried by the Lead- ers' Meeting, in the presence of the Preacher ; but where there is no Leaders' Meeting, the Society;,ir to which the accused belongs, with the Superin- tendent Preacher, or in his absence one of his Brethren, shall be competent to try the accused, person. But should the accused object to this mode of trial, and be able to make it appear to the Executive Preacher, that he is not likely to obtain justice, thetii he mdy be tried by a Com* mittee of five person^ ; two to be chosen by the accused, two by. the accuser: the Preacher to. form the fifth, who shall be Chairman, and havar<« the casting vote; and in case either the accused r or the accuser, or both, refused to select the said Committee, the Executive Preacher shall supply the lack. 5. Should any accused Member feel himself aggrieved by the decision of the Meeting appoint- ed to try his case, he shall have Che liberty of appealing to the Quarterly Conference of the Cir- c i iS2 LeOdert and iJtetr Meetings, cuity upcn giving the Superintendent one weei^s notice of his fntentfou. I ,t, ^ Wi SECTION V. LMAtikSi MD STIWaBDS AMD THUS MUTMM. LEADEI)(S. t/ 1 . It )« esseAtal that every pers^ #ho enteri* tipon the important oflSfee of Leaderi should pos" fless the fblk)wing qualifications : 1. Sound Chris' tian experience. 2. Holiness of Hfe. 8. €lear Views of the gospel. 4. That degree of aptness to teach, which will render him acceptable. &< Approved stability and attachment to our system* 6. A firm determination to maintain our disci" pltne. 7. Affection for the souls entrusted to hiar care. And 8. A full purpose of heart to be tiSeful to his Classj to bis Brethren^ and to the World. 2. In appointing a Leader, the following tM' ihod shall be adopted. The Glass shall be entitled ia recommend a periston to the consideration of t!ie Leaders' Aleeting ^ but the Leaders' Meeting shall have the fight of nominating for the office^ The Aomittation made by the Leaders shall be communicated, first, to the Class, alid then to the perso^l profjosedy for their conctirrence^ If either dissent, a second nomination shall take place, and IM on till a suitable person f^hall be founds in new of small societies, where there is no Lead' ers' Meeting, tho appointment Of Leader shall rest with the Superiteiident Preacher of the Cir- cuit, and the Members of the Class* The brother Leaders and Siewarde and Iheir Meetings, 28 week^0 MT. enteti* jld p08- id ChrfB- 5. Clear Qptne89 ible. &' ' system* UT disci" ed to hi^ ft to be to the who has been chosen shall then be furnished with a copy of the following questions, which he shall be required to answer as in the presence of God, either at the next Leaders* Meeting, or at a meet- ing appointed for the purpose. i. Do you believe in the fall and universal depravity of man 1 i 2. Do you believe in the divinity of Christ i 8. Do you believe that Christ died for all men? 4. Do you believe in the necessity of repent- ance, faith, and holiness ? 5. Do you believe in the immediate influ- ence of the Holy Spirit producing these effects ? 6. Do you believe in the necessity of holding fast, faith, and persevering in good works? 7. Have you a clear experience of God's favor? 8. Have you power over sin ? 9. Do you approve our rules, and will you , /j4 enforce them ? 10. Will you be faithful in discharging the duties of a Leader ? "" Having answered these questions, the brother shall retire while the Leaders' Meeting forms its resolution thereon, which shall be done with strict impartiality and faithfulness. If there appear just ground to set aside the nomination, it shall be communicated to the Class, and to the brother concerned in the most tender manner ; but if the nomination be confirmed, then the brother appojnt- ed shall be called in again, and be receiv§d into office by exhortation and prayer. 3. A Leader may have an Assistant when ne- 84 Leaders and Stewarin find their Meetings, llf < , 1 14 1 '1^ m m I cessary ; who shall be nominated and chosen as the Leader. The Assistant shall lead the Class in the absence of the Leader, and, that he may receive his adv-ce, occasionally in his presence; he shall assist the Leader iti all the duties apper- taining to his office : but &>ha!! not relea^ the Leader from his proper responsibilities. 4. Each Leader shall meet his clasis weekly, and after singing and prayer, relate hii own reli- gious experience; he shall then inquire into the spiritual state of his Members, administering to them, with alt long-suffering and faithfulness, that encouragement, instruction, and reproof, which their cases require. His manner shall be affection- ate and lively ;. and at the close of the Meeting he shall call over the names of his Members;' inquire afler those that are absent and the Cause of their absence, which he shall note down in his Class Book, that it may be a faithful index ttf the state of his Class. He shall especially visit his sick Members ; comfort those who are in distress ; seek after the negligent ; and endieavor to restore those that are fallen. He shall urge his Members to a punctual aUendance on the Lord^s Supper and all other means of grace. 5. A Meeting, consisting of the Leaders, Soci- ety Stewards, Circuit Preachers, and a ilepre- sentative for each Female and Circuit Preacher's Class, shall regulate the affairs of each Society and public place of worship. Such Meeting shall he held at a convenient hour, weekly or once a fortnight as may be found necessary, and shall be opened with singing, and be concluded in season- able time with prayer. 6. The Leaders' Meeting shall carefully attend to all those affairs which come within its province . Bociefp Stewards. 25 viz., the tegular payment of Class-iDonej into the hands of the Steward ; directing or sanction- ing the disbursements ; an examination of the Class Books, with special inquiry after the sick, that Mi^y may he visited ; filing up vacancies or electing new office^p ; determining on notices for the pulpit, and the times of such announcements; and superintending all other matters which apper« taiQ to the Society* It shall also be the duty of the Leaders to consider what plans of usefulness may be devised ; zealously and prayerfully ear* rying them out into actual and continued opera- tion* Sf, The Leaders' Meeting shall co-q)erate with the Prea^s^hers, in carrying into effect the Rules of the Conne»on and the Resolutions of Con- ference ; so that proper disci^ine may be main- tained) and the hands of our Preachers be strengthened in t,he dutiefi with which they are intrusted. SOCIETY STEWARDS. 8. To each Socety there shall be two Stewards chosen from its members, one of whom shall act as Treasurer, and the othv'ir as Secretary, agree- ably to their appointment ; they shall be persons of stability ; acquainted with c :r Rules, and attached to our system ; men of order and dili- gence discreet in the management of their own oifairs, and able to manage tb^ temporal conceme of the Society • Providing other auitable brethren can be found to undertake the office, neither Local Preachers nor Leaders shall be Qhosen for Society Stewards. 9. The Society Stewards shall be nominated by the Lei^df^^' Mt^eting, (but wher§ there is iio I 26 Society Stewards. m ' Leaders' Meeting by the Superintendent) and appointed by a Society's Meeting, to be held im- mediately after the January Quarterly Meeting. They shall be changed or re-elected annually ; but should they at any time prove unworthy of their office, or become unable to perform its duties, the Leaders' Meeting after full investiga- tion, shall represent the case to the Society, that they may be removed from their Stewardship, and others be immediately appointed in their place. 10. The Treasurer Steward shall take charge of lighting and cleaning the chapel, and of all other matters and arrangements connected with the comfortable maintenance of divine worship : he shall prepare the provision for the Lord's Supper and Love Feasts, and see that the col- lections arising therefrom (after defraying expen- ses) are distributed each Quarter amongst the poor Members, or are otherwise disposed of, under the direction of the Leaders' Meeting. He shall take charge of and receive all Society and Conference Collections, and pay them over according to the Rules of the Connexion ; he shall also receive tne monies at the Leaders' Meeting, and discharge the current demands thereon : he shall pay the proper quarterage for the Society into the hand of the Circuit Steward at or before the Quarterly Meeting, and the Leaders' Meeting shall take care to supply him from time to time with the means of making these payments, that the Society may be kept clear of debt, and its affairs be agreeably con- ducted. 11. The Secretary Steward shall keep the accounts, but the books shall be accessible ta bis Quarterly Meetings. 2t colleague : he shall also prepare or revise notes for the pulpit.: he shall enter the proceedings at the Leaders^ Meetings; bring before them the order of business to be transacted ; he shaft assist At the Collections, and Love Feasts. He shafl bring forward the Members on trial, and register those who are admitted into Society : he shali enter correctly, and jkeep the names of the Mem- bers, Class by Clas^ with the places of abode i and othewise &itihfully perform the duties of his office. 12. The Secretary Steward shall prepa^re .a .•statement .of the iSociety^s receipts, distinguishing the several Collections, and the amount raised by each Class ; and also a detailed account of the disbursements, to be submitted to the first Lead- ers' Meeting after ^ach Quarterly Meeting, ac- eotQpanied with the proper vouchers ; and these accounts, alter being duly approved, balanced an4 signed by the Chairman In Its behalf, shall be read over at the next Fellowship or Weeknight Meeting of the Society, for its inform alion. 6ECT10N VL itttTASXSRLT HVCniTOSl. 'T V la each Circuit, there shall be a Quarterly Meeting for transacting its general business, tp be held in February, May, August, and Novem- ber, at such time and place as shall be agreed upon, which shall be duly published. 2. The Quarterly Meeting shall be composed of the Circuit Preachers, and Circuit Stewards, the Secretary of the Local Pteac^hem, who 28 Quarterly Meetings. rm V I-' r- shall take their seats ex officio; also of Repre- sentatives of the people chosen from the Local Preachers, Leaders, Trustees being Members, and qther experienced persons from our different Societies. Each Society shall send one or more Representatives according to the number of its Members ; the proportion or scale to be fixed bj the May -Quarterly Meeting of each Circuit, as shall also the mode in which the votes shall be taken in the election of representatives ; but any other Members of Society shall, nevertheless, have free admission to the Quarterly Meetings, with liberty to give their opinions, subject to the regulation of the Chairman, and of a majority of the Meeting, but they are not to vote, 3. The Quarterly Meeting shall begin and conclude with singing and prayer. Christian temper should govern both the language and deliberations of the Meeting. The Chairman should act iisith impartiality, and his authority therefore must be maintained. 4. The Quarterly Meeting shall pay the Preachers' salaries, and other mcidental expens. es, agreeably to the Rules of the Connexion ; they shall also pay the expenses of the Representatives (if required) to aud from Conference ; they shall likewise pay for the Minutes ordered on behalf of the Circuits, and all other just demands charge- able on that Meeting. 5. The Quarterly Meeting shall fix what each Society shall contribute, according tQ its numbers and privileges, keeping in mind the average pay- ment for Members (as required by rule), the ability of each Society, and also its local expens- es : and it shall be the duty of each Quarterly Bleeting to adapt its expenditure to its iQcome, so that Quarterly MetUngt, 29 tJiat every demand may be punctually discharged. 6. The Quarterly Meeting shall determine on any alteration in the quantity of Preachers, governing itself as far as possible by the wishes of the Societies interested : it shall also admit new places for preaching, or set others aside, which have been tried to no purpose: it shall have power to apply to the Annual Committee for temporary supplies of preaching during the sickness of a Preacher, or for any additional labour that may be wanted ; it shall also deter- mine upon matters of appeal with impartiality and wisdom, or refer them to Cor^ ^'^ience as it shall see proper. 7. The Quarterly Meeting shall admit persons on the Plan as Exhorters, and Local Preachers on trial, pass them through the several stages of of their probation, and afterwards receive them into office as full Local Preachers. It shall also recommend Local Preachers to be taken out to travel ; determine upon and prepare the Preach, ers' testimonials at the May Quarterly Meeting ; and appoint or confirm the appointment of Repre- sentatives to Conference ; aAd, lastly, prepare the Preachers' Certificates; the whole according to the Rules laid down on these several heads. 8. Whenever a Quarterly Meeting shall judge It needful to divide a Circuit, or to employ an additional Preacher, a copy of the resolution parsed to that effect shall be sent to Conference, where the matter shall be considered and decided upon. . 9. The number of Minutes wanted for the fol- lowing yiar shall be ascertained at the May Quarterly Meeting, and the Representative be in structed to order theni dX the charge of the Glrouitr ' 1 'm 30 Quartely Meetingt, ^!|ij 10. The February Quarterly Meeting shall nominate persons from whom the Lay Repre- sentative shall be chosen, each Circuit adopting its own mode of election ; and the May Quarter- ly Meeting shall either appoint or confirm the appointment of such Representative^ requiring from him a pledge that he will attend all the sit- tings of Conference, and furnishing both him and the Preacher whom it sends, with the necessary credentials and instructions. 11. A Special Circuit Meeting to be constitu- ted as the Quarterly Meeting, may be called by the Superintendent and Circuit Steward, or either of them, whenever circumstances may in their judgment render it necessary. A Circular, sta- ting the object for which the Meeting is called, and the time and place for holding it, shall be address- ed to the Stewards of each Society, and to all the official persons specified in the Rules for consti- tuting a Quarterly Meeting, at least three days before it takes place, that sufficient opportunity may be afibrded for deliberation and electing Representatives to attend^he Meeting according to Rule. The said Meeting shall be fully com- petent to determine on the matters for which k was called^ but on no other, and its resolutions in regard to such matters shall be binding ; but uiu less the Meeting be so called and constituted, it shall be considered irregular, and its ^oceedings of no efiect. 12. The followi*.- questions shall be proposed at each May Quarterly Meeting ; the ansuver to which shall be entered in the Circuit Book, and a certified copy thereof be forwarded along with the Credentials tp Conference. •■'-«*.,icji Quarterly Meetings, 31 1. Respecting a single Preacher : — Has he been comfortably accornmodated through the year with board, lodging, and with suitable opportunities for pursuing his studies ? , 2. Respecting a married Preacher : — Have his demands on the Circuit been regu- larly paid ? Has he been provided with a suitable house ? 3. Respecting the Superintendent : — Has he been pro()erly supported in maintaining discipline, and in enforcing the Laws of the Connexion ? * 13. The Quarterly and Special Circuit Meetings shall support the Preachers in carrying into effect the Laws of the Connexion and the Resolutions of Conference, that proper discipline may be maintained in our Circuits; and it shall also be the endeavour of those Meetings, on all occasions, to go hand in hand with the Tru/itees, of our Chapels, and to consult them in those matters where their rights and interests are con. cemed. The Quarterly Meeting shall call over the names of the Preachers both Itinerant and Local, and shall inquire into any charges which may be preferred, either for neglect of official duty or improper conduct. 11. Each May Quarterly Meeting shall send'a^ document to the AnnuAl Conference, signed by the Chairman and Secretary, stating tnat the character of the Preachers in full connexion has been brought under consideration according tQ Rule. 32 Circuit Stewards, SECTION VII. CIICUIT STBWAROe. . I ill i' t 1. Each Circuit shall have two Stewards for the management of its temporal affairs. They shall he Members of our Society, attached to our system, conversant with our rules, of approved stability, accustomed to business, and if possible having the means as well as the disposition to serve the Circuit. They shall be appointed or re-a]:^inted at the February Quarterly Meeting, and shall continue two yef^rs in office, the Senior retiring each year, to make room for his suoces- 8or but the Quarterly Meeting shall have power to change either or both of them should they deem it proper, f^nd also to remove them from office, at any time, when, aA^r due investigation, th^t step shall be jucjged necessary. 9. J( ^hall be their province to attend the Quarterly Meeting, and to see that suitable pro- vision is made for its accommodation : they snail receive the payments pf the different Societies, and disburse them according to the order of the Meeting : they shall enter th^ receipts and pay- ments, and duly balance them : they shall record the Resolutions of the Meeting, and read both them and the accounts over 'at its close: they sh^ll assisft the Superintendent Preacher in pre^ paring ^ Minute of the business to be transacted, and aj^o aid him in carrying the Resolutions into effect. They shall be considered Members of ihe Quarterly Meeting from the Meeting next following their appointment. 3. It shall likewise be their duty to provide houses and the necessary furniture for the Circuit Stewards. 33 I suQces- Preachers, under the direction of the Quarterly, or a Special Circuit Meeting ; see to any urgent repairs being done, and any pressing wants sup- plied in the interval betwixt the Quarterly Meetings, but limited to sut^h amount as the rule of the Circuit shall determine. They shall take an annual inventory of the furniture in each house, examine into its condition, and lay a tf'ue statement thereof before the Quarterly Meeting previous to Conference. 4. They shall annually register in the Circuit Books the names of alt the Members in each Society, Class by Class, receive the yearly, and other Collections belonging to their department ; enter the particulars into the Circuit Book and pay the amount to the Lay Representative, for the disposal of Conference. They shall bring forward the choice of Representative in due course, and prepare, according to Rule, their credentials, and all other Circuit documents to^ be sent to Conference. 5. So far as may be practicable, the two Stewards shall divide the duties of their office, after the manner of the Society Stewards, as may best suit their convenienee, rendering each other all needful asshstance; but should they reside in different parts of the Circuit, each shall take charge of hid separate District^ under the regulations of the Quarterly Meeting. SECTION VIII. MINISTERS. 1 . When any of our Members feel desirous of acting as Exhorters, their wishes shall be signified i!f 84. \i. ,» . ExhorterM, to the Leaders' Meeting, and where there is no Leaders' Meeting, to the Superintendent Preacher, who shall judge of their fitness for ttie work. 2. It shall be the duty of the Superintendent Preacher to give them suitable appointments, till he has had an opportunity of decidmg whether they are competent to be placed upon the plan as regular Ezhorters. 3. When Exhorters are acknowledged by the Quarterly Meeting, and receive appointments on the Plan, they shall be subject to the authority of that Meeting : which shall take them under its charge, legulate their duties, encourage the meritorious, and set aside those who are negli- gent or unacceptable. 4. The Exhorters shall address the people on the most necessary spiritual subjects ; they shall be lively and affectionate in their manner ; and their exhortations shall be short, pointed, and practical. LOCAL PREACHERS AND THEIR MEETINGS. 5. It is essential that all our Local Preachers be experimentally acquainted with the things of Gbd, and adorn that Gospel which they preach ; they should have correct views of the fundamental doctrines of the Grospel, and be able to express their views profitably to the people ; they should also feel persuaded of their call to the work, and be determined plainly and faithfully to proclaim the truth as it is in Jesus; 6. When any person in exhorting, or other religious exercises, has given evidence of such qualifi^ forwai 7. or Lo< Societ purpoj er unc mend, admis! 8. : tersoi Quart ing th where placet of the 0. batior ing si opinu full I the I be la 1(] appr shall Qua cont Local Preachers and their Meetings, 8& there is itendcDt 8 for the itendent Uments, whether plan as by the ieuts on ithoritjr under ge the negli. opie on y shall r; and d) and ss. achers ngs of reach ; nental xpress should c, and •claim other such <|[uaIifications as render it desirable to bring him forward as a Local Preacher, he shall first be proposed to the Leaders' Meeting belonging to the Society cf which lie is a Member ; secondly, to the Local Preachers' Meeting, and lastly to the Quarterly Meeting ^ andy on being approved by all these Meetings in succession, his name shall be entered on the Plan as a Local Preacher on trial r 7. In those places where there is no Leaders' or Local Preachers' Meeting, a meeting of the Society of which he is a Member, called for the purpose (at which the Superintendent or a Preach- er under his direction is present), shall recom- mend, and the Qarterly Meeting sanction his admission as a Local Preacher on trial. 8. Local Preachers shall continue four quar^ t6rs on their probation, or so much longer as the Quarterly Meeting shall deem expedient. Dur- ing this term) an appointment shall be given them, where it is practicable^ in each of the principal places in the Circuit, that the people may juage of their talents and proficiency. ' 6. When a Local Preacher has been on pro- bation four quarters, the Local Preachers' Meet-' iRg shall consider his case, and fully express its opinion, whether he be qualified for admission on full Plan or not : this opinion shall be entered into the Local Preachers' Book of proceedings, and be laid before the ensuing Quarterly Meeting. 10. Afler a Local Preacher on trial has been approved by the Local Preachers' Meeting, he shall be proposed, during his absence to the Quarterly Meeting ; and, unless it resolve to continue his probation, he shall be introduced to ' I ! I' I 86 Local Preachers and their Meetings, the Meeting, and be questioned by the Superin- tendent Preacher ; first, as to his religious ex- perience ; second, as to our doctrines, article by article ; thirdly, as to our mode of Church gov. emment ; fourthly, as to his call to and views of preaching the Gospel ; and fifthly, as to con* forming to the regulations of the Circuit, and being zealous in the great work before him. After answering these questions, the Candidate shall retire while the Meeting considers his re- plies. If his statement be satisfactory to the Meeting, he shall be received as a Local Preacher on full Plan, with an appropriate address from the Superintendent, and with prayer. Should the Quarterly Meeting judge it necessary* to prolong his trial, a deputation shall be appointed to communicate the determination of the Meeting, which shall be done with suitable advice. 11. Should any Local Preacher on trial feel himself aggrieved at the Local Preachers' Meet- ing neglecting to consider his case, or at reporting unfavourably thereon to the Quarterly Meeting, or at their recommendation to lengthen his proba- tion, he shall be entitled to appeal to the following Quarterly Meeting, on giving seven days notice thereof to the Superintendent Preacher, or Circuit Steward, in writing ; and the Quarterly Meeting shall investigate the case, and either reverse or confirm what the Local Preachers' Meeting has done. 13. Every Local Preacher, whether on full Plan or on trial, shall conform to the discipline of the Circuit, especially in being punctual to his appointments, and in attending the Local Preach- ers' Meetings. And it shall be his duty whenever Ldcal Preacheu* and ihtir Meetingi, t7 unable to attend to his appointments, to «Me his utmost endeavours to get them supplied by one or more of his brethren whose names are on the Plan. 13. The Circuit and Local Preachers shall meet once in each quarter, previouslj to the Quarterly Meeting of the Circuit, at such timf6 and place as shall be agreed upon. 14. In the absence of the Superintendent Preacher, the next Treacher shall act as Chair- man ; or in the absence of the Circuit Preacher a Local Preacher shall be appointed by the Meeting : a Secretary also shall be chosen, who shall record the proceedings and take charge of the Minutos thereof, in order to present them to the Quarterly Meeting for its decision, in which he shall have a seat. 15. It shall be the duty of the Local Preachers' Meeting to notice such aKerations as they thinl* are advitable^ in the hours or places of preach, ing, and to inquire into any neglect of appoinN ments. For the information of the Quarterly Meeting it shall also receive the recommendations ' of the Leaders, or Society Meeting as to Ex>> horters or Local Preachers, examine into the conduct and improvement of the brethren on trial) and, if required, shall give its opinion on each case to the Quarterly Meeting. 16. The Local Preachers in their Meeting shall endeavour to spend some time in promoting their mental and spiritual improvement, and that their meeting may be profitable to others as well as to themselves: the Meeting shall be so ar« ranged, if 'possible, that a watch-night may be Sd Local Elders* held for public edification. The Meeting shall begin and end with prayer. i ^i m\ LOCAL ELDERS. These are brethren, having received ordination as Elders, and most of whom have been engaged in the Itinerant Ministry. From various causes they are located in the Circuits, and hence are called Local Elders. The rules especially affect- ing them are^ — 17. The Local Elders by the terms of union are eligible to attend the Annual Conference. 18. The Local Elders are amenable to tha Quarterly Conference, and the Qarterly Confer- ence have the direction of their labours. 19. In the event of any Local Elders desir- ing to attend the Annual Conference, it shall be their duty to notify in writing the January Quar- terly Meeting of the Circuit, on which they reside, of such intention, and the Quarterly Meeting, if they see fit, shall elect from among themselves a suitable layman to accompany him ; and both Local Elder and layman shall be fur- nished with certificates in the same way as the regular Itinerant Ministry. CIRCUIT PREACHERS. 20. The qualifications necessary for a Circuit Preacher are, sound experience in divine things, exemplary piety, acceptable ministerial talents, the fruits of ministerial labours, a willingness to bear the hardships of an itinerant life, a firm purpose to conform to, as well as enforce, the discipline of the Connexion, a holy resolution to Circuit Preachers, 39 ig shall lination ngaged causes nee are r affect- f union ice. to thd Confer- s desir- ^all be Quar- be faithful and persevering in all ministerial duties, and in unreserved dedication of time and talents to God, for the promotion of his glory and the salvatioti of precious souls. S-l. No Persons shall be called out as Circuit Preachers but such as have been approved by the Society where they live, by a majority of the Local Preachers, Stewards, and Leaders, forming one Meeting ; by a majority of the Quarterly Meeting of the Circuit; and lastly, by the Dis- trict Meeting ia whose jurisdiction the Circuit is located, 22. It shall be the duty of the Quarterly Meet« ing faithfully to weigh, and impartially to deter- mine, on the merits of every candidate : it shall consider how far he possesses the requisite .qualifi- cations for the work, and also if he has strength of body equal lo tne labours thereof. If its determin- ation be favourable, then the Candidate shall be called before the Meeting, and the Superintendent Preacher shall propose to him the following ques- tions, which he shall answer in the fear of God. 1. Have you a lively faith in Christ? and as an evidence of it, do you enjoy a sense of the divine favour ? 2. Have you power over sin ? and are you pressing after holiness ? 3. Do you believe yoursfflf divinely called to the work of the Ministry ? 4. Do you know and believe our doctrines'? 6. Do you understand and approve of our discipline ? 6. Will you preach the one and enforce the other to the utmost of your power ? 7. If appointed to a Circuit, are you re- \ m 40 Circuit Preachers* solved to devote yourself to the important duties of your office ? 8. Are you able to relinquish your present bituation in an honourable manner ? 0. Are you free from debt? or will you engage to discharge every demand upon you to the satisfaction of the Meeting ? 10. Have you formed any engagement relative to marriage, and will you con- form to the regulations of Conference on this head ? After these questions have been answered, the Candidate shall retire while the Meeting resumes its deliberations. If a majority approve of his being recommended to the Conference as a Circuit Preacher, he shall be called into the Meeting again, and be addressed by the Chairman with due solemnity. If the Meeting determine other* wise, then a deputation shall be appointed to com- municate the same with becoming tenderness. And a copy of the above certificate shall be sent to the Chairman of the District, to be laid be- fore the District Meeting. 23. P^very Preacher taken out to travel amongst us, shall be considered as a probationer for not less than four years of active service, and so much longer as th^ Conference shall judge neces- sary. During this period he shall receive a yearly testimonial from the April Quarterly Meeting, answering to the following particulars : 1. Has he in his spirit and deportment exemplified the graces of the Christian character ? 2, Has he improved during the year in his 1 Circuit Preachers, 41 qualifications as a preacher of the gospel ? 3. Has his preaching been acceptable ? 4. Have his labors been owned of God, either in the conversion of sinners, or in the edification of bel'evfcrs ? 5. Has he been faithful and dilligent in the discharge of pastoral duties ? 6. Has he laboured under the direction of his Superintendent, and in concurrence with him, to carry into effect those rules which relate to the order of the societies, and the Circuit ? 7. Does his health appear equal to the duties of the itinerant life ? 8. Is he able to meet his pecuniary engage- ments ? 9. Will the Circuit engage to receive him at the close of his probation, provided he improves, and retains the approbation of Conference ? These questions must be put separately, and the finswers may be simply " Yes," or " No," or they may be qualified, as " generally so," or, " not to the extent that might be wished." The num- ber of votes for and against each answer must be specified, together with the whole number con- stituting the iVfeeting. The probationer must retire while the questions are considered ; but should any objection be made to his having a full and perfect certificate, he shall be called in to give such explanations as he may think fit. 24. A probationer having continued to the end of four years, and received testimonials from the Circuits during that period, according to Rule, he 42 Rules relating to Circuit Preachers, ,1 %-> 1^ shall be personally examined under the direction of Conference, especially concerning his doctrinal views ; and if the Conference itself be satisfied as to his suitableness for the Ministry, his proba- tion shall then be concluded, and his name appear in the next published Minutes as a Circuit Preacher in full Connexion. He shall be required to attend the Conference at which his probation terminates, that he may publicly give an account of bis re- ligious experience, the motives which led him to enga^ ;e in tbp Ministry, the reason why he prefers our system of Church Government, and a state- ment of the doctrines he believes and teaches ; after which he shall receiye a charge from one of the Senior Preachers, appointed for the pur- pose by the previous Conference, and the divine olessing be implored upon him and his labours. Should the Conference on the other hand, see good to extend the periot? of his probation, it shall communicate the reason for so doing ; and the Candidate shall be mindful to conforni to its coun- sel, in order to be approved on the next occasion ; or should Conference judge it necessary to set him aside altogether, it shall faithfully perform its duty with Christian affection. S5. In consequence of their peculiar situation, our single Preachers are recommended not to marry during their probation. No Preacher shall bring any expense upon the Conference, or upon any Circuit, by reason of a wife or family, until he be admitted into full Connexion, and afterward only with such limitation in respect of children as though he were married at that time. MISCELLANEOUS RULES RELATING TO CIRCUIT PREACHERS. 26. Our Junior Preachers, especially during Rule$ relating to Circuit Preacliers. 43 uring their probation, are charged dilligently to pursue their studies, to seek and attend to the advice of their Superintendents, whose duty it is to watch over and counsel them, as fathers in the Lord : they are to be prudent in all their connexions, to avoid a hasty spirit, to be circunnspect both in their private and public walk, and by an agreeable and spiritual intercour^se to render themselves useful to the families that receive thenn. They are required nlso carefully to study, next to the word of God, such portions of the works of Wesley, and Fletcher, as expound the doctrines of Methodism. 27. The Circuit Preachers in full Connexion, shall be men of faith and holiness, uniting them- selves in Class with their brethren, and dis- charging their ministerial -duties with all fidelity and perseverance. They shall maintain the truth of our doctrines, always keeping in view the end of their preaching, the awakening and conversion of sinners, the restoration of back, sliders, ^e comforting of penitent inquirers, and the edification of those that believe- They shall, when practicable, meet one or more Classes, and when they have an opportunity, attend the Meet- ings for religious improvement, enjoined in our Rules. They shall visit each family, the heads whereof are Members of Society, at least once in each quarter ; more dilligently attending to the sick. As fellow-labourers they are to.be of one spirit, holding affectionate intercourseiogether, seconding each other's exertions, and engaging in mutual prayer for their personal happiness, and the divine blessing on their labours. It is also required that the Superintendent be assisted by his colleagues in all his plans and imporiani duties. i ■ ■ i: I ti :i .: jptl n'. Si I .:).." I< ) 1.; r.. if, €4 Rule9 relating to Circuit Preacher*. 28. Our Preachers and their famrlies are called upon to be examples of frugality in Iheir expenses, and neatness in therr apparel, of cleanliness in Iheir houses, and of domestic order and manage- went. By attention to these things, the Preach* ers' wires will exah the character of their kusbands, and in like manner, both they and their children will do honour to their station. 29. No Circuit Preacher shall engage in any worldly business, unless it be selling the books of the Connexion. SO. No Preacher shall leare his CSteuit durinf» the time of Conference (save him who is appointed to attend it)^ without the consent of tho&e places which his absence nriay afifect. And the Preacher appointed to represent the Circuit, shall not leave it to attend Conference, earlier than is necesary k> arrive ia due time at the place where the Conference assembles ; and every preacher is expected to arrive in his Circuity not later thasi the second Sabbath after the Conference closest. 31. Should tiny Preacher be desirous of ad- dressing a Circular €Mr Pamphlet t& the Connexion, or any part thereof, or of issuing any pubHcatioQ controverting our acknowledged prmciples and existing Rufes, he shall previous to publishing, subject the work to the inspection and judgemeo. of the Anniial Committee. 32. Our Circuit Preachers in full Connexion, having veeeiived the sanction of the people and ol the Conference, shall not be afterwards discon- tinued for want of ability, except in extraordinary cases of non-improvement or negligence, which shall be so clearly proved, that tWo-thirds of the Conference shall concur in the necessity of such diiBCQQtiau^ce. Rules relating to Circuit Preachers, 46 33. Should any preacher become disabled by sickness, from performing his labours between Conference and Conference, his case shall be re- presented to the Annual Committee, who shail make the best arrangeipent in their power for supplying the disabled Preacher's lack of service ; and should his sickness be of a nature to prevent him from resuming his labours, afler being laid aside for the space of six months, his case shall be considered a case of permanent affliction. If a married Preacher or a widower, he shall re- tain the use of the Circuit bouse and furniture, should he desire to do so, for tlie renoainder of the year ; and he shall receive as salary, the allow- ance to which he is entitled from the Beneficent Fund ; the grant to the Circuit, as well as the in- come accruing from the Circuit, being appropriated towards the expense of the supply. Should he be a probationer, such provision shall be made for him for the year as tho annual Committee and Conference may deem proper under the circum- stances. 34. As a general rule, the married Preachers shall be considered as stationed on a Circuit for - two years, and a single Preacher for one year ; but should any Circuit wish to retain a Preacher a year longer than this period, its request i^all be considered by the Annual Conference, and if it be expedient the request shall be complied with. 35. In case of the death of the wife of any of our Ministers, he being ordained, in full Connexion, and then travelling a. Circuit, or Mission, not- withstanding such decease, such Minister shall be entitled to recoive the whole amount of his salary for that year, from the Circuit, upon which he labour^ the same as if his wife were yet living* "5 46 Superintendent Preachers, i: r * 0. 36. No Itinerant Minister locating, shall be received again into the Itinerancy, without a re- commend from the Quarterly Conference of the Circuit on which he resides ; and where there is no Quarterly Conference, the recommend shall come from the nearest Quarterly Conference to the place of his location. SUPERINTENDENT PREACHERS. 37. Our Superintendent Preachers shall be men living near to God, and under the influence of his Holy Spirit ; who can bear and forbear ; and pursue an impartial course amongst the people ; who can meet difficulties with firmness, and overcome them with Christian temper ; who count not their lives dear unto them, so that they may be useful to the Church of God, to tbeir brethren in the Ministry, and to precious souls in general. 38. The Preacher, whose name stands first in the Minutes of Conference, shall be the Superin- tendent of the Circuit ; to him shall be intrusted the responsibility of carrying the resolutions of Conference into effect, and also of inforcing the Rules of the Connexion ; he shall be accountable to the Quarterly Meeting and to the Conference for these duties ; and his brethren, bothr Circuit and Local, together with the Leaders' and Quar- terly Meetings, are required to support him ii;i their execution. 89. It shall be his duty to attend the Local Preachers' Meetinjrs, in order to assist in con- ducting their business. He shall also attend as frequently as possible the different Leaders' Supermiendent Preachers, 47 Meetings in his Circuit : be shall examine the Class Papers, and sec that the Leaders do their duty : he shall inquire into the mode adopted by each Leader for Meeting his Class, and give all needful advice on the occasion. In the whole of these duties, his colleagues shall cheerfully take their part. 40. He shall be authorized to instruct and ad- vise his fellow-labourers in the Ministry, with all affection and faithfulness, as circumstances may require, or their conduct demand ; especially he shall inquire into the personal religion, direct the studies, and promote the usefulness of his brethren on probation. 41. In conjunction with the Circuit Steward, he shall annually prepare, for the use of the Conference, an abstract of the number of Chapels, Societies, Local Prep jhers. Members in his Cir- cuit, and the deaths which have taken place du- ring the year ; and he shall prepare a list of the names of the members on his circuit annually, and when he removes from a Circuit he shall furnish his successor with a copy duly certified. 42. He shall have the Books of the Connexion under his care, and promote their sale to the ut- most of his power. And as the welfare of the Chapels and Trust Estates belonnring to the Con nexion is intimately connected with its prosperity, the Superintendents of the various Circuits are recommended to interest themselves therein, by promoting the regular holding of Trust Meetings, and the annual adjustment of Accounts ; so as to prevent misund«^rstandings, and to increase among our worthy friends a spirit of co-operation. 43. Every Minister in charge of a Station who 48 Preaeheri* Salaries, V\ ! shall neglect to take up collections for our Con- nexional funds shall pay for each neglect the sum of one pound, which fine shall go to the fund or trusts in which he is a defaulter. 44. When a Preacher arrives on a Circuit and finds any discrepancy between the number of members in the Circuit and the number returned to Conference — he shall correspond with his pre- decessor — that he may receive his explanations ; otherwise he shall be considered personally re. sponsible for any error that may exist ; and when the discrepancy is serious, and is not satisfactorily accounted for — the case shall be represented to the Annnal Committee to be dealt with according to their discretion. SECTION IX. FREACHBRS SALARIES. ;,i t 1. The married Preachers shall receive for themselves and wives J675 per annum, besides horsj-shoeing, horse-feed, travelling expenses, fire-wood, and house-rent. They shall also be provided with heavy articles of furniture ; what- ever may be furnished in kind shall be reckoned off the £75. .2. The single Preachers on probation shall re- ceive £i'2b per annum, and should their labours on a Circuit require them to keep a horse, they shall receive horse-feed, horse-shoeing, and travelling expenses. Those unmarried Preachers who have finished their probation and are received into full Connexion, shall recive £30 per annum and tra- velling expenses. No additional expense to be Disirici Meetingi, 49 brought U|)on a Circuit by a Preacher marrying, unless ho was stationed as such by the Confer- ence. d. The scale for the appropriation of all funds raised in the Circuits or granted by Conference for ministerial support shall be three to one ; that is, three-quarters of the amount raised, comnnen* oing with the year, shall be the married Preach- ers' allotment, and the other quarter the single Preachers' share. SECTION X. DISTRICT M£BTINGS% 1. These meetings shall be composed of all the travelling Preachers in the District, and of lay representatives appointed by the Quarterly Meetings. Whenever it is practicable the lay- representative of a Circuit at the Conference shall be its representative to the District Meeting, and should more than one 'Circuit Preacher go to a District Meeting from a Circuit, such Circuit shall be entitled to the right of sending a corres- ponding number of lay members to the District Meeting. All our travelling Ministers shall be re(juired to attend these meetings. 2. A chairman shall be appointed by the Con- ference to each District, who shall be responsible for the proper conduct of these meetings ; but should the General or Assistant Superintendent of Missions be present at any District Meeting he shall preside on the occasion. 3. Ordinarily, there shall be two District Meet- ings in each year, the first to h? held on the 2nd 'I' \\] bO Diitrict MeeUngt, Wednesday in October, the last, to be held on the 2nd Wednesday in May. All other District Meetings during the year shall be deemed spe- cial. 4. A special District Meeting for the transac- tion of urgent business, may be appointed at any period of tjie year, by the Annual Committee of the Connexion, or by the request of the Chairman of the District, and any two Ministers within the District — and of which at least ten day's notice shall be given to every Superintendent in the District. The Annual Committee shall in all cases be notified of special District Meetings, and no other business shall be transacted but that spe- cified in the notice calling such meeting. 5. The functions of ordinary District Meetings shall be to maintain the discipline of the Connex- ion in the Districts, both as regards Ministers and Members. To this end, they shall be competent to arrange for Missionary, or special services in the District, with a view to promote the work of God among our people. They shall receive, and adjudicate upon appeals made to them by the Quarterly Meetings of the ^Jircuits They shall take cognizance of the personal and official con- duct of all Ministers, and inquire into the conduct, studies, and general qualifications of all proba- tioners in the District, and report thereon to the Annual Conference. And should any Circuit deem it necessary'' to suspend a Preacher from his duties, the District Meeting on the appeal, either of the Preacher or the Circuit ' shall examine the case, and the parties concernea shall be governed by its decisions until the next Annual Confer- ence. 6. The May District Meetings shall take spe- Conference, 51 oial care to have all the Btatistics, finances, and Connexional business of the District properly ar- ranged ; so as to facilitate as far as possible the business of the Annual Conference. SECTION XI. MISSIONS. 1. This institution shall be called the Canadian Wesleyan Methodist New Connexion Missionary Society, auxiliary to the Methodist New Connex- ion Missionary Society in England. 2. That the Society consist of a Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer; with a Committee of nine, who shall be annually appointed by the Conference. 3. That each Preacher in charge shall see to the formation of local committees in his Circuit, who shall appoint Collectors, and that the Secre- tary of each local Committee prepare a report for each annual meeting. 4. That a sermon be preached, and a mission- ary meeting held, in each principal place on each Circuit once a-year. 5. That the proceeds of this Society shall be appropriated to the same purposes as the grants of the English Conference. SECTION XII. CONFERENCE. 1. There shall be an Annual Meeting or Con- ference of Preachers and Lay Representatives, for transacting the business of the Connexion, to r5 \f. i tm Conferenee* be held at such time and place as the previous Conference shall determine. 2. Each Circuit shall be entitled to send one of its Preachers and one of its Lay Members to "the Conference ; or, in cases of necessity, to be sanctioned by the Annual Committee, a Circuit may send one Representative, provided there be alternately a Preacher and Layman each time of single representation. Should any Circuit be unable, in the judgment of the Annual Committee, to send a Representative, a letter accompanied by the required documents, details, and Collections> shall be sufficient. The Circuits sending single Representatives, or written communications to Conference, shall nevertheless have the right to a full representation at any period afterwards. 3. The Treasurer of the Connexion, the Gen- eral Superintendent of Missions, the Assistant Superintendent, (when not stationed on a Circuit and thereby eligible) the Mission Secretary, and the Financial Secretary, shall be members in vir- tue of their official situation. 4. Trustees of Chapels, when their legal rights ^te concerned, shall be allowed a Representative in Conference during the time their business id transacted, but no longer. 5. The Conference shall make by-laws for tho regulation of its business : it shall also have the power to make laws, from time to time, for the government of the Connexion : but before any fundamental law affecting the whole body is re* pealed or altered, it shall take the sense of the Quarterly Meetings, and also consult the English Conference ; and afterwards form its determina- tions. Confer enee% 53 6. The Conference, should it see proper, shall be at liberty to exercise a friendly interference in the avails of all our Societies and Circuits, for tho adjustment of existing differences, and other. wL^e to promote the harmonious and efficient v;orking of the different parts of the community. 7. The Conference, together with its Commit- tees, shall discharge their various duties uninflu* enced by partiality, and unmoved by intimidation. The glory of God, and the prosperity of his cause, shall be the grand end of all their deliberations and procedures. The Conference will maintain the system for the benefit of the people ; and the people in supporting the Resolutions of Cooference will support their dearest rights and privileges. 8. The Preacher and Lay-brother who are ap- pointed as colleagues, shall unite as much as pos* sible in discharging the trust confided in them by the Circuit, agreeably to their instructions; in other matters they shall be at liberty to follow their own judgment. 9. The instructions brought by the Represezi. tatives from their Circuits, shall be delivered to the President, unless their nature requires them to be placed in the hands of others appointed to manage the description of business to which they relate, and these instructions shall be attended to in the best manner possible. 10. No Member of Conference shall withdraw himself from its sittings until the business be transacted, without permission: — Any Preacher who violates this Rule, shall be disqualified from attending the next Conference ; and any Lay-maa . who does the same shall be subject to a vote of censure, and be called to account at the next I \ Si Hit Ijf i < M 54 Conference* m i"i I ..,1 ; I' ■'. i. Quarterly Meeting of his Circuit. No Member shall be allowed to aet for another except in case of sickness or leave of absencer 11. AH letters addressed to the President of Conference shaH be pos'i-paid, except from the* officers of the last yearv and any letters affecting the characters (^ indiv.idualsi or the interests of Circuits^ or of the Connexion, shall be submitted to the Representatives of such Ctrcnits, and to the Corresponding Member of the Connexion, who, with the President, shall judge whether and how they sha!^> be submitted to the Conference. 12 ij^ach Conference shaU attend ta the f(A* lowing Rules, and as far as practicable to the Ibllowing routine in the appointment of Officers and Committees^ and in the transaction of its business : — I. The President of the last Conference, or in his abseDce the last President who is present, fehall take the Chair, and after the openhig prater, he shall call upon some of the brethren to assist him in reading over the credmtfals, Cvcnit by Clrcait, and in entering the names of the Representatives on a roll for the iwe of Conference. If. After this ascertaining who compose the Con. lerence, the Members shall ballot for a President, quali« fied by his activity, jud^ent, and experience, for that important station; ancshonld the numbers be eqaal, the President, pro temporef shall have the casting vote. ni. The next business shall be to ballot in like noan- ner, for a Secretary, whose duty it shall be to record the Resolutions ot Conference, and to enter in the Journal, or proper books, the reports of the yarious Committees, as well as to take chasge of all other mat- ters belonging to his office. IV. After these preliminaries, the Conference shall again unite in prayer for Divine assistancey especially C&nference. 55 on behalf of the President elect, who shall afterwards take the chair, and address the Conference in a suitable manner. V. The next basiness of Conference shall be to receive application for the division and increpae of Circuits, and to determine thereon, that the Represen- tatives may be admitted to its deliberations. VI. The question concerning the examination of the Preachers' characters, shall then be proposed ; and all Circuit documents relating thereto, including the re- quired certificate for probationers, shall be separately examined ; and the Conference shall determine on the difierent cases, as circumstances may require, accord- ing to the Rules of the Connexion. The Preacher ap- pointed to attend the Conference, shall not be deprived of his place at its sittings by any defect ^'ith which he may be charged, except in cases of alleged immorality. VII. The President shall take the earliest opportu- nity of apprising the Members, at what time the re- spective officers will be in readiness to receive the state of the Connexion as to numbers, &c., the difierent Conference collections, announcing the names of these officers, and where they will sit for this purpose. VIII. The Conference, in this stage, shall receive the report of the Annual Committee ; and either take the matters contained therein into consideration, or call upon the Secretary to note them down for that pprpose. IX. Immediately afterwards, the President shall in- quire what business the different Members have to bring forward in Conference : he shall then take down the heads thereof, and shall make the best arrangement in his power (or obtain the aid of a Committee to do it) for introducing them successively to the consideration of Conference : and this arrangement, or order of busi- ness, shall be read over from time to time in the Con- ference for its information. X. The Conference shall appoint a Committee for stationing the Preachers, of whom there shall be three Preachers and two Laymen one year, and vice versa the next ; this Committee shall be appointed by ballot, t J (.,.1 . I''; If i 5e Conference, and only one Member shall be chosen from the Repre- sentatives of any Circuit. The Committee shall call in the Lay Representatives one by one, and take down their instructions ; they shall also call in the Preachers, and take down their requests : they shall then draw up a plan to the best of their judgment, and as far as pos- sible in conformity with the views given them : they shall then read their plan for the first time in Confer- ence, after which the Preachers and Representatives shall be again called in, and such modifications made as may be practicable ; the plan shall then be read a second time in Conference ; and the Conference shall refer it a third time to the Committee, in order to determine any matter or matters of difficulty ; and the third shall be final. XI. The Conference shall fix upon the persons who shall prepare tlie yearly address, and draw up any ad- dresses or notices that may be required. XI] . The names of the brethren recommended by the Quarterly Conferences to be employed as Circuit » Preachers, shall be noted down, and examined case by case, and if needful, entered in the Conference Jonmai, to be taken out as occasion requires. XIII. The state of the Connexion shall next be taken into consideration. Circuit by Circuit, as to number of Members, deaths, &c., the state of the funds, &c. So far as is required, the Superintendent Preachers shall then give an account to Conference of the manner in which they have discharged their duties through the year, especially in regard to the plans they have pur- sued, and the discipluie they have maintained in their respective Circuits. aTV. The Conference shall appoint the Annual Com- mittee and the Treasurer of the Connexion, and any other Connexional officers that may be required. XV. The Resolutions of Conference shall all be read over before it closes its sittings ; and the Conference shall determine what part of its minutes shall be pub- lished. XVI. The Conference shall then be closed with a ! Annual Committee, 5T parting address from the Chair, or by some Minister at its request, and by commending each other and the Connexion to God in prayer, 13. It shall be the bounden duty of each Lay Representative to assist the Superintendent Preacher of his Circuit to the utmost of his power, in carrying into effect the Resolutions and Collections ordered by the Conference during the following year. SECTION XIII. H Rl pur- their read rence pub- ith a ANNUAL COMMITTEE. 1. The Conference shall annually appoint a Committee of five persons for transacting the busings of the Connexion, betwixt Conference and Conference. Three of the Members shall be Preachers, and two Laymen one year, and vice versa the following year. The President of the Conference, and the General Superintendent of the Missions, shall be two of the number. The General Superintendent to be the Corresponding Member ; the remainder to be chosen by ballot, from Circuits as near to each other as may be found advisable. 2. It shall be the duty of the Annual Commit- tee to attend to the Resolutions of Conference, and to see that they are carried into effect. It shall make provision for such Circuits as shall in its judgment want supplies betwixt Conference and Cciiference, but without interfering with existing appointments (unless by consent of all concerned), or pledging the Conference beyond ' ( Ii • '■ II f I'* ■■ [■ ' [m ,; 58 Annual CommiUee. what is unavoidable. It shall also receive appli- cations from persons and places desirous of uni- ting with us, and determine thereon, or refer them to Conference as it shall see proper. ,3. The Annual Committee shall expound^ the Resolutions of Conference in case of doubts (sub- ject to the opiBion of the following Conference,) it shall order pecuniary payments where Confer- ence shall have overlooked them, or where it is clear they belong to Conference, and are urgently wanted. It shall give advice in all matters of dispute or difficulty which shall be referred to its consideration ; and when needful, its Members shall consult together, or conjointly address the Connexion ; the charges whereof shall be paid by the Conference. 4. The Corresponding Member shall receive and answer letters, and communicate the decision to the Committee ; for which purpose he shall consult his brethren in office, and be guided by the opinion of the majority. In cases of extreme urgency, he and his colleagues residing in the same Circuit shall be authorized to act upon their own resi)onsibiUty, taking care to communicate their proceedings as early as possible to their brethren. A Member shall be entitled to enter his protest against any measure which he disap- proves; or he may resign, and the remaining Members shall fill up his place ; but no Member shall interrupt the business of the Committee on any occasion whatever. The Corresponding Member shall record the transactions of the Committee, and prepare a report for Conference : which report shall receive the sanction of his brethren, and be entered in the Book provided for that purpose. > Rehgums Ordinaneet. h9 SECTiuN XIV. flBLIGIOUS ORDINANCES AND XEETINGS FOR CHRISTIAN EDIFICATION* 1. Public Worship^ and the Ministration of ike Word, — The hours and order of Sabbath preach- ing shall be fixed -by the proper authorities. These services shall commence with singing and prayer ; in the morning and evening a portion of tliC Holy Scriptvres may be read, after which m second hymn shall he s^'ng : a sermon shall then f>e preached, seasonable in its nature, aiad suiitable in its length to the occasion. A third hymn, if convenient, shall then follow^ and the whole close with solemn prayer. 2. Bop^ift.—- This Christian ordinance shall be administered entire Sabbath, monthly, In all our Chapels, and by our Circuit Preachers where practicable ; and also privately, when it is partic- ularly requested, and the Minister is satisfied that the application is proper. la the country districts it will be proper for our friends to avail themselves cf opportunities as the Preachers may visit them. This ordinance shalll be administered to the chil. dren of our Members, of persons worshipping with us, and of Ahers at the discretion of the Preachers. 3. The Lord^s Supper. — ^This divinely appointed ordinance shall be administered on the Sabbath, monthly, in our principal Chapels, and by the Ciicuit Preachers, whore both are practicable, and our people shall be exhorted regularly to attend upon this ordinance, both as a pledge of their attachment to their Redeemer, and as a condition of thdr eommuoion wiUi his peop^leu 1 i I n I n :!:: eo JDoetrines* 4. Class Meetings t Lovefeasts, Band meet- ings j and Prayer meetingSt shall be punctually attended to under tbe direction of the Leaders' meetings, .or Superintendent Preachers. The mode of admission to Lovefeasts shall be deter- mined by the Quarterly meetings of each ^irjcuit. I'll m I: 1 \ . ! SECTION XV. SOCTBINES. 1 . We beliere that there is one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Crealor, Preserver, and Governor of all things. 2. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are given by Pivi9e Inspi- ration, and form a complete rule of &ith and practice. 3. We believe that three persons exist in the Godhead, the Father, the Bon, and |he Holy Ghost, undivided in essience, and co-e^ual in power and glory. 4. We believe that in the person of Jestts Christ the Divine c^nd human natures f^re uQited^ so that he is truly and properly God, and truly and properly man.. 5. We believe that man was created in right- eousness and true iioliness, but that by his diso- bedience, Adam lost the purity and happiness of Lis nature ; and, in consequence, all h^ posterity are involved in depravity and guih. ^ 6. We believe that Jesus Christ has become the propitiation for the sins of the whole world, that he rose from the dead and that he ever liveth to make intercession £br ns. ■| Chtfpeh and Funds. 61 7. We believe that repentance ' towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, are necessary to salvation. 8. We believe that justification is by grace, through faith, and that he that believeth hath the witness in himself; and that it is our privilege to be fully sanctified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the spirit of our God. 9. We believe that man's salvation is of Grod, and that his damnation is of himself. We believe, also, that in the Gospel plan of redemption, men are treated as rational, accountaule creatures; that *^ it is God tliat worketh in us to will and to do of his own good pleasure ; " and that we are to " work out our own salvation, with fear and trembling." 10. We believe that it is possible for man to fall finally from grace. 11. We believe the soul to ibe immortal and that afler death it immediately enters upon a state of happiness or misery. 12. We believe in the resurrection of the body — in the general judgment at the last day — in the eternal happiness of the righteous — and in the endless punishment of the wicked. For the illustration of these doctrines, we refer to the first four volumes of Mr. Wesley's Ser- mons, and his Notes upon the New Testament. " If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not" 2 John, 10. SECTION XVI. CHAPELS AND FUNDS OF THE CONNEXION 1. Chapels, — To promote the peace and sta. bility of the Community, it is earnestly recom- < I HI 'I ' 1 I I r i[i i! I: i m 'it t! ,' f< , \' 62 ChafeU and Funds. mended that all our Chapels be settled on trust for the use of the Connexion, according to the Deed prepared and inserted in this Book. 2. Our Trustees are exhorted to insure their Trust Property to at least two-thirds of the esti- mated value. 3. To relieve the case of embarrassed chapels, a Chapel Relief Fund is established, and collec- tions are taken up in the Circuits. The distribu- tion of this fund is manfiged by a Committe called the Chapel Committee. 4. All deeds of Chapels are to be registered in the proper County Register Office within one year afler they are completed. Yearly Collection, 5. A Collection shdl be made through our Classes immediately after the February Quarterly Conference, and also in all our Chapels in or about the month of February, which shall be paid in at the Quarterly Conference following, and be applied in enabling the Conference to meet the various incidental and extraordinary demands upon it, for which no other provision is made. 6. The amount contributed by each Society shall be sent to Conference by the Lay Repre- sentatives, and the same shall be published in a detailed form in the Minutes, together with an account of all disbursements. Paternal Fund. 7. A public Collection shall annually be made in all our Chapels, and also a private one amopg our able friends, for the purpose of forming a Fund with which to maintain the children of our Preachers, so that they may be stationed without inconvenience in any Circuit of the Connexion ; Chapeht and Punds, 03 and as all our Circuits are equally interested in the benefitsof this Fund, they shall all be required to promote it to the best of their power. 8. The Preachers shall note the Birth of their children to the Treasurer of the Fund, wha shall enrol them, and the claim for payment shall com- mence from that time. For children under eight years, £Z per annum ; and from eight to twelve years, £b per annum ; when they shall go off the Fund. 8. The public Collections and private Sub. scriptions for thitf Fund, shall be made between the months of October and January ; and the amounts remitted to the Treasurer of the Connexion by the first of February in each yc ar. A detailed account of the Contributions and Disbursements shall be submitted to Conference, and published in the Minutes. SECTION xvn Beneficent Society, The annexed Constitution of the Beneficent So- ciety was prepared at the Conference held at North Port, in June, 1845, and, with some slight alterations, was adopted by the Conference held in June, 1846, in the Lake Chapel, Hamilton. It is now published by direction of the Conference, for the purpose of showing our friends its nature and objects ; and to induce them, if possible, to support it . liberally. The absolute necessity of such a Society must be poknowledged by all, when we state that our Ministers hav6 nothing to look to for support in sickness and old age but the funds of this Institution : their wid6ws and or- phans are provided for in no other way than by this Society. The salaries of our ministers are ' . ■■i 1 W^ [im: m. m M- f 04 Beneficent Society. so low that it is impossible for them, out of their salaries, to make any provision for their own fu- ture wants, or for those of their widows and orphans, should they leave any. It is therefore evident, that without an institution of this charac ter they must be left to beg or to starve, when no longer able to serve the Church in th^ active discharge of the duties of the Ministry. This must not be : those who share the benefits of a Gospel Ministry must give this Society their hearty support. Every Minister in the Connex- ion is required to pay a certain amount every year; but this is not sufficient to meet the de- mands which must ultimately be made on the funds. Our friends must support it, according to the ability which God has given them, and with due regard to the other claims on their lib^ erality. Every subscriber of ten shillings and upwards annually is an honorary member of this Society. CONSTITUTION OF THE BENEFICENT FUND. 1st. That this Society is established for the relief and support of disabled and superan- nuated Preach?****, and their widows and orphan children, in the Canadian Wesl^yan Methodist New Connexion , 2nd. That all the Missionaries or Ministers who now are, or who shall hereafter be in the aforesaid Con lexion, in Canada, shall be members of this Society, and shall pay thereto, in advance, if married, £1 5s., and if unmarried, £t\ per annum. 3rd. That every subscriber of 10s. or upwards per annviki shall be an honorary member of this Society. Beneficent Society, 65 r FUND. 4th. That all the members of this Society who may be members of the Annual Conference in Canada, or who, not bein^ members of Confer- ence, may choose to attend, shall appoint by bal- lot, from amongst themselves, a Committee — half Preachers and half Laymen, for the manage- ment of this Society ; but the power of this Com- mittee shall continue only during the sittings of Conference. 5th. That the Committee shall select a Presi- dent from amongst themselves, and shall audit the accounts of the Treasurer, and, if found cor- rect, shall sign the same, and shall produce a statement thereof, to be inserted in the annual Minutes of the Conference ; and shall annually appoint tw* members of the Society, one a Preacher and the other a Layman, as Stewards, who, with the Treasurer, shall arrange the busi- ness of the Society from Conference to Confer- ence, and who, by virtue of their ofrco, shall be members of the Committee, if they attend the en- suing Conference. 6th. That if any Preacher neglect to pay his ^annual subscription before the close of the sittings of the ensuing Conference from that at which he is taken out, then such Preacher shall lose a year's standing in the Society ; and should he still neglect to pay his subscription till the close of another Conference, he shall be excluded from all the benefits of this Society, till he has subscri- bed eight years thereto ; be received into full connexion ; or shall refuse to sign the articles of agreement which the Society may adopt. 8th. That no Preacher shall be considered a free member, or be entitled s.^ any of the benefits 1 1 Wl 66 Beneficent Society^ of this Society after the year 1846 if he surpass the age of 32 years. 9th. That all Preachers who have travelled before the Union be excused from joining the Soctety, if they so determine, and that each be allowed to v/ithdraw his subscription. 10th. That any Preacher, or Preacher's wid- ow, who shall leave the Connexion, or join in church-fellowship with any other body of people, when the local situation of such annuitant will admit of his or hor remaining with, or attending the worship of God amongst the members of the said Connexion, shall lose all benefits arising from this Society. 11th. That if any Preacher's widow marry, or cohabit with another nmn, or should, in the opin. ion of Conference, be justly expelled from our Society, she shall be deprived of all benefit arising from this Institution. 12th. That if any Preachfer, or Preacher's widow, shall sell, dispose of, or otherwise part with his or her annuity, either by act of law or otherwise, in whole or in part, he or she shall forfeit the same, and all benefits arising from this * Society. 13th. If any Preacher marry a woman 15 years younger than himself, neither she nor any children arising from such marriage shall receive any benefit ; or should any member marry when superannuated, neither his wife, nor children arising from such marriage, shall be entitled to any benefit from this Society. 14th. That no money belonging to this Society shall be advanced on loan, except on mortgrgeon land, and then only to one-half the value of such property, being the first mortgage. Beneficent Society. 67 15th. That from the time that a Preacher be- comes supernumerary, or superannuated, his subscription shall cease ; but should he be re- stored to healthy and two-thirds of the Conference think fit to employ him again as a regular Preacher, he shall commence paying subscriptions again, as before ; but the time he has been un- employed in the Ministry shall not be reckoned as a part of his standing in the Ministry. But if he refuses to obey the call of the Conference, he shall cease to be a member of this Society. 16th. That all back payments which the Preachers have not paid in shall stand as loans to the Preachers concerned, subject to interest : that their own personal security be received ; but such Preachers shall not be considered free, until all be paid up. 17th. That any Preacher who is a free mem- ber of this Society, k;»nd is declared by two-thirds of the Conference to. be a supernumerary, or su- perannuated Preacher, shall receive the follow- ing allowance, viz., if he has travelled 30 years, and is married, he shall receive, during the life of himself and wife, £34 per annum ; if unmar- ried, or a widower, JSi4 per annum, in half- yearlj payments. If he has travelled 20 years, then he shall receive, during the life of himself and wife, £18 per annum; if unmarried, or a widower, £12 per annum. If he has travelled 15 years, and is married, he shall receive, during the life of himself and wife, £14 per annum; if unmarried, or a widower, £10 per annum. If he has travelled so long as to be a free member, and yet not entitled to any of the above allowan- ces, and is married, then he shall, during the life of himself and wife, receive £10 per annum; ■ \\ U'^l i 6d Beneficent Soci$ty, f', : I ! |'':;i»' if unmarried or a widower, £7 10s. per annum. 18th. ThataP Ministers who shall locate, shall cea^e to pay their subscriptions during their pe- riod of location, which shall not be reckoned in their time of travelling; and uhless any such Minister should again take a Circuit (should the Conference deem him able), they shall cease to have any claim on this Institution. 19th. That the widow of a Preacher who has travelled 30 years shall receive, during th6 time she continues the widow of such Preacher, £16 per annum, by half-yearly payments; if 20 years, then £13 per annum ; if 15 years, £10 per annum ; if less than 15 years, yet so long as to be a free member, £6 per annum. 20th, That j£5 be allowed for funeral expense on the death of any free member, his wife, or widow. 21st. That every widower who is a free mem- ber, and every widow of a free member, shall receive JS3 per annum for every child he or she may be left with, until such child shall attain the age of 12 years. 2Snd. That Preachers' o»phan children, undo* the age of 4 years, shall be allowed £3 per an- num, which shall be |idvanced 10 shillings per annum, till they attain the age of 12 years, after which time the annuity shall cease : and should any orphan children be left, and the mother bo deficient in her duty to her children, the Stew- ards of this Society shall be authorized to appoint guardians to watch over the interests of such children. 23d. That should any Preacher desist from the Ministry, or be expelled the Connexion, he shall not be entitled to any benefit from this Society; Beneficent Society. 60 but should any Preachei on trial be rejected for want of ability, he shall be repaid all the money ' he has subscribed to this Society. 24th. That no grants shall be made until it be ascertained that there is stock amounting to £30 for every free member; and should the fund at any time sink below the average of jS30 then the annual subscription shall be raised as follows, vis. : single Preacher jSI 6s., married Preacher £1 10s. ; and all payments paid out of the fund shall be reduced Is. in the pound, and continue until the fund again rise to £S0 for each member of the Society. 2Sth. That if any Preacher, Preacher's widow, orphan's benefactor, honorary member, or sub- scriber of 10s. per annum, consider himself or herself aggrieved by this Society, then he, she, or they shaU be at liberty to appeal in person, or otherwise, to the General Annual Meeting of the Committee, whose decision shall be final. 26th. That it shall be competent for this Soci. ety to vary or alter these Rules, and make new ones, provided such alterations or intended new rules be proposed by the General Annual Meet- ing, and inserted in the Minutes of the preceding Conference, and be agreed to at the following Annual Meeting of the Society, by at least three fourths of the members there assembled. 'I , f. r FORMS rOB TKB ADMINISTBATIOir Ot BELIGIOUS ORDINANCES. The Elder sfaaU say, YE THAT DO TRULY AND EARNEST- LY REPENT of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbours, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of Grod, and walking from henceforth in his holy way's ; draw near with faith, and take this holy sacra* ment to your comfort ; and make your humble coniession to Almighty Grod, meekly kneeliog upon your knees. Tken thall the jBlder tay, WE doi not presume to come to this thy Table, O mercifoi Gd, and that we may evermore dwell ii^ him, and he in us. Amen. 1,1 m n Ths Lord^i Supper, f^ i Then the Elder ehtll ssy the Prayer of Conieerttion, ti followeth : ALMIGHTY GOD, our Heavenly Father, who, of thy tender mercy, didst give thin* only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the crosa for our redemption ; who made there (by his oblation of himself once offered) a full, perfect, and snffi- dent 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 com- ing again : hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech thee, and grant that we, receiving these thy creatures of bread and wine, according to thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ^s holy insti- tution in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his blessed Body and Blood; who, in the same night that he was betrayed took bread : and when he had given thanks he brokd it and gave it to His disciples, saying. Take oat ; this is my body which is given for you : Do this in remembrance of me. Likewise, after supper he took the cup ; and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this ; for this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you, and for many, for the re- mission of sins ; Do this, as ofl as ye shall drink, n remembrance of me. Amen. Then ehall the Minister fint receive the Comvonion in both kinds himself, tnd then proceed to deliver the flMmse to the other Ministers in like manner (if anj be present), and after that to the people also, in order, in- to their hands. And when he delivereth the bread, he shall saj : THE BODY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, which was given for ihect preserve thy §oul and body unto everlasting life. Take and " ■} Tke Lord's Supper. 78 tion, ai father, • only rossfoir iblation id sfiffi- for the kd in his rpetual lis oom- re most iceiving icording ly insti- passion, 1 Blood; ^ed took le brokd ike cat ; Do this r supper 1 thanks of this; stament, r the re- M drink, vnoioii in lelWer the (if any be I order* in- 5 bread* he JESUS serve thy Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for thee, and feed on him in thy heart by faith with thanksgiving. And the Minieter that delivereth the Cup, shall saf, THE BLOOD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, which was shf^d for w sseech you I our Lord roy he will by nature )tized with jeived into lively mem- ■\t NG GOD, lah and hi^ rater ; and Israel, thy ng thereby of thy well ver Jordon, saerament, ercies, that {h Mm and Ekt he, being oeived into g steadfast ted in love, K)me world, >f everlast- rld without Amen. O merciful God, grant that the oK: Adam in IkU child may be so buried, that tie new man may be raised up in him. Amen. Grant that all carnal affections may die in himt and that all things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow in him. Amen. 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 who «»ver is dedicated to thee by our Office and K nv ry, may also be endued with heavenly v; *\ci.. juid everlastingly reward, ed through thy ..?k /, O blessed Lord God, who dost live and ^o\ ;ri: all things, world without end. Amen. ALMIGHTY AND EVERLIVING 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 Mood, and gave com- mandment to his disciples that they should go teach all niations and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and ef 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 fulness of thy grace and ever remain in the number of thy faithful and elect children, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. - ^ — Then ■hall the pcople,Bland op: aud tlm Hiaittte ihall say, Hear the words of the gospel written by St. Mark, in the tenth chapter, at the thirteenth verse : They brought young children to Christ, that V. m '\.\ lU 78 Baptism ofjhost qfBiptr Years, hft should touch them. And his disciples rebuked those that brought thenii but when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased and said unto them. Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God.— Verily I 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. Thra thi! Mihistrr shall toke the Child intb hif band, and aay to the Friends of the Child, Name this Child. And tfiiftn naming it after them, he shall 8|>rinUe or pour water upon it» or if desired, imtoierse it in water, sayibgy ff . I baptize thee In the liame df the Father, and 5f the ^n, and of the Holy Ghcist. Amen. Then aM^U be said, all kne^Ung^ OUR FATHER who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy ni|me ; Thy kingdom come ; thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven ; Give^is this day bur daily bread ; and forgive us Our tres- paske§^ as ^ fofgiVe them that trespass against us ; And lead Us not into temptation \ But de- liver us from evil. Amen. iThen shaU the Ministier conclude with extemporary Prayer. ■ JBatilism to ssuli an are of fii|ter Searf, The Minister shall use the following, or some other exhortation, suitable to this Holy Office. DEARLY BELOVED, forasmuch as all men i&re conceived and born in sin (and that which is BaptUm of tho9€ of Riptr Yeart. 7T rebuked taw it, them, ne, and dom of )r shall e child, >k them im, and land, and e or pour , Myibgv Father, Airien. [allowed will be i^is this >ur tres- against But de. ry Prayer. ime other I all men which ia bom of the flesh is flesh, and thej that are in the flesh, cannot please God, but live in sin, commit- ting many actual transgressions) : and that our Saviour Christ saith. None can enter into the kingdom of God, eicept he be regenerate and born anew of water ana of the Holy Ghost : I beseech you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of his bounteous good- ness he will grant to these persons that which by nature they cannot have : that they may be bap< tized with water and the Holy Ghost, and receiv- ed into Christ's holy Church, and be made lively members of the same. Then sball the Minieter demand of each of the penons to be baptized, leverally : Quest, — Wilt 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 ? Ans — I will. 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 Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary ? that he suflTered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried ; that he rose again the third day : that he ascen- ded 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 RemissioQ of Sins ; the Resurrection ' i I i I :^^ S! ini. ■'I ' 78 Baptism ofUhote of Kiper Yean. v of the Body, and everlasting life after death f iliM.-— All this I steadfastly believe. Quest, Wilt thou be baptized in this faith t Answ, This is my desire. Quest, Wilt thou then obediently keep Grod*s holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of thy life ? Answ, I will endevour so to do, God being my helper. Then shall the Minister say, O MERCIFUL GOD, grant that the old Adam in these persons may be so buried, that the new mf^n may be raised up in them. Amen. Grant that; all carnal affections may die in them, and that all thipgs 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 Oflice and Ministry, nui> also be endued with heavenly virtues, and everlastingly rewarded, through thy mercy, O blessed Lord God, who dost live and govern all thingn, world without end. Amen. ALMIGHTY, everliving God, whos^ most dear- ly 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 na- tions, and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost : Regard, we beseech thee, the supplicatiooB of this con- gregation ; and grant that the persons now to be baptized, may receive the fulness of thy grace. Mairim&nif. 79 and ?vei* remain in the number of thy faithful and elect children, through Jeius Christ our Lord. Amttn. Then •hall the Minister take each penon to be baptized by the Right Hiand ; and placing him eonveniently by the Font, according to his discretion, shall ask the name ; and then aha II sprinkle or pour water upon him (or if he shall desire it, shall immerse him in water), saying, N, I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then shall be said the Lord's ^'rayer, all kneeling. OUR FATHER who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name : Thy kingdom oome : Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven : Give us this day our daily bread ; and forgive us our tres- passes, as we forgive them that trespass against us : And lead us not into temptation ; but deliver us from evil. Amen. iSlatrimons. Fiist, the Banns of all that are to be married together mnst be published in the Congregation, three several Sandays, in the time of Divine Service (unless they be e a ser- of such lat order h ought lem that ^resent, I^jrmand Mamet of Ordaining Elders, 85 Then their names being read aloud, the Elder ehail sajr unto tlie people, '^ BRETHREN, these are they whom we pur- pose, God willing, this day to ordain Elders. For after due examination, we find, not to the con- irary, but that they are lawfully called to this function and ministrjr, 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 which he ought not to be received into this holy frViistry, let him come forth in the name of God, and shew what thr> crime or impe- diment is. ^ [If any crime or impediment be objected, th« Elder shall surcease from ordaining that person until suich la-e as the party accused shall be found clear of tiie criire.j After this shall be read for the Goapel, part ct the tenth chapter c f St. John. St. John X. 1— Id. Verily, yerily, I say unto you^ He that entereth not by the door into tne sheepfa-d. but climbeth up some other way, the aam«> in a thief and a robber. But he that enteicth m by the door, is the shepherd of t' sheep. To hir;^ ^he porter openeth, and the iheep hear his voice, and he calleth his own sreep by n^m>i, and leadeih them out. And when ne putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know nis voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but flee from l.im, 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 ur to them again, Verily, yerily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. Al j that eyer oame before me are thieve^ and robbers^ 9 n 'ii I i 86 Farm and Manner of, Ordammg Elders. but the sheep did tiot hear them. 1 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 to steal, and to kil), aud to destroy ; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundasitly. I am the good shepherd : the good shepherd giv« eth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hire* ling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf comings and leaveth the 9heep, and fleeth; and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father : and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold : them ulso I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd. And that done, the Elder shall saj 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 tha gospel, and the writings of the apostles, of what dignity, and of how great impor- tance this office is whereunto you are called, ^nd now again we exhort you in the name of our L|ord Jesus Christ, that you have in remem- brance, 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 fbr Christ's sheep that are dispersed abrqad, and ^r h\si Form and Manner of Ordaining Elden. 87 dooT, javed, The lud to e life, lastly, rd giv- n hire- sheep ;th the them, fleeth for the ow my Father : and I d other : them y voice, lerd. hereafter in your n which lessons rs of the it impor- ; called, name of '•emem- 10 how s to SAV, ds of the feed and T Christ's children who are in the midst of this evil world, that they may be saved through Christ for ever. And now that this present congregation of Christ, here assembled, may also understand your minds and wills in these things, and that this your promise may the more move you to do your duty : ye shall answer plainly to these things which we, in the name of God and his Church, shall demand of you touching the same. DO YOU think in your heart, that you are truly called, according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the order of Elders? Answer. Are you persuaded that the Holy Scriptures contain sufficiently all doctrines required of ne- cessity fo . iernal sulvation through faith in Jesus Christ / And are you determined, out of the said Scriptures to instruct the people com- mitted to your charge, and to teach Yiothing as required of necessity to eternal salvation, but that which you shall be persuaded, may be oi>n- eluded and proved by the Scripture ? Answer. WILL YOU then give your faithful diligtsnce, always so to minister the doctrine and oaci^a* ments, and discipline of Christ, as the Lord !iAth commanded ? Answer. 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 charge as need shall require and occasion shall be given ? Answer. WILL YOU be diligent in prayers, and in read- il H\ I- I ,1 (, '< A 1 1 I* 1 1 ■, i -Jf ill 88 Form and Manner of Ordaining EMen, ing of the Holy Scriptures, and in such studies as help to the knowledge of the same, laying aside the study of the world and the flesh ? Answer. WILL YOU be diligent to frame and fashion yourselves, and your families, according to the doctrines of Christ ; and to make both yourselves and them, as much as in you lieth, wholesome examples and patterns to the flock of Christ ? Answer. 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 committed to your charge ? Answer. Then shall the Elder, standing up, say, ALMIGHTY GOD, who hath given you this will to do all these things, grant also unto you strength and power to perform the same ; that he may accomplish his work which he hath begun in you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. When this prayer is done, the Elders present shall lay their hands severally upon the head of every one that re- ceive th the order of Elders : the Receivers humbly kneel- ing upon their knees, and the Elder saying, THE LORD pour upon thee the Holy Ghost for the Oflice and Work of an Elder in the Church of God, which oflice is 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 oi the Holy Ghost. Then the Elder shall deliver to every one of theq^ kneeling, the Bible into hi? hands, saying, TAKE THOU AUTHORITY to administer the holy sacrament in the congregation. Then the Elder shall oonolude by prayer. FORM OP A GENERAL DEED OF TRUST WHEREAS in and by Hn Act of the Parliament of that part of this Province, formerly known as Upper Canada, passed in the ninth yatf of the Reign of King George the Fourth, entilled ^Ati Act for the relief of the Religious Societies the|:Aif/ named," it is enacted that whenever any Religfon^^Congregation or Society of Presbyterians, Lutherans, Calvanists, Methodists, Congregationalists, Indepcndants Anabaptists, Quakers , Menonists, Tunkers,and Moravians, shall have occasion to take a Conveyance of Land, for the site of a Church, Meeting House, or Chapel, or Burying-Ground, it shall and may be lawful for them to appoint Trustees, to whom, and their Successors, to be appointed in such manner as shall be specified in the Deed, the requisite Land for all or any of the purposes aforesaid (not th grive, rey unto iforesaid 5I of the n, in the ir8 to be le estate, id what- imilton on teration of lesolntion nee by Mr. [k>nnexioa on httd as- the mem- n th'iir eu- ro religious Missionsi esignation MHhoditt remain as Preachers he various (urrence in nco for its Diiidd must annexion. soever, either In law or equity, which he (if the party be namedf they) hath (have) in, to or upon, all and sin- gular, that certain Lot, Parcel, or Tract of Land, situate, lying and being in the Township of In the County, District and Province aforesaid, and which may be otherwise more particularly known and described as follows : That is to say, commencing (here set out the abuttals, courses, and distances) to the place of beginning, containing acres, be the same more or less, together with and singular the Houses, Out- Houses, Woods, Ways, Watern, Privi- leges, and Appurtenances, belonging thereunto, or in any wise appertaining: To Have, and to Hold, all and singular the above-mentioned and described Piece or Tract of Ijand and Premises so situate, lying and being as aforesaid, together with all and singular the Houses, Out-Houses, Woods, Ways, Waters, Privileges, and Appurtenances, belonging thereunto, or In any wise appertaining unto them the said party of the second part, and their Successors in the said Trust forever, for the site of a Chapel or Meeting House, and Bury- ing-Ground, for the use of the Members of the said Canadian Wesleyan Methodist New Connexion, ac- cording to the Rules and Discipline of the said New Connexion, in Trust and Confidence that they shall and will at all times hereafter forever, permit a^nd every the Ministers of the said New Connexion of Methodists, who are or may hereafter be duly licensed or otherwise authorized by the Conference of the said Connexion, to Preach and Perform Divine Service in said House, and Burial Service in said Burylng-Ground, according to the Rules, Disciplines and Customs of said Connexion. And in further Trust and Confidence that the said Trustees for the time being shall, if they t^nk fit, permit the regular Ministers of any other Protestant Denominations of Christians, to preach and perform Divine Service in the said House, when it shall not be required for the use of the Ministers of the said Canadian Wesleyan Methodist New Connexion. And also in further Trust and Confidence, that the said Trustees for the time being, or a majority of them, shall IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 :^^ui ■tt IM 12.2 I.I ^ li° 12.0 1^ H^ ^ /. y /A Photographic Sciences Corporation ^ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. M5S0 (71«)t72-4S03 Ss General Deed of Truei. > ^ I ;Vp . and mtij At any time or times, or at each timet aa th^ or a majority of them shall deem expedient, a^t apart and appropriate so much of the above granted and de» acribed premises, as may be necessary for the use nfiA purposes of a Parsonage or place of residence for the Ministers of the said Connexion, and to build, or aanw to allow to be built thereon, a fit and proper BuUdmg^ for said purpose. Provided always, and itishere^ declared to be the true intent and meaning of this Inn denture, and of the parties hereto, that if any of them the said Trustees, or any future Trustees to he appoint- ed under this present nrovision, shall die, or if buy of them shall go to reside beyond the distanc«) of miles from and continue to reside beyond such distance from for tlie space of years, or shall be convictrnl of felony or any oUiec crime, or shall refuse or decline, or otherwise become incapable of acting as Trustees, and the aaid original number of Trustees for the time shall thereby be re- duced to one half of the. original number ; then, and in any or either of the said eases, and when and so often aa the same shall happen, it shall and may be lawful to and for the surviving or continuing Truatees for the time being, or a majority of them, with all convenient apeed, by writing undof their hands, to nominate and appoint so many other orderiy and devout persona, be- ing ^^embers of the Canadian Wesleyan Methodist New Connexion, or frequenters of Divine Worship f^ the said Chapel, and who are known lo be attached to the said Connexion, to be Trustees in the place or stead of the persons who shall so die, go to reside at a diar tance as aforesaid, or be convicted or become incapable to act as aforesaid, or at his or their own request shall by the other Trustees be permitted to iselinquish or be discharged, as shall together with the then 8«rvi?ip||f or continuing Trustees make up the original nui^berpf Trustees, and should the said surviving or eontiouioff Trustees, when ao reduced to cne half ol the aelB original number as aforesaid, at any time hereafter re- fuse or neglect to elect, nominate and anpoiat new Tniateea aa aforesaid, for the ifpace of twelve ihoqUms General Deed of Trwi. 08 lasthoy Kst tpirk I amide- asei^nd B for the or Boildnig^ 8 hereby ' this In^ of them ) appoint- if fioy of to reside space of iny other B become d original (by bere- m, and in so often lawful to for the mvenient bate and be- ethodis^ orahipf^ tached to e or stead at a diflr neapahle seat shall lish or be sarvivijfy mmbetof ontinniog the saS eafter re- oint new montba; theut tnd in eveiy snch case and when and so often as the s«me shall happen, it ahall and may be lawful for any seven members of the said New Connexion of Methodists, who have been in the habit of attending 0ivine Wcffahip at said Chapel for the space of twelve months then last past, and who will still continue to q^tend the same, by writing under their hands, to re- <}uire the said surviving or continuing Trustees for the timi9 being to nominate proper persons as aforesaid to ^1 up the vacancies in the number of the said Trus- ses ; and if the said surviving or continuing Trustees ahall neglect or refuse so to do, for the spece of six calendar months after such notice or request in writing shall be eiven as aforesaid, then and in such case, and when and so often as the same shall happen, it shall and may be lawful for the same, or any other seven Members as aforesaid, to call a Reeling of the other Members of the said Connexion whoi^ttendssid Chapel (or tbe purpose of. Divine Worship, together with the olBciating Minister or Ministem for the time being ; and itshall and may be lawful for the persons so attend?, ing such Meeting, or a msjority thereof, to nominate,* ^lect and appoint, snch and so nmny Gt and proper per- sons as aforesaid, to be such new Trustees as will make up the original number as aforesaid; end the Trustees so nominated and appointed in ^ther of the above cases or modes, shall be held and deemed to be the lawful ^Successor or Successors of the said shove named Trustees of the second part, and shall have in perpetual succession the same capacities, rights, powers and duties as are given to the said above namea Trus- tees, in and by this Indenture, and by the Statute above leferred to. And to the intent and end that evidence of the due nomination and appointment of succeeding Trustees , in the said Trust, may be preserved, the Trustees for the time being are hereby required to keep a Book of Record, in which the name or names of any person or persons nominated and appointed as aforesaid, and also the manner of the nomination and appointment, and all the proceedings relating therit^, shall be entered, and ^i m i > ) R E 0# €^eneral Deed ef Drutt. ■tfcK entry shall be iiabscribed by the Ti'nsleiiisliikikrngr the appointment or if made by a meeting of Members aa above provided for, to be anbscribed by at least seven of the said Members so makinff such nomination and appointment — (here insert the fillowing clause if the party be married). And this Indenture further Wit- nesseththat the said wife of the above-named for and in consideration of the sum of five shillings of lawful money aforesaid, to her in hand paid by them the said party of the second part, hath remitted, released, and forever relin- quished, and by these Presents doth remit, release, and forever relin(|uish unto them the said party of the second part, and their successors duly appointed as aforesaid, all and all manner of Dower ana Right or Title of Dower whatsoever, which she the said in the event of surviving her said husband, might or of right ought to have or claim in, to and out of the said certain parcel or Tract of Land and Premises above- mentioned, and every Part and Parcel thereof, and all manner of Action or Actions and Writ or Writs of Dower whatsoever. In Witness Whbrbof we the said partiea to this Indenture, have hereunto set our hands and seals, on the day and year above written. Signed, Sealed and Delivered in presence of fi* I' [ 11 (The parties sign tn the same order in which Oieir names are mentiaiud tn the Deed:) a\ rM making^' [erobera It seven ioD and e if the er Wit- I of tho deration foresaid, f of ihB er rolin- Ase, and B second foresaid, TiUe of |r|itorof tliesaid M above- f, and all Writs of I to this teals, on te^ Aeir Memorial for Deed of Tnu^. 41 FORM OF MEMORIAL FOR DEED OF TRUST. A MEMORIAL to be Reeistered porsoant to the Statute in sneh case made and provided, of an Inden* tnre of Barsain and Sale made under and by virtue of of' Act of the Parliament of that part of the Province of Canada, formerly known as Upper Canada, passed in the ninth year of the Reign of King Georse the Fourth, entitled '* An Act for the releif of the Religious Societies therein named,*' made the day of in the year of our Ijord one thousand eight hun* dredand between of the Town of in the County of and District of and Province aforesaid (here iruert the grantors* addition, and if married, wife* a name) of the first part, and (here add names, residences and additions of the JVustees as in the Deed) Trustees of the Chapel of the Canadian Wesleyan Methodist New Connexion, in the Township of of the second part, whereby it is witnessed that that the said party of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of lawful money of the said Pro- vince, to him in hand paid by the said party of the seconid part, the receipt whereof is thereby acknowl- edged, hath given, granted, bargained, sold, released, confirmed, and conveyed unto Uie said party, of the second part, by the name and style afuresaid,'and their Successors to be appointed in manner therein after specified, all the Estate, Ri^ht, Title, Interest, Property, Claim and demand whatsoever, of him the said party of the first part in, to, or upon all and singular a certain Parcel or Tract of Land and Premises, situate, lying and beinff in the Township of in the County, District, and Province aforesaid, and which may be more particularly known and described as fol- lows : That is to say, commencing at (here set out the abuUals, courses, avtd distances as in the Deed) to the place of beginning, containing acres, be the same more or less, together with all and singular the Houses, Out-Houses, Woods, Waya, Waters, Privi- *r M itislMrUdfot Deed ff 9Vti«{. leges, and AppafCenaneed thereunto belotaj^iig, or in any wise appertaining : To Have and to luild, all and aingalar the above- mentiooed and described Parcel or Tract of Land and Premises, with all and aiiiffnlar th* Houses Out-Houses, Woods, Ways, Waters, Priviligea, and Appurtensncea thereunto lielongkig, or in any wise appertaining unto them the said party of the; second part, and their successors in the said Trust forever, for the sit<> of a Chspel or Meetinff^Hoiiae and Burning-Ground, for and upon certain l^es and Trusts in the said Indenture mentioned; (if grantor he married, insert as follows :) and wherebjr it is also further witnessed for the further consideration therein mentioned, that the ssid wife of the said hath remitted, released, and forever relinquished unto the said party of the second part, and their Successors, all and all manner of Dower, which she might or would be entitled to in the event of her surviving her said husband, in the said Parcel or Tract of Land and Premises thereby conveyed, and which said Indenture is witnessed by of dec. and this Memorial is hereby required to be registered by the said party of the pari therein named* Witness Hand day of one tltoQsand eight hundred and Signed and Sealed in Presence ol and Seal this in the year of our Lovi g, or in I, all and 'Ucelor rnlar tb« riviligea, in any r of th» id Trost f-Honse ^ea and f grantor it is also 1 therein the said I sorever part, and ir, which It of her or Tract d which of &c. egistered , purl thie oorLoid