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Tous lea autras exemplaires originaux sent filmAs an commandant par la pramlAre page qui comporta una empreinte d'impreasion ou d'iliustratlon at an tarminant par la darnlAre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un dea aymboias suivants apparaftra sur la darnlAre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: la symbols -^> signif is "A 8UIVRE ", la aymboia ▼ signifis "FIN". Les cartas, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Atra fiimAs A das taux da rAduction diff Arants. Loraqua la document est trap grand pour Atra reproduit en un seui clichA. il est filmA A partir de I'angle supArieur geuche. de gauche A droite, at de heut en bea. an prenant la nombre d'Imagea nAcessaira. Las diagrammes suivants illustrant la mAthoda, 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 4 5 6 r :$: ^ \V THI<] VICTORIA UNIVERSITY UBRARY DOCTRINES fliu^. AND DISCIPLINE OF THE Methodist Episcopal Church i IN CANADA. W PUBLISHED BY S. G. STOKE, METHODIST EPISCOPAL BOOK-ROOM, HABaLTON) Ontario. 1879 ^ u^. 5X m^' A 3 l^Jf t^-3.'--^H:> I \ ' \ EPISCOPAL ADDRESS. To the Members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Canada : Dearly Beloved Brethren : This edition of our Book of Discipline being published by order of our General Conference, that our people may have in hand, in convenient form, a statement in the main of the doctrines we embrace and teach ; of the ritual we use in some of our religious services ; of the polity, econ- omy, and usages we revere and hold ; and of the rules of society, administration, and discipline under which we unite to promote the work of God — a fit and proper occasion arises to furnish you with 'a brief account of the origin of Methodism, both in Europe and America. And in furnishing this account, likely we cannot do better than to employ the words of the Messrs. Wesley themselves, and to repeat the statements made in the various editions of the Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church by the authority of their General Conferences, and over the signatures of their successive Bishops ; as well as made in the Discipline of the 102 OOU 'N, V. ADDRB8S. Methodist Episcopal Church in Canada published in 1830, over the names of William Case and James Rich- ardson, and in the successive editions authorised by our General Confereoces and accredited by our Bishops to this day. This reiterated statement opens in the words of the Messrs. Wesley, as follows : '* In 1729, two young taen in England, reading the Bible, saw they could not be saved without holiness : followed after it, and in- cited others so to do. In 1737, they saw likewise that men are justified before they are sanctified ; but still holiness was their object. GU>d then thrust them out to raise a holy people." In the year 1766, Philip Embury, a local preacher from Ireland, began to preach in the city of New York, and formed a society of his own countrymen and the citizens ; and the same year, Thomas Webb, a captain in the British army, also a local preacher, preached in a hired room near the barracks. About the same time, Robert Strawbridge, another local preacher from Ireland, settled in Frederick County, State of Mary- land, and preaching there, formed some societies. The first Methodist church built in America was erected in New York, in 1768. In 1769, Richard Boardman and Joseph Pilmoor, two itinerant Methodist preachers of England, were sent tu America by Mr. Wesley. These were the first Methodist travelling preachers on the continent. In the latter end of the year 1771, Francis Asbury and Richard Wright, of the same country and by the same authority, came over. M u ADDRESS. 1» We believe that God's design in raising up the preachers called Methodists, in America, was to reform the continent and spread scriptural holiness over the land. It was a divine preparation for a great popula- tion yet to come. As a proof hereof, we have seen since that time a great and glorious work of God, from New York through not only Canada, but the greater part of North America. In connection with this historic sketch, I request you to notice especially the following words of our late deceased Bishop, James Richardson, over his own name, in the edition of our Book of Discipline published in 1872 — namely : ** I call your attention particularly to the origin of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and beg to add that from this has sprung the Methodist Epis- copal Church in Canada, which, by consent of the General Conference in the United States in 1828. assumed a separate and independent position in regard to her ecclesiastical functions and relations in Canada : and 80 she continues to this day," It will be borne in mind that the societies raised up in America by the preachers before named, their fellow- laborers and successors, were, by the action of John Wesley and his coadjutor presbyters in England (who ordained Thomas Coke, and commis$^ioned him to ordain Francis Asbury and others), conjointly with the action of the Baltimore Conference of 1784, organized under clerical and laical authority, by common consent and under an undoubted scriptural and historic warrant and sanction, with an ecclesiastical vi. ADDRESS. lineage, into the Methodist Episcopal Church. And in this economy and polity so indisputably approved in apostolic times by the word of God, and so decid- edly preferred and vigorously maintained by many wise and good men in all ages of the history of the Church, it continues to this day in the United States and in Canada, laboring with all Christians to maintain the cause of Christ and to carry the Gospel of God to remote parts and to the ends of the earth. I esteem it a duty and a privilege most earnestly to recommend to you, as members of our Church, the Form of Discipline, which has been founded on the expeiience of a long series of years, as also on the ob- servations and remarks that have been made on ancient and modern Churches. The relations, responsibilities and duties of ministry and membership are herein de- fined, and the rights of all are carefully secured. Where all duties are discharged, our Zion shall pros- per ; and where all rights are regarded, we shall be bound together a household of faith, in love and good works. I desire earnestly that this little publication may be in the homes of all our people ; and the more so, as it contains the articles of religion maintained in part or in whole by every reformed Church in the world. - Far from wishing you to be ignorant of any of our doctrines, or any of the teachings of the word of God — ^as we fear is the manner of some — or of any part of our Discipline, we desire you to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the whole. You ought, next to the ■ ADDRESS. VU. Holy Scriptures, to understand the Articles of Religion and the Rules of the Church to which you belong. And may the spirit of the living God guide you all into all faith, truth, obedience, and love. I remain your aflfectionate brother and pastor, A. CARMAN. CONTENTS. Episcopal Address, Origin of the Methodist Episcopal Church, PAOB ■ • • 111. 1 PART I, Doctrines, Adminiatrative Bules, and Means of Ora^e, CHAPTER I. Articles of Religion, .... 3 General Rules, Of Dress, - Of Marriage, - Public Worship, Olass Meetings, CHAPllSR II. PART II. Oovemment of the Church. CHAPTER I. The Conferences, 13 19 19 21 23 26 ^' CONTENTS. . Of the General Conference, - Of the Annual Conferences, The District Conferences, The Quarterly Conferences, J PAOB 27 - 32 * 36 • 41 CHAPTER 11. ■ i The Ministry, ^ . • - 45 f CHAPTER III. Of Bishops, .... 72 CHAFX'ER IV. Presiding Eiders, - . . . - 76 CHAPTER V. Travelling Elders, • 79 CHAPTER VI. Travelling Deacons, K - 84 CHAPTER VII. Of Stewards, - 86 CHAPTER VIII. The Membership of the Church, - 88 i PART III. The JRitual. Baptism of Infants, Baptism of Adults, The Lord's Supper, 96 102 108 CONTENTS. Zl. Matrimony, Burial of the Dead, Consecration of Bishops, Ordination- of Elders, Ordination of Deacons, Laying Comer SStone of Church, Dedication of a Chv.rch, PART IV. Heligious and Benevolent Institutions. CHAPTER I. Relation of Baptized Children to the Church, Episcopal Fund, - > - Presiding Elders' Support, Allowance to Ministers, ... Superannuated Preachers' Ftlnd, • Contingent Fund, .... Support of Missions, - - - Education, Printing and Circulation of Books, PART V. Temporal Economy. CHAPTER I. Raising Supplies — Church Building, Houses for Preachers, PAUB 117 124 127 189 152 15S 164 174 176 176 177 178 180 181 184 185 190 193 Xll. CONTENTS. \ Building of Churches, Trustees — their Duties and Responsibilities, Keeping Trustees' Record, Form of a Deed of Settlement, - TAOM 194 196 198 199 APPENDICES. Appendix I.— Course of Study for Preachers, - 207 II. — Law Questions, • - 211 III. — On Revision, - - - 213 IV. — Constitution for Sabbath Schools, 218 i( if (( Index, . 221 * OP THE Methodist Episcopal Church. The preachers and members of our society in general, being convinced that there was a great deficiency of vital religion in the Church of England in America, and being in many places destitute of the Christian sacraments, as several of the clery had forsaken their Churches, re- quested the late Rev. John Wesley to take such measures in his wisdom and prudence as would afford them suitable relief in their dis- tress. In consequence of this our venerable friend, ^who, under God, had been the Father of the great revival of religion now extending over the earth, by the means of the Methodists, deter- mined to ordain ministers for America ; and for this purpose, in the year 1784, sent over three regularly ordained clergy ; but preferring the Episcopal mode of Church government to any other, he solemnly set apart by the imposition of his hands, and prayer, one of them, viz. , Thomas Cokey Doctor of Civil Law, late of Jesus* College, in the University of Oxford, and a Presbyter of the Church of England, for the t ■\ PREFACE. Episcopal office, and having delivered to him letters of episcopal orders, commissioned and directed him to set apart Francis Asburyj the general assistant of the Methodist society in America, for the same episcopal office ; he, the said Francis Ashury^ being first ordained deacon and elder. In consequence of which, the said Francis Ashury was solemnly set apart for the said episcopal office by prayer, and the imposi- tion of the hMids of the said Thomas Coke^ other regularly ordained ministers assisting in the sacred ceremony. At which time the General Conference, held at Baltimore, did unanimously receive the said Thomas Coke and Francis Ashury, as their Bishops, being fully satisfied of the val- idity of their episcopal ordination. ■f.t PART I. DOCTRINES, ADMINISTRATIVE RULES, AND MEANS OP GRACE. CHAPTER I. SECTION 1.— ARTICLES OF RELIGION. I. Of Faith in the Holy Trinity, There is but one living and true God, ever- lasting, without body or parts, of infinite power, wisdom and goodness : the maker and preserver of all things, visible and invisible. Ajid in the unity of the God-head there are three persons of one substance, power and eternity : — the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. II. Of the Word, or Son of God, who was made very rnan. The Son, who is the Word of the Father, the very and eternal God, of one substance with the Father, took man's nature in the womb of the blessed virgin ; so that two whole and perfect natures, that is to say, the Godhead and man- hood, were joined together in one person, never 4 ARTICLES OF RELIGION. [Part L to be divided, whereof one is Christ, very God and very man, who truly suffered, was crucified, dead and buried, to reconcile his Father to us^ and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for actual sins of men. III. Of the Sesurrection of Christ, Christ did truly rise again from the dead, and took again his body, with all things appertain- ing to the perfection of man's nature, wherewith he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth until he return to judge all men at the last day. IV. Of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is of one substance, majesty, and glory with the Father and the Son, very and eternal God. V. SufflcieTicy of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation, The Holy Scriptures contain all things neces- sary to salvation : so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be , required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of the Holy Scripture, we do understand those canon- ical books of the Old and New Testament, of Ck i., § 1.] ARTICLES OF RELIGION. 5 whose authority was never any doubt in the Church. The names of the Canonical Books. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, ' ^ r Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, The First Book of Samuel, The Second of Book of Samuel, The J'irst Book of Kings, The Second Book of Kings, The First Book of Chronicles, The Second Book of Chronicles, The Book of Ezra, The Book of Nehemiah, The Book of Esther, The Book of Job, The Psalms, The Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, or the Preacher, Canticles, or Songs of Solomon, Four Prophets the greater, Twelve IVophets the less : All the Books of the New Testament, as they are commonly received, we do receive and ac- count canonical. ,^ # ARTICLES OF RELIGION. [Part L VI. 0/ tlve Old Testament, The Old Testament is not contrary to the Kew ; for both in the Old and New Testament everlasting life is offered to mankind by Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and man, being both God and man, "Wherefore, they are not to be heard, who feign that the old Fathers did look only for transitory purposes. Although the law given from God by Moses, as touching ceremonies and rites, does not bind Christians, nor ought the civil precepts thereof of necessity to be received in any commonwealth : yet not- withstanding, no Christian whatsoever is free from the obedience of the commandments, which are called moral VII. 0/ Original or Birth Sin, Original sin standeth not in the following of Adam (as the Pelagians do vainly talk), but it is the corruption of the nature of every man, that naturally is engendered of the offspring of Adam, whereby man is very far gone from original righteousness, and of his own nature inclined to evil, and that continually. VIII. 0/ Free WiU, The condition of man after the fall of Adam is such, that he cannot turn and prepare himself by his own natural strength and works, to faith, and r,^ '\ Ch. i, § 1.] ARTICLES OF RELIGION. calling upon God ; wherefore we have no power to do good works, pleasant and acceptable to God, without the grace of God by Christ pre- venting us, that we may have a good will, and working with us, when we have that good will. IX. Of the Ju 'ification of Man, We are accounted righteous before God only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by faith, and not for our own works or deservings : — Wherefore, that we are justified by faith only, is a most wholesome doctrine and very full of comfort. X. (?/• Good Works, Althougih good works, which are the fruits of faith, and follow after Justification, cannot put away our sins, and endure the severity of God's judgments : yet are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and spring out of a true and lively faith, insomuch that by them a lively faith may be as evidently known as a tree is discerned by its fruit. XI. Of Works of Supererogation. Voluntary works, besides over and above God's commandments, which are called works of supererogation, cannot be taught without arro- gancy and impiety. For by them men do declare, 8 ARTICLES OF RELIGION. [Parti. •s.1 that they do not only render unto God as much as they are bound to do, but that they do more for his sake than of bounden duty is required. Whereas Christ saith plainly, " When ye have done all that is commanded, you say, * We are unprofitable servants.' } a XII. Of Sin after Justification, Not every sin willingly committed after justi- fication is the sin against the Holy Ghost, and unpardonable. Wherefore, the grant of repent- ance is not to be denied to such as fall into sin after justification : after we have received the Holy Ghost, we may depart from grace given, and fall into sin, and by the grace of God rise again and amend our lives. And therefore they are to be condemned who say they can no more sin as long as they live here ; or deny the place of forgiveness to such ajs truly repent. XIII. 0/ the Church. The visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men, in which the pure word of God is preached, and the sacraments duly adminis- tered according to Christ's ordinance, in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same. Xiy. Of Purgatory, The Romish doctrine concerning purgatory^ Oh. i, § 1.] ARTICLES OF RELIGION. ■vtj ' n- pardon, worshiping and adoration, as well of images as of relics, and also invocation of saints, is a fond thing, vainly invented, and grounded upon no warrant of Scripture, but repugnant to the word of God. » XV. Of speaking in the Congregation in such a longue as Uie People understand* It is a thing plainly repugnant to the word of God, and the custom of the primitive Church, to have public prayer in the Church, or to minister the sacraments, in a tongue not understood by the people. XVI. Of the Sacraments, ^ Sacraments, ordained of Christ, are not only badges, or tokem. of Christiaii men's profession ; but rather they are certain signs of grace, and God's good will towards us, by the which he doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only quicken, but also strengthen and confirm our faith in him. There are two sacraments ordained of Christ our Lord in the Gospel ; that is to say, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord. Those five commonly called sacraments, that is to say, Confirmation, Penance, Orders, Matri- mony, and extreme Unction, are not to be count- ed for sacraments of the Gospel, being such as have partly grown out of the corrupt following of the Apostles ; and partly are states of life allowed 10 ARTICLES OF RELIGION. [Part I. in the scriptures, but yet have not the like ^ nature of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, be- cause they have not any visible sign, or ceremony ordained of God. The Sacraments were not ordained of Christ , to be gazed upon, or to be carried about ; but that we should duly use them. And in such only as worthily receive the same they have a wholesome effect or operation ; but they that re- ceive them unworthily, purchase to themselves condemnation, as St. Paul saith, 1 Cor., xi, 29. XVII. Of Baptism. Baptism is not only a sign of profession, and mark of difference, whereby Christians are dis- tinguished from others that are not baptized ; but it is also a sign of regeneration, or the new birth. The baptism of young children is to be retained in the Church. ip} XVIII. 0/ the Lord's Supper. The Supper of the Lord is not only a sign that Christians ought to have among themselves one to another, but rather is a sacrament of our re- demption by Christ's death : insomuch that to such as rightly, worthily, and with faith receive ' the same, the bread which we break is a partak- ing of the body of Christ ; and likewise the cup of blessing is a partaking of the blood of Christ. Transubstantiation, or the change of the sub- s' Ch. i, § 1.] ARTICLES OF RELIGION. 11 stance of bread and wine in the Supper of oiir Ijord, cannot be proved by Holy Writ, but is repugnant to the plain words of Scripture, over- throweth the nature of a sacrament, and hath given occasion to many superstitions. The body of Christ is given, taken, and eaten in the Supper, only after a heavenly and spirit- ual manner. And the means whereby the body of Christ is received and eaten in the supper, is faith. ■ '^^ The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was not by Christ's ordinance reserved, carried about, lifted up, or worshipped. XIX. 0/ both kinds. The cup of the Lord is not to be denied to the lay people : for both the parts of the Lord's Sup- per, by Christ's ordinance and commandment, ought to be administered to all Christians alike. XX Of the one Oblation of Christ fjinished vpon the Cross, The offering of Christ once made is that per- fect redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction for all the sins of the whole world, both original and actual ; — and there is none other satisfaction for sin but that alone. Wherefore the sacrifice of masses, in the which it is commonly said, that the priest doth offer Christ for the quick and the dead, to have remission of pain or guilt, is a blasphemous fable, and dangerous deceit. 12 ARTICLES OF RELIGION. [Part I, : XXI. Of il\A Marriage of Ministers. The Ministers of Christ are not commanded by Grod's law either to vow the estate of a single life, or to abstain from marriage ; therefore it is lawful for them, as for all other Chris;tians, to marry at their own discretion, as they shall judge the same to serve best to Godliness. XXII. Of tJie Rites and Ceremonies of Chwrches, It is not necessary that rites and ceremonies should in all places be the same, or exactly alike: for they have been always different, and may be changed according to the diversity of countries, times, and men's manners, so that nothing be ordained against God's word. "Whosoever, through his private judgment, willingly and purposely doth openly break the rites and ceremonies of the Church to which he belongs, which are not repugnant to the word of God, and are ordained and approved by common authority, ought to be rebuked openly, that others may fear to do the like, as one that offendeth against the common order of the Church, and woundeth the con- sciences of weak brethren. Every particular Church may ordain, change or abolish rites and ceremonies, so that all things may be done to edification. • .J XXIII. Of the Civil Government. We believe it is the duty of all Christians to ■ if - • > . /"' Olu i, § 2.] GENERAL RULES. 13 be subject to the Powers that be; for we are commanddd by the word of God to respect and obey the Civil Government : we should there- fore not only fear God, but honour the King. XXIV. Of Christian Merita Goods. _^ -The rich4 and goods of Chri^iana are ^t common, as touching the right, title and posses- sion of the same, as some do falsely boast. Not- withstanding, every man ought, of such things as he possesseth, liberally to give alms to the poor, according to his ability. *' XXV. Of a Christian MarHs Oath, As we confess that vain and rash swearing is forbidden Christian men by our Lord Jesus Christ, and James his apostle, so we judge that the Christian religion doth not prohibit, but that a man may swear when the Magistrate requireth^ in a cause of faith and charity, so it be done according to the Prophet's teaching, in justice, judgment and truth. SECTION IL— GENERAL RULESL .V1 TJie Naiwrey DesigUy and General Rules of our United ^Societies. (1.) In the latter part of the year 1739, eight or ten persons came to Mr. Wesley, in I• /-, <• Y t,< ■ ■ i CHAPTER IL SECTION I. — THE MEANS OF GRACE. •;?;,:■) -'s'- Public Worship. .•>*,';,' Qites. 1. What directions should be given for the establishment of uniformity in public wor- ship amongst us, on the Lord's Day 1 Ans. 1. Let the morning service consist of singing, prayer, the reading of a chapter out of the Old Testament, and another out of the New, , and preaching. ' 2. Let the evening service consist of singing, prayer, and preaching. 3. But on the days of administering the Lord's , Supper, the two chapters in the morning service may be omitted. 4. In administering the ordinances, and in the burial of the dead, let the form of discipline invariably be used. Let the Lord's Prayer also be used on all occasions of public worship in con- cluding the first prayer, and the apostolic bene- diction in dismissing the congregation. 5. Let the Society be met, wherever it is practicable, on the Sabbath day. 22 8IN0INU. ^ [Part 11. Qaes. 2. Is there not a great indecency some- times practised amongst us — namely, Talking in the congregation before and after service 1 How shall this be cured 1 Arts. Let all the ministers and preachers join as one man, and enlarge on the impropriety of talking before and after service ; and strongly exhort those that are concerned to do so no more. In three months, if we are in earnest, this vile practice will be banished out of every Methodist congregation. Let none stop till he has carried his point. y, SECTION II. ■,-'' TliA Spirit and Truth of Singing, , I-' Qaes, How shall we guard against formality in singing 1 Ana. \, By choosing such hymns as are proper ^or the congregation. V 2. By not singing too much at once ; seldom more than five or six verses. i 3. By suiting the tune to the words. 4. By often stopping short, ard asking the people, " Now ! do you know Trhat you said last ? Did you speak no more than you felt 1 " 5. Do not suffer the people to sing too slowly. This naturally tends to formality, and is brought in by those who have either very strong or very weak voices. ..»„ , ? ■ i r >art IT. ^• jr some- nng m , How ra join •iety of ' brongly so no arnest, every tiU he Ch. ii, § 3.] CLASS MEETINGS. 23 6. In every large society, let them learn to sing ; and let them always learn our tunes first. 7. Introduce no new tune till they are perfect in the old. 8. Recommend our tune book ; and, if you cannot sing yourself, choose a person or two at each place to pitch the tune for you. 9. Exhort every person in the congregation to sing ; not one in ten only. 10. Sing no hymns of your own composing. 11. If a preacher be present, let him alone give out the words. .^*'.. 12. When the singers would teach a tune to the congregation, they must sing only the soprano. • ;<'^ 1 3. The preachers are desired not to encour- age the singing of fugue tunes in our congrega- tions. 14. We do not think that fugue tunes are sinful, or improper to be used in private com- panies ; but we do not approve of their being used in our public congregations, because public sing- ing is a part of divine worship, in which all the congregation ought to join. 7 n \..^^'. SECTION III. Of Class Meetings, ? > ^ Qties. 1. How may the leaders of classes be rendered more useful? 24 CLASS MEETINGS. [Part I. *^ I Ans. 1. Let each of them be diligently exam- ined concerning his method of meeting a class. Let this be done with all possible exactness, at least once a quarter. In order to this, take sufficient time. 2. Let each leader carefully inquire how every soul in his cla^ prospers ; not only how each person observes the outward rules, but how he grows in the knowledge and love of God. 3. Let the leaders converse with those who have the charge of their circuits, frequently and freely. Q^le8. 2. Can anything more be done in order to make the class meetings lively and profit- able? Ans,l. Change improper leaders. 2. Let the leaders frequently meet each other's classes. 3. Let us observe which leaders are the most useful : and let these meet the other classes as often as possible. 4. See that all the leaders be not only men of sound judgment, but men truly devoted to God. Ques. 3. What shall we do with those mem- bers of our Church who wilfully and repeatedly neglect to meet their class ? Ans. 1. Let the elder, deacon, or one of the preachers visit them, whenever it is practicable, and explain to them the consequence if they continue to neglect — namely, exclusion. \ Ch. ii., § 3.] GLASS MEETINGS. $5 2. If they do not amend, let him who has the charge of the Circuit exclude them (in the Church) shewing that they are laid aside for a breach of our rules of discipline, and not for im- moral conduct. Nevertheless, no member shall be excluded without trial and right of appeal. :nv» .*;{■ ^^f^ : !.-' PART II. ;. . ■■ i • V"? i -'''*fVVE-. •■•„•> - ' > GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH. CHAPTER I. SECTION I. — ^THE CONFERENCES. Our Deportment at the Conference. It is desired that all things be considered on these occasions, as in the immediate presence of Ck)d : that every person speak freely whatever is in his heart. Qties. 1. How may we best improve our time at the Conf erehces 1 Ans. 1. "While we are conversing, let us have an especial care to set God always before us. 2. In the intermediate hours, let us redeem i all the time we can for private exercises. 3. Therein let us give ourselves to prayer for one another, and for a blessing on our labor. •i- Cll. i, § 2.] GENERAL CONFERENCE. 27 ' SECTION II. '■"'•'■■■-'- \ y ' ' ' Of the General Conference, Ques, 1. Who shall compose the General Con- ference, and what are the regulations and powers belonging to it 1 , . An8.\. The General Conference shall be cbm- posed of an equal number of Ministerial and Lay Delegates. The Ministerial Delegates shall consist of one member for every four members of each Annual Conference, to be appointed by seniority or choice at the discretion of such Annual Conference, yet so that such representa- tive shall have travelled at least four years from the time that they were received on trial by au Annual Conference, and are in full connection at the time of holding the Conference, and have been ordained to the office of Elder. 2. The Lay Delegates shall be chosen by an Electoral Conference of laymen, which shall assemble for that purpose on the fourth day of the session of the Annual Conference, at the place of its meeting, at its session immediately preceding the General Conference. 3. The Electoral Conference shall be com- posed of one layman from each Circuit, Station, or Mission within the bounds of the Annual Conference ; and, on assembling, the Electoral Conference shall organise by electing a chairman and secretary of their own number, such layman 28 GENERAL CONFERENCE. [Part II. to be chosen by the last Quarterly Conference preceding the time of the assembling of such Electoral Conference : Provided^ that no layman shall be chosen a Delegate either to the Elec- toral Conference or to the General Conference, who shall be under twenty-five years of age, or who shall not have been a member of the Church in full connection for three consecutive years preceding the election.* 4. The Ministerial and Lay Delegates shall sit, deliberate, and vote together as one body. Any failure to elect Lay Delegates, or a failure on the part of such delegates, when elected, to attend, shall not prevent the General Conference from proceeding to business. 5. At all times when the General Conference is met, it shall take two-thirds of the ministerial members elected to make a quorum for transact- ing business. 6. One of the General Superintendents shall preside in the General Conference ; but, in case no General Superintendent be present, the General Conference shall choose a President pro tern. Each General Conference shall elect by ballot, without debate, a Secretary or Secreta- ries, whose duty it shall be to keep a correct * The Secretaries of the several Annual and Electoral Confer- ences shall send to the Secretary of the last General Conference, a certified copy of the election of delegates and reserves to the next General Conference, in the order of their election, as soon after the election as practicable, so that a roll of members and reserves may be prepared fur tbe opening of the next General Conference. Ch. i. § 2.] GENERAL CONFERENCE. 29 record of its proceedings, and publish the minutes under the direction of the General Con- ference. 7. The General Conference shall have full power to make rules and regulations for our Church, under the following » ■ i >'■ ' LIMITATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS, VIZ : H (1) The General Conference shall not revoke, alter, or change our articles of religion, nor es- tablish any new standards or rules of doctrine contrary to our present existing and established standards of doctrine. * (2) They shall not change or alter any part or rule of our government, so as to do away Epis- copacy, or destroy the plan of our itinerant general superintendency. (3) They shall not revoke or change the gen- eral rules of the United Societies. (4) They shall not do away the privileges of our ministers or preachers of trial by a commit- tee, and of an appeal : Neither shall they do away the privileges of our members of trial before the Society, or by a committee, and of an appeal. (5) They shall not appropriate the produce of the Book Concern to any purpose other than for the benefit of the travelling, supernumerary, superannuated, and worn-out preachers, their wives, widows, and children : provided, never- 30 GENERAL CONFERENCE. [Part IT. i I theless, that, upon the joint recommendation of three-fourths of the Quarterly Meeting Confer- ences throughout our Church (Mission Stations excepted), the question being carried in each of these by a majority of three-fourths of the mem- bers present, then the General Conference shall have power, by a majority of three-fourths, to alter any matter or point embraced in the fore- going restrictions, according as the same may have been recommended aforementioned. (6) No new rule or regulation, or alteration of any rule or regulation now in force respecting our temporal economy — such as the building of meeting houses ; the order to be observed there- in ; the allowance to the ministers and preachers, their widows and children ; the raising annual supplies for the propagation of the Gospel (the Missions excepted) ; for the making up the allowances of the preachers, etc. — shall be consid- ered of any force or authority until such rule, regulation, or alteration, shall have been approved by three-fourths of all the Quarterly Meeting Conferences throughout the connexion. (7) Nor shall any new rule, regulation or alter- ation, respecting the doctrines of our Church, the rights and privileges of our local preachers and members, — such as the receiving persons on trial and into full connexion ; the conditions on which they shall retain their membership ; the manner of bringing to trial, finding guilty, and reproving, Ch. i, § 2.] GENERAL CONFERENCE. 31 suspending, or excluding disorderly persons from society and church privileges ; — have any force or authority until laid before the Quarterly Con- ferences, and approved as aforesaid. (8) Tliat all matters of legislation which may proceed from the Greneral Conference upon which the action of the Quarterly Meeting Conferences is requested, shall be laid before each Quarterly Meeting Conference as early, at least, as the third Quarterly Meeting of the Conference year ; but the decisi(Hi thereon shall not be taken be- fore the next ensuing Quarterly Meeting Confer- ence, and the Presiding Elder shall report the result of the same to the Bishop, who, if it be in the affirmative, shall announce it as the law of the Church at the next ensuing Conferences. 8. The First General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Canada shall be held the last Wednesday in August, 1830, in Belleville, and henceforward one iti. four years, at such time and in such places as shall be fixed on by the General Conference, from time to time ; but the General Superintendent, with or by the advice of the Annual Conferences, or, if there be no General Superintendent, Annual Conference, or Conferences, respectively, shall have power to call a General ConiEerence, if they judge it necessary, at any time. 9. To defray the expenses of the delegates composing the General Conference, a collection 32 ANNUAL CONFERENCES. [Part II. shall be taken up in each Circuit and Station, some time previous to the sitting of the Con- ference, and the sums so collected shall be brought up to the General Conference, and ap- plied to the object therein contemplated, in pro- portion to the expenses of the several delegates. ■7 y;\ SECTION III. 0/ the Annual Conferences, ■-> ' Ques. 1. How many Annual Conferences shall there be ? Ana. There shall be three Annual Conferences — namely, Niagara, Ontario, and Bay of Quinte. Q. 2. Who shall attend the Aimual Confer- ences 1 ■•■ A. All the travelling preachers who are in full connexion, and those who are to be received into full connexion. > Q. 3. Who shall appoint the times of holding ^he Annual Conferences ? f A. The Bishop ; but he shall allow each An- nual Conference to sit a week at least. Q. 4. Who shall appoint the places of holding the Annual Conferences I ? ' • A. Each Annual Conference shall appoint the place of its own sittings. Q. 5. What is the method wherein we usually projaedin the Annual Conferences? m < k Ch. i, § 3.] ANNUAL CONFERENCES. 33 ri A. We inquire, — T '^-^ -^'^^ ; V/ 1. What preachers are admitted on trial? 2. Who remain on trial! • 5';jij t -rj fV .- 1 3. Who are admitted into full connexion 1 r-- 4. Who are the deacons ? u»-.»#;ii i^i .a, .y 5. Who have been elected and ordained elders this year 1 - , - •'^•. - .K 6. Who have been elected by the Ge^neral Conference to exercise the Episcopal office, and superintend the Methodist Episcopal Church in Canada? ,;- • , 7. Who have located this year I ' i^V - h ' 8. Who are the supernumeraries ?* ■ 9. Who are the superannuated or worn-out preachers ? 10. Who have been expelled from the Con-/ nexion this year ? 11. Who have withdrawn from the Connexion this year 1 12. Are all the preachers blameless in life and conversation? f 13. Who have died this year ? 'mvi '" 14. What numbers are in Society ? «'>f^-'v 16. What has been collected for the con- tingent expenses for making up the allowances of the preachers ? . 10. How has this been expended ? i¥i . ^*»v * A supernumerary preacher is one so worn out iu the itinerant service as to be rendered incapable of preaching constantly ; but at the same time is williny^ to do any work in the ministry which the Conference may direct and his strength enable him to perform. i \ 34 ANNUAL CONFERENCES. [Part II. -%-, 17. Where are the preachers stationed this yearl 18. Where and when shall our next Confer- ence be held ? Q. 6. Is there any other business to be done in the Annual Conferences ? A. 1. The electing and ordaining of deacons and elders. 2. To provide for the appointment of a secre- tary to register baptisms. Q, 7. Are there any other directions to be given concerning the Ajmual Conferences ? A. 1. A record of the proceedings of each Annual Conference shall be kept by a secretary, chosen for that purpose, and shall be signed by the President and Secretary : and let a copy of the said record be sent to the General Con- ference. ? K 2. Every Annual Conference has full liberty to adopt and recommend such plans and rules as to them may appear necessary the more effec- tually to raise supplies for the respective allow- ances. Each Axmual Conference is authorised to raise a fund, subject to its own control, and under such regulations as its wisdom may direct, for the relief of the travelling, superan- nuated, and supernumerary preachers, their wives, widows, and children. ^.^^ ■ ■'■■>\ Ch. i, § 4.] DISTRICT CONFERENCES. 35 SECTION IV. The District Conferences, ' Ques. 1. What direction shall be given con- cerning local preachers 1 Ana. 1. There shall be held annually in each Presiding Elder's District, a District Conference, of which all the local preachers in the • District, who shall have been licensed two years," shall be members ; and of which the Presiding Elder of the District, for the time being, shall be Presi- dent ; or, in case of his absence, the Conference shall have authority to elect a President pro tern. It shall be the duty of the Presiding Elder of each District to appoint the time and place of the first Conference, after which the Presiding Elder shall appoint the time, and the Conference the place, of its own sitting ; Provided, that if any District Conference shall refuse or neglect to hold its regular sessions, then the Quarterly Meeting Conference of the Circuits and Stations respectively shall have authority to transact the business of the District Conference. 2. The District Conference shall receive its members by vote, and prescribe a course of study for its candidates. 3. The District Conference shall have authority to license proper persons to preach, and renew their license annually, when, in the judgment of 1 1 36 DISTRICT CONFERENCES. [Part II. t the said Conference, their gifts, grace, and use- fulness, will warrant such renewal ; to recom- mend suitable candidates to the Annual Confer- ence for deacon's or elder's orders, in the local coixnection, and to try, suspend, expel, or acquit any local preacher in the District against whom charges may be brought ; Provided, that no person shall be licensed or recommended for ad- mission into the travelling connection without being first recommended by the Quarterly Con- ference of the Circuit or Station to which he belongs ; nor shall any one be licensed to preach, or recommended to the Annual Conference for ordination, without first being examined in the District Conference on the subjects of doctrine and discipline. h< 4. The District Conference shall take cogni- zance of all the local preachers in the District, and shall enquire into the gifts, labors and use- fulness of each preacher by name. ^ '^ 5. When charges are preferred against any local preacher, it shall be the duty of the preacher in charge to call a committee consisting of three or more local preachers within the Station, Circuit, or District, before whom it shall be the duty of the accused to appear, and by whom he shall be acquitted, or, if found guilty, be suspended until the meeting of the next Dis- trict Conference, and the preacher in charge shall cause exact minutes of the charges, testi- Ch. i, § 4.] DISTRICT CONFERENCES. 37 mony, and examination, together with the deci- sion of the committee, to be laid before the Dis- trict Conference, where it shall be the duty of the accused to appear. And the President of the said District Conference shall, at the com- mencement of the trial, appoint a secretary, who shall take down regular minutes of the evidence and proceedings of the trial ; which minutes, when read and approved, shall be signed by the said President, and also by the members of the said District Conference, or by a majority of them. And, in case of condemnation, the local preacher, deacon, or elder, condemned, shall be allowed an appeal to the next Annual Confer- ence ; Providedf that he signify to the said Dis- trict Conference his determination to appeal ; in which case, the said President shall lay the minutes of the trial above mentioned before the said Annual Conference at which the local preacher, deacon, or elder, so appealing, may appear : and the said Annual Conference shall judge and finally determine from the minutes of the said trial so laid before them. 6. "When a local elder or deacon shall be ex- pelled, the President of the Conference shall require of him the credentials of his ordination, to be filed with the papers of the Annual Con- ference within the limits of which the expulsion has taken place. And should he at any future time produce to the Annual Conference a certi- 38 DISTRICT CONFERENCES. [Part II, ficate of his restoration, signed by the President, and countersigned by the Secretary of the Dis- trict Conference, his credentials shall be restored to him. ^'''»*'^ ■■'! • ;/ •-;:•=*'•,■ ■■ « -^'i'l'V.:..'!: ',.' 7. A licensed local preacher shall be eligible to the office of deacon, after he has preached for four years from the time he received a regular license, and has obtained a testimonial from the District Conference to which he belongs, after proper examination, signed by the President and countersigned by the Secretary, and his character has passed in examination before, and he has obtained the approbation of the Annual Confer- ence. The time a man has had license to preach in any orthodox denomination may be allowed. 8. A local deacon shall be eligible to the office of an elder after he has preached four years from the time he was ordained a deacon, and received a recommendation from the District Conference of which he is a member, certifying his qualification in doctrine, talents, and useful- ness, signed by the President and countersigned by the Secretary. He shall, if he cannot attend, send to the Annual Conference such recommend- ation, and a note certifying his belief in the doctrine and Discipline of our Church : the whole being examined by the Annual Conference, and if approved, he may be ordained ; Provided^ nevertheless, no slaveholder shall be eligible to the office of an elder or deacon, where the laws t Ch. i) § 4.] DISTRICT CONFERENCES. 39 will admit of emancipation, and permit the lib- erated slave to enjoy freedom. 9. Every local elder, deacon and preacher shall have his name recorded on a journal of the Quarterly Meeting Conference of which he is a member, and shall have his name enrolled on a claas paper, and meet in class — if the distance of his place of residence from any class be not too great — and fill the work assigned him by the preacher in charge and approved by the Quar- terly Conference ; or, in neglect thereof, the District Conference may deprive him of his ministerial office. -^^y ni^u.. :..«>- Whenever a local preacher shall remove from one Circuit to another, he shall procure from the Presiding Elder of the District, or the preacher having the charge of the Circuit, a certificate of his official standing in the Church at the time of his removal, without which he shall not be received as a local preacher in other places. No preacher among us shall use, make, or sell intoxicating liquors, except for medicinal, me- chanical, or sacramental purposes, without for- feiting his official standing. 10. Whenever a local preacher fills the place of a travelling preacher, by the approbation of the Presiding Elder, he shall be paid for his time a sum proportional to the allowance of a travel- ling preacher ; which sum shall be paid by the Circuit at the next Quarterly Meeting, if the 40 DISTRICT CONFERENCES. [Part II. travelling preacher, whose place he filled up, were either sick or necessarily absent ; or, in other cases, out of the allowance of the travelling preacher. 11. If a local preacher be distressed in his tempoial circumstances, on account of his ser- vice in the Circuit, he may apply to the Quar- terly Meeting Conference, who may give him what reUef they judge proper, after the allow- ance of the travelling preachers, and of their wives, and all other regular allowances ar dis- charged. I- Quea, 2. What directions shall be given con- cerning District Conferences 1 Ana, In addition to the regular District Meeting, there shall be held annually in each District a District Conference, composed of all the tra\ elling and local preachers and two dele- gates from each Circuit, Mission, or Station throughout the District, said delegates to be elected by the Quarterly Conference. The Pre- siding Elder of each District shall fix the time and place for the first District Conference, after which he shall fix the time and the Conference the place, and he shall preside over the delibera- tions. In his abi^ence, the Conference e^all elect a travelling elder President pro tern. Quea. 3. What shall be the duties of this Dis- trict Conference 1 Ans. 1. To take the general oversight of the affairs of the District. \ Ch. i, § 4.1 Qyi^RT:^RLY conferences. 41 2. To recommend suitable candidates for reception into the Annual Conference, on trial in the itinerancy; Provided, no person shall be recommended to the Annual Conference without receiving a recommendation from the Quarterly- Conference of which he is a member. The above provision to apply only where no Local Preach- ers* Conference is held. 3. To give special attention to Sabbath-School work and to look after misirion and church extension work in the District. , ^^ 4. To provide literary and other exercises during its own sittings. f y^/v \ ^> The Qtmrterly Cwtferences, Ques, 1. Of whom shall the Quarterly Confer- ences be composed 1 - Ans. Of all travelling and local preachers, exhorters, stewards, and leaders of the Circuit or Station, and trustees of churches in the Cir- cuit or Station, and male superintendents of our Sabbath-Schools, being members of the Church, and approved by the Quarterly Conference. Ques, 2. How shall the minutes of the Quar- terly Conference be kept "i Ans. The Quarterly Conference shall appoint a secretary to take down the proceedings thereof, in a book kept by one of the stewards of the Circuit for that purpose. w 42 QUARTERLY CONFERENCES. [Part II. Order of Business in the Qiuirterly Meeting Conferences, >•'■ ("iJJis:*.* ■ 1. Organization. 2. Devotional exercises. 3. Appoint Secretary. 4. Approve of Sabbath-School Superintend- ents. 5. Call the roll of members. 6. Business to be inquired into — (1^ Are there any complaints 1 (2) Are there any appeals 1 * (3) Are there any reports 1 — Sa) From the pastor. b) From the trustees, (c) From committees — Finance committee ; - On Church records ; .-^ On parsonage .»ind furniture. 7. What amounts hr^vo been apportioned to be raised by this charge thh year 1 (!) For pastor's salary. /2) For pastor's moving expenses. (3) For Episcopal Fund. ^4) For support of Presiding Elder. (5) For Superannuated Fund. 8. What amount has been raised during the quarter for the support of the ministry, and how has it been applied ? \ Ch. i, § 4.] QUARTERLY tJONPERENCESx 43 (1) Onsalaiy. "' " (2^ By public collection. (3) From other sources. Applied — (1) On pastor's salary. (2) On Presiding Elder's claim. (3) For Episcopal Fund. ^ 9. Who shall constitute the disciplinary com- mittees 1 (1) Finance Committee. ;, (2) On Church records, (3) On parsonage and furniture. (4) On miscellaneous matters. 10. Who shall ^e the stewards for the ensu- ing year 1 11. Who are the trustees 1 12. Have any vacancies occurred in trustee boards 1 ! 13. Have the claims of the Presiding Elders and the Episcopal Fund been met 1 14. What has been raised for the Colleges 1 15. Have the General Rules been read this quarter ? 16. Examination of character and renewal of licenses. ■v.. '.' ||P QUARTBRLY CONPERENCi;^. [Part II. 17. Are there any recommendations? (1) For license. (2) For the itinerancy. (3) For orders. 18. Will you grant your pastor a certificate of general acceptability ? 19. What is the value of your Church prop- erty? , /^ A ■;ii'')'S'^it- ■1 n i^ nnt '\) 'Mi; i.A^M) Ikni^ la^d^ A( V ^ ' I ■. /T" t ' 'f*- . ..f .. ^^ CHAPTER II. SECTION I. — ^THE MINISTRY. i V -> » i 7 he Call and Examination of Those who Think They a/re moved hy the Holy Ghost to Preach. "j^ " .'A Qttes. How shall we try those who profess to be moved by the Holy Ghost to preach 1 Ans. 1. Let the following be asked : Do they know God as a pardoning God 1 Have they the love of God abiding in them 1 Do they desire nothing but God 1 And, are they holy in all manner of conversation ? 2. Have they gifts, as well as grace, for the work 1 Have they, in some tolerable degree, a clear, sound understanding-a right judgment in the things of God ; a just conception of sal- vation by faith ? And, has God given them any degree of utterance? Do they speak justly, readily, clearly 1 3. Have they fruit? Are any truly con- vinced of sin and converted to God by their preaching 1 46 THE MINISTRY. [Part II. c Afi long as these three marks concur in any one, we believe he is called of God to preach. These we receive as sufficient proof that he is moved by the Holy Ghost. SECTION II. Of the Rules for a Preacher^s Conduct, Qties, 1. What are the directions given to a preacher? Ans, 1. Be diligent. Never be unemployed ; never be triflingly employed ; never trifle away ' time, neither spend any more time at any place than is strictly necessary. 2. Be serious. Let your motto be, "ffoUneas to the Lord" Avoid all lightness, jesting, and foolish talking. 3. Converse sparingly and conduct yourselves prudently with women. 1 Tim. v. 2. 4. Take no steps towards marriage without first consulting with your brethren. 6. Believe evil of no one without goodr evi- dence; unless you see it done, take heed how you credit it. Put the best construction on everything. You know the judge is always supposed to be on the prisoner's side. 6. Speak evil of no one ; because your word, especially, would eat as doth a canker. Keep \,: Ch. ii, § 2.] preacher's conduct. your tlioughts within your own breast, till you come to the person concerned. 7. Tell every one under your care what you think wrong in his conduct and temper, and that lovingly and plainly, as soon as may be, else it will fester in your heart. Make all haste to cast the fire out of your bosom. 8. Avoid all affectation. A preacher of the Gospel is the servant of all. 9. Be ashamed of nothing but sin. 10. Be punctual. Do everything exactly at the time. And do not mend our rales, but keep them ; not for wrath, but conscience' sake. 11. You have nothing to do but to save souls ; therefore, spend and be spent in this work ; and . go always, not only to those that want you, but to those that want you most. Observe ! it is not only your business to preach so many times, and to take care of this or that Society, but to save as many as you can ; to bring as many sinners as you can to repentance^ and with all your power, to build them up in that holiness without which they cannot see the Lord. And remember ! a Methodist preacher is to mind every point, great and small, in the Methodist Discipline ! Therefore, you will need to exercise all the sense and grace you have. 12. Act in all things, not according to your own will, but as a son in the Gospel. As such, it is your duty to employ your time in the 48 DUTY OP PREACHERS. [Part II. 14 II I manner which we direct ; in preaching and visiting from house to house ; in reading, medi- tation and prayer. Above all, if you labor with us in the Lord's vineyard, it is needful you should do that part of the work which we advise, at those times and places v^hich we judge most for His glory. ' * Que^. 2. Are there any smaller advices which might be of use to us ? ^ Ans. Perhaps these : 1. Be sure never to dis- appoint a congregation. 2. Begin at the time appointed. 3. Let your whole deportment be serious, weighty, and solemn. 4. Always suit your subject to your audience. 5. Choose the plainest texts you can. 6. Take care not to ramble, but keep to your text, and make out what you take in hand. 7. Take care of any- thing awkward or affected, either in your ges- tures, phrase, or pronunciation. Do not usually pray, extempore, above eight or ten minutes (at most) without intermission. 9. Frequently read and enlarge upon a portion of Scripture ; and let young preachers often exhort without taking a text. 10. Alwa}'S avail yourself of the great festivals, by preaching on the occasio \. r SECTION Hi. Of the Duty of Preachers to God, Themselves, ani One Another. Ques. 1. What is the duty of a preacher ? tm^ Ch. ii., § 3.] DUTY OP PREACHERS. # Ans. \. To preach. -''•' ;■"■ > 2. To meet the societies and classes. 3. To visit the sick. 4. To preach in the morning, where he can get hearers. We recommend morning preaching — at five o'clock in the summer, and six in the . winter — wherever it is practicable. Qu^. 2. How shall the preacher be qualified for his charge 1 Ana. By walking closely with God, and having His work greatly at heart ; and by understand- ing and loving discipline, ours in particular. Q. 3. Do we sufficiently watch over each other? A. We do not. Should we not frequently ask each other, Do you walk closely with Grod ? Have you now fellowship with the Father and the Son ? At what hour do you rise 1 Do you punctually observe the morning and evening , hour of retirement 1 Do you spend the day in the manner which the Conference advises ? Do you converse seriously, usefully, and closely ? To be more particular : Do you use all the means of grace yourself, and enforce the use of them on all other persons ? They are either instituted or prudential. I. The instituted are — 1. Prayer — private, family, and public ; con- sisting of deprecation, petition, intercession, and thanksgiving. Do you use each of these ? Do 50 DUTY OP PREACHERS. [Part II. you forecast daily, wherever you are, to secure time for private devotion ? Do you practise it everywhere 1 Do you ask everywhere, Have you family prayer 1 Do you ask individuals. Do you use private prayer, every morning and even- ing in particular ? 2. Searching the Scriptures, by (1) ileading : constantly, some part of every day ; regularly, all the Bible in order ; carefully, with notes; seriously, with prayer before and after ; fruitfully, immediately practising what you learn there. ' x (2) Meditating ; at set times, by rule. (3) Hearing ; every opportunity. With prayer, before, at, after. Have you a Bible always about you ? 3. The Lord's Supper : do you use this at every opportunity ; with solemn prayer before ? With earnest and deliberate self-devotion ? 4. Fasting : do you use as much abstinence and fasting every week as your health, strength, and labor will permit 1 5. Christian conference : are you convinced how important and how difficult it is to order your conversation aright ? Is it always in grace ? Seasoned with salt 1 Meet to minister grace to the hearers ? Do you not converse too long at a time 1 Is not an hour commonly enough ? Would it not be always well to have a determi- • /-• Ch, ii, § 3.] DUTY OF PREACHERS. 51 nate end in view? And to pray before and after itl II. Prudential means we may use, either as Christians, as Methodists, or as preachers. 1. As Christians : what particular rules have you in order to grow in grace 1 What arts of holy living 1 2. As Methodists : do you never miss your class 1 3. As preachers : have you thoroughly con- sidered your duty 1 And do you make a con- science of executing every part of it 1 Do you meet every Society ? Also the leaders ? These means may be used without fruit. But there are some means which cannot — namely, watching, denying ourselves, taking up our cross, exercise of the presence of God. 1. Do you steadily watch against the world 1 yourself? your besetting sin ? 2. Do you deny yourself every useless pleasure ol sense ? imagination 1 honor J Are you tem- perate in all things ? Instance in food. 1. Do you use only that kind and that degree which is best both for body and soul ? Do you see the necessity of this 1 2. Do you eat no more at each meal than is necessary 1 Are you not heavy or drowsy after dinner ? 3. Do you use only that kind and that degree of drink which is best both for your body and soul 1 4. Do you choose and use water for your common drink ] 52 DUTY OP PREACHERS. [Part 11. And only take wine medicinally or sacrainent- allyl 3. Wherein do you take up your cross daily 1 Do you cheerfully bear vour cross, however griev- ous, to profit thereby ] 4. Do you endeavor to set God always before you? To see his eye continually fixed upon you ? Never can you use these means but a blessing will ensue. And the more you use them the more you will grow in grace. .r . ( -, '■ SECTION IV. ■>'■•*■■.■■(- .: ,, !','■ Of Em/ploying our Time Profitably when we are not Travelling , or Engaged in Public Exercises. ^ Ques. 1. What general method of employing our time shall we advise ? Ans, We advise you, 1. As often as possible to rise at four, 2. From four to five in the morning, and from five to six in the evening, to meditate, pray, and read the Scriptures with notes, and the closely practical parts of what Mr. Wesley has published. 3. From six in the morning till twelve (allowing an hour for break- fast), read, with much prayer, some of our best religious tracts. Q. 2. Why is it that the people under our care are not better ? Ch. ii, § 6.] DUTY OP PREACHERS. 53 use A. Other reasons may concur, but the chief is, because we are not more knowing and more holy. Q, 3. But why are we not more knowing ? A. Because we are idle. We forget our first rule, " Be diligent. Never be unemployed. Never be triflingly employed. Neither spend any more time at any place than is strictly necessary." We fear there is altogether a fault in this matter, and that few of us are clear. Which of us spends as many hours a day in God's work as we did formerly in man's work 1 We talk, talk — or read what comes next to hand. We must, absolutely must, cure this evil or betray the cause of God. But how 1 1. Bead the most useful books, and that regularly and constantly. 2. Steadily spend all the morning in this employment, or at least five hours in four and twenty. " But I have no taste for reading." *^ Contract a taste for it by use, or return to your former employment. "But I have no books." Be diligent to spread the books, and you will have the use of them. SECTION v. Of the Necessity of Union among Ourselves, Let us be deeply sensible (from what we have known) of the evil of a division in principle, spirit, or practice, and the dreadful conse- 54 DUTY OF PREACHERS. [Part II. quences to ourselves and others. If we are united, what can stand before us? If we divide, we shall destroy ourselves, the work of God, and the souls of our people. ? fv y Ques. What can be done in order to a closer union with each other? -* "- A. I. Let us be deeply convinced of the abso- lute necessity of it. ''"y 2. Pray earnestly for, and speak freely to, each other. • ' ^ " - 3. When we meet, let us never part without prayer. 4. Take great care not to despise each other's gifts. 6. "N'ever speak lightly of each other. 6. Let us defend each other's character in everything, so far as is consistent with the truth. 7. Labor in honor, each to prefer the other before himself. 8. We recommend a serious perusal of the causes, evils, and cures of the heart and Church divisions. SECTION VI. Of the Matter and Manner of Preaching, '''I K Ques. What is the best general method of preaching? y S Ch. ii, § 7.] DUTY OP PREACHERS. 55 Awi, 1. To convince ; 2. To offer Christ ; 3. To invite ; 4. To* build up ; and to do this in some measure in every sermon. Q, 2. What is the most effectual way of preaching Christ 1 A, The most effectual way of preaching Christ is to preach him in all his offices, and to declare his law, as well as his Gospelj to believ- ers and unbelievers. Let us strongly insist upon inward and outward holiness in all its branches. SECTION VII. Tff B/ideB hy which We should Continue or Desist from Preaching at any Place. Ques. Is it advisable for us to preach in as many places as we can, without forming any societies ? Ans. By no means. Nevertheless, no appoint- ment shall be discontinued without the concur- rence of the Quarterly Conference and the preacher in charge. Q, 2. Where shall we endeavor to preach most ? A, \, Where there is the greatest number of quiet, willing hearers. 2. Where there is most fruit. Q. 3. Ought we not diligently to observe in what places God is pleased at any time to pour out His Spirit more abundantly 1 56 DUTY OP PREACHERS. [Part II. A. We ought. And, at that time, to send more laborers than usual into that pait of the harvest. ^ m' SECTION VIII. f* Of Visiting from Hm'se to House, Guarding against those Things that are so Common to ProfessoTSy and enforcing Practical Religion. Ques. 1. How can we farther assist those under our care ? Ans. 1. By instructing them at their own houses. What unspeakable need is there of this ! The world says, " The Metlwdists are no better than other people,^* This is not true in general ; but, 1. Personal religion, either towards God or man, is too superficial among us. We can but just touch on a few particulars. How little faith is there amongst us ! How little communion with God I how little living in heaven, walking in eternity, deadness to every creature ! How much love of the world ! desire of pleasure, of ease, of getting money ! How little brotherly love ! What continual judging one another ! What gossiping, evH-speaking, tale-bearing ! What want of moral honesty ! To instance only one particular — who does as he would be done by, in buying and seUing 1 ,2. FamUy religion is wanting in many branches. And what avails public preaching Ch. ii, § 8.] DUTY OF PREACHERS. 57 alone, though we could preach like angels ? We must, yea, every travelling preacher must, in- struct the people from house to house. Till this be done, and that in good earnest, the Method- ists will be no better. Our religion is not sufficiently deep, universal, uniform ; but superficial, partial, uneven. It will be so till we spend half as much time in this visiting as we now do in talking uselessly. Can we find a, better method of doing this than Mr. Baxter's ? If not, let us adopt it without delay. His whole tract, entitled *' G'ildas ^alvi- anus" is well worth a careful perusal. Speaking of this visiting from house to house, he says (p. 351) : " We shall find many hindrances, both in ourselves and the people." 1. In ourselves there is much dullness and laziness, so that there will be much ado to get us to be faithful in the work. 2. We have a base, man-pleasing temper, so that we let them perish rather than lose their love : we let them go quietly to hell, lest we should offend them. 3. Some of us have a foolish bashfulness. We know not how to begin, and blush to contradict the devil. 4. But the greater hindrance is weakness of faith. Our whole motion is weak, because the spring of it is weak. 5. Lastly, we are unskilful in the work. How few know how to deal with m.en, so as to get 58 DUTY OP PREACHERS. [Part II. ijrithin them, and suit all our discourse to their several conditions and tempers : To choose the fittest subjects and follow them with a holy mixture of seriousness, terror, love, and meek- ness. But undoubtedly this private application is implied in those solemn words of the apostle : •* I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing, preach the word ; be instant in season : reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long- suffering." O, brethren, if we could but set this work on foot in all our societies, and prosecute it zealously, what giory would redound to God ! If the common lukewarmness were banished, and every shop, and every house busied in speaking of the word and works of God, surely God would dwell in our habitations and make us his de- light. And this is absolutely necessary to the welfare of our people, some of whom neither repent nor believe to this day. Look around, and see how many of them are still in apparent danger of damnation. And how can you walk, and talk, and be merry with such people, when you know their case? When you look them in the face, you should break forth into tears, as the prophet did when he looked upon Hazael, and then set on them with the most vehement exhortations. O, Z' Ch. ii, § 8.] DUTY OP PREACHERS. 59 for God's sake, and the sake of poor souls, bestir yourselves, and spare no pains that may conduce to their salvation. What cause have we to bleed before the Lord that we have so long neglected this good work ! If we had but engaged in it sooner, how many more might have been brought to Christ % And how much holier and happier might our societies have been before now ! and why might we not have done it sooner 1 There were many hind- rances, and so there always will be. But the greatest hindrance is in ourselves, in our little- ness of faith and love. But it is objected, 1. " This will take up so much time, we shall not have leisure to follow our studies." We answer, 1. Gaining knowledge is a good thing, but saving souls is a better. 2. By this very thing we will gain the most excellent knowledge — ^that of God and eternity. 3. You will have time for gaining other knowledge, too. Only sleep not more than you need, " and never be idle or triflingly employed." But, 4. If you can do bufc one, let your studies alone. We ought to throw away all the libraries in the world, rather than be guilty of the loss of one soul. It is objected, II. " The people will not sub- mit to it." If some will not, others will. And the success with them will repay all your labor. O, let us herein follow the example of St. Paul. 60 DUTY OP PREACHERS. [Part II. 1. For our general business, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind ; 2. Our special work, 2^ake heed to yourselves, and to all the Jlock ; 3. Our doctrine, Repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ ; 4. The place, / have taught you publicly, and from house to house ; 5. The object and manner of teaching, / ceased not to wa/rn every one, night and day, with tears ; 6. His innocence and self-denial herein, / have coveted no man^s silver or gold ; 7. His patience, Neither count 1 my life dear unto myself. And among all other motives, let these be ever before our eyes : 1. The Church of God, which he hath purchased vnth his oum blood. 2. Grievous wolves shall enter in ; yea, of yourselves shall msn arise, speaking perverse things. Write this upon your hearts, and it will do you more good than twenty- years' study. Then you will have no time to spare : you will have work enough. Then likewise no preacher will stay with us who is as salt that has lost its savor. For to such this employment would be mere drudgery. And in order to it, you will have need of all the knowledge you can procure, and grace you can attain. The sum is, go into every house in course, and teach every one therein, young and old, to be Christians inwardly and outwardly ; make every particular plain to their understandings ; fix it in their minds ; write it on their hearts. Ch. ii, § 8.] DUTY OP PREACHERS. 61 In order to this, there must be line upon line, precept upon precept. What patience, what love, what knowledge, is requisite for this ! We must needs do this, were it only to avoid idle- ness. Do we not loiter away many hours in every week 1 Each try himself. No idleness is consistent with a growth in grace. Nay, without exactness in redeeming time, you can- not retain the grace you received in justifica- tion. Q. 2. Why are we not more holy 1 Why do we not live in eternity? Walk with God all the day long? Why are we not all devoted to God ] Breathing the whole spirit of mission- aries 1 A. Chiefly because we are enthusiasts ; look- ing for the end without using the means. To touch only upon two or three instances : who of us rises at four, or even at five, when we do not preach 1 Do we know the obligation or benefit of fasting or abstinence 1 How often do we practise it 1 The neglect of this alone is suf- ficient to account for our feebleness and faint- ness of spirit. We are continually grieving the Holy Spirit of God by the habitual neg- glect of a plain duty. Let us amend from this hour. Q. 3. How shall we guard against Sabbath- breaking, evil-speaking, unprofitable conversa- tion, lightness, expensiveness, or gaiety of ap- 62 PREACHERS ON TRIAL. [Part II. / parel, and contracting debts without due care to discharge them % A. 1. Let us preach expressly on each of these heads. 2. Kead in every Society the sermon on evil-speaking 3 Le i the leaders closely ex- amine ^nc^ € ^ ■♦T , \c:'j person to put away the accursed th^ii, t Let the preachers warn every Society tn t no who is guilty herein can remain with us. 5. Extirpate buying or selling goods, which have not paid the duty laid on them by Government, out of our Church. Let none remain with us who will not abstain from this evil in every kind and degree. Extirpate bribery, receiving anything, directly or indi- rectly, for voting at any election. Show no respect to persons herein, but expel all that touch the accursed thing. And strongly advise our people to discountenance all treats given by candidates before or at elections, and not be partakers, in any respect, of such iniquitous practices. SECTION IX. Of the Method of Receiving Travelling Preachers on Trial, Ques, How is a preacher to be received on trial t Ana. 1. By tile Annual Conference. \ /- Ch. ii' § 9. 1 PP EACHERS ON TRIAL. 63 2. But no one shall be 'eceived unless he first procure a recommendation from the Quarterly Conference of his Circuit or Stal-ion. We may, then, i^ h. give us satisfaction, receive him on trial. And before any such candidate is re- ceived into full connexion, or ordained deacon or elder, he shall give satisfactory evidence respect- ing his knowledge of those particular subjects which have been recommended to his considc a tion. When a preacher's name is not printed ^ > i?q minutes, he must receive a written license fro. . a Bishop or Presiding Elder. Observe ! taking on trial is entirely di^e/ent from admitting a preacher into full connexion. One on trial may be either admitted or rejected without doing him any wrong ; otherwise, it would be no trial at all. At each Annual Conference, those who are received on trial, or are admitted into full con- nexion, shall be asked whether they are willing to devote themselves to the missionary work ; the names of all those who are willing to do so shall be taken, and shall be considered as ready and willing to be employed as missionaries when- ever called for by a Bishop.* If a preacher absent himself from his Circuit without leave of the Presiding Elder, the Pre- * This clause relates to foreifj^n missions, or missions beyond the bounds of the regular work. 64 PREACHERS ON TRIAL. [Part II. siding Elder shall, as far as possible, fill his place with another preacher, who shall be paid for his labor out of the allowance of the absent preacher, in proportion to the usual allowance. Every travelling preacher shall produce to the Conference with which he stands connected, a certificate from the Quarterly Meeting Confer- ence of the Circuit or Station on which he may have labored the past year, according to the fol- lowing form : To the Annual Conference in Conference assembled: '* This is to certify that A B , Preacher on N Circuit, has labored in his capacity to general acceptability on the same during the past Conference year. "By order of the Quarterly Meeting Conference, N Circuit. *'C D , ** Recording Steward J" And in case of the preacher failing to obtain such certificate, ho shall not be reappointed to the same Circuit or Station the ensuing year. Should he thus fail three years in succession, he must retire from the work of an itinerant minister ; unless, upon investigation of the causes of such failures, the Conference should see fit to retain him. in the work. Nevertheless, it is expected that to give effect to the above rule, the Circuits exercising it will take care to provide for the support of their preachers. Oh. ii, § 10.] TRAVBLLINO PREACHERS. SECTION X. Of Receiving Travelling Preachers into Full Connection. Qv.ea. 1. What method do we use in receiving a preacher at the Conference into full connexion ? Ana. 1. After solemn fasting and prayer, every person proposed shall then be asked, be- fore the Conference, the following questions (with any others which may be thought neces- sary) — namely, Have you faith in Christ ? Are you going on to perfection ? Do you expect to be made perfect in love in this life 1 Are you groaning after it ? Are you resolved to devote yourself wholly to God and his work ? Do you know the rules of Society 1 Do you keep them ? Do you constantly attend the sacrament 1 Have you read the form of Discipline 1 Are you will- ing to conform to it 1 Have you considered the rules of a preacher, especially, the first, tenth, and twelfth ] Will you keep them for con- science' sake ] Are you determined to employ all your time in the work of God 1 Will you endeavor not to speak too long or too loud'^ Will you diligently instruct the children in eveiy place ^ Will you visit from house to house 1 Will you recommend fasting, or abstinence, both by precept and example 1 Are you in debt? 66 OTHER MINISTERS. [Part II. Then, if he give us satisfaction, after he has been employed two successive years in the itin- erant work on Circuits, in Stations, or in our institutions of learning, which is to commence from his being received on trial at the Annual Conference, and examined by the President of the Conference, he may be received into full con- nexion, provided that no preacher shall be received into full connexion with an Annual Conference who uses tobacco in any form. N.B. — A missionary employed on a foreign mission may be admitted into full connexion, if recommended by the superintendent of the mission where he labors, without being present at the Annual Conference for examination ; or may be admitted to deacon's orders without the usual probation of two years. \ SECTION XI. The Reception of Ministers from other Bodies , of Christians, Ques. How shall we receive those ministers who may offer to unite with us from other bodies of Christians ? Ans. Those ministers of other evangelical Churches who may desire to unite with our Church, either as local or itinerant, may be received according to our usages, on condition Ch. ii, § 12.] CIIAROK OP CIRCUITS. 67 of their taking upon them our ordination vowh when required, without the re -imposition of hands, giving satisfaction to an Annual Con- ference of their being in orders, and of their agreement with us in doctrine, discipline, gov- ernment and usages. Whenever any such minister shall be received » he shall be furnished with a certificate signed by a Bishop in the following words — namely, This is to certify that has been received into Conference as a TraveUing Preacher (or has been admitted as a Local Preacher on Circuit), he having been ordained to the office of Deacon (or Elder, as the case may be), accord- ing to the usages of the Church, of which he has been a member or minister ; and he ia hereby authorised to exercise the functions of his office in the Methodist Episcopal Church in Canada, so long as his life and conversation are such as becometh the Gotspdl of Christ. "Given under my hand and seal at this day of , in the year of our Lord, « SECTION XII. Of the Luties of Those who have the C/iarge of Circuits. Ques. 1. What are the duties of the elder, deacon, or preacher who has the charge of a Cir- cuit ? 68 CHARGE OP CIRCUITS. [Part II. Ana. 1. To see that the other preachers in his Circuit behave well, and want nothing, and pro- vide work for the preachers in his pastoral charge, both travelling and local. To select com- mittees for the trial of accused persons, and to preside at all such trials, at arbitrations, and all trustee meetings in his charge ; or, in his ab- sence, the trustees may select their own chair- man. 2. To renew the tickets for the admission of members into love-feast quarterly. 3. To meet the stewards and leaders as often as possible. 4. To see that leaders be appointed to the classes under his charge, and to change them when necessary ; the preacher nominating and the class appointing its own leader. 5. To receive, try and expel members accord- ing to the form of discipline. 6. To hold watch-nights and love-feasts. ^ 7. To hold quarterly meetings in the absence of the Presiding Elder. 8. To take care that every Society be duly supplied with books. 9. To take an exact account of the numbers in Society, and deliver in such account to the Annual Conference, that they may be printed in the minutes. 10. To crive an account of his Circuit, every quarter, to the Presiding Elder. f^\ • - I \ I <* Ch. ii, § 12.] OHARGE OP CIRCUITS. 69 11. 1*0 overlook the accounts of all the stew- ards. 12. To raise a yearly subscription in those Circuits that can bear it, for building churches, and paying the debts of those which have been already erected. 13. To choose a committee of lay members to make a just application of the money, where it is most wanted. 14. To give special and vigorous attention to the circulation of the Canada Christian Advo- cate, and tho collection of all arrearages, and report at each Quarterly Conference the number of subscribers, as well as sums due the Advocate office. Q. 2. "What other directions shall we give him? A. Several. ' v v "70 ^ ^ 1. To take a regular catalogue of the societies in towns and cities, as they live in the streets. 2. To leave his successor a particular account of the Circuit. 3. To enforce vigorously, but calmly, all the rules of the Society. 4. To suffer no love-feast to last above an hour and a half. 5. To warn all, from time to time, that none are to remove from one Circuit to another with- out a note of recommendation from a preacher of the Circuit in these words : "A. B., the 70 CHARGE OF CIRCUITS. [Part II. V bearer, has been an acceptable member of our Church in C ;" and to inform them that, without such a certificate, they will not be received into the Church in other places j and also to give notice of such certificate and removals to the pastor of the charge to which such persons have removed. 6. To recommend everywhere decency and cleanliness. 7. To read the rules of the Society, with the aid of other preachers, once a year in every con- gregation, and once a quarter in every Society. 8. The preacher who has the charge of a Cir- cuit shall appoint prayer-meetings wherever he can in his Circuit. 9. He shall take care that a fast be held in every Societv in his Circuit on the Friday pre- ceding every quarterly meeting ; and that a mem- orandum of it be written on all the class papers. 10. To license such persons as he may judge proper to officiate as exliorters in the Church ; }*rovided, no persons shall be so licensed without the consent of the leaders' meeting, or of the class of which he is a member, where no leaders' meeting is held , and the exhorters so authorised shall be subject to the annual examination of character in the Conference, and have their license annually renewed by the Presiding Elder, or the preacher having the charge, if approved by the Quarterly Meeting Conference. Ch. ii, § 12.] CHARGE OF CIRCUITS. 71 Q. 3. What can be done to supply the Circuits during the meetings of Conference 1 A. 1. Let the appointments stand according to the plan of the Circuits. 2. Engage .as many local preachers and ex- horters as will supply them ; and let them be paid for their time in proportion to the allowance of the travelling preachers. 3. If preachers and exhorters cannot attend, let some person of ability be appointed in every Societ^?^ to sing, pray, and read one of Mr. Wes- ley's sermons. 4. But if that cannot be done, let there be prayer-meetings. u* i^un* • ::X.ks^r:SJ_ c. ' :v:'fv.!,i':'''>f^- 't^ ' 'r'-i^^'* ■:'i;«r*^-»': x». M;- > L.:„i.-i. ^ CHAPTER III, . •i^:^-^'t\^^^_ ' SECTION I. — OP BISHOPS. '-' ' ' Q/* ^/w Election and Consecration of Bishops, and '■ '\ [ ; '^ '. ^,": "^ ^>- ' of tlieir Duty. ]';r '- "■ ; ^^■.'^^■'; _/;•■;> $i^e«. 1. How is a Bishop to be constituted? Ans. By the election of the General Confer- ence, and the laying on of the hands of three Bishops, or at least of one Bishop and two elders. Q. 2. If by death, expulsion, or otherwise, there be no Bishop remaining in our Church, what shall we do ? ^ A. The General Conference shall elect a Bishop ; and the elders or any three of them, who shall be appointed by the General Confer- ence for that purpose, shall ordain him according to our form of orciination. Q. 3. What are the duties of a Bishop ? A. 1. To preside in our Conferences. 2. To fix the appointments of the preachers for the several Circuits and Stations. Never- theless, the Presiding Elders present of the An- uai Oonf'Tence shall form a committee to coun- m. y< Ch. iii, § 1.] OP BISHOPS. 73 sel and advise with him in so doing ; Provided also, that he shall not allow any preacher to remain in the same Station more than three years successively, unless by request of the Annual Conference ; except the Presiding El- ders, the editor and book agent, the supernum- erary, superannuated and worn-out preachers, missionaries among the Indians, and the presi- dents, principals, or teachers of institutions of learning, which are or may be under our super- intendence. 3. In the intervals of the Conferences, to change preachers, as necessity may require, and as the Discipline directs; Provided ^ neverthe- less, he shall not change any preacher contrary to his wish, unless by the advice of two or more members of the Annual Conference. 4. To travel through the connexion at large. 5. To oversee the spiritual and temporal business of our Church. ,6. To ordain Bishops, elders, and deacons. Q. 4. If a Bishop cease from travelling at h ;e among the people, shall he still exercise his ].|-iis- copal office among us in any degree ? A. If he cease from travelling without i.he consent of the General Conference, he sh not thereafter exercise the Episcopal office in our Church. Q. 5. How are the Districts to be formed I A . According to the judgment of the Bishop, 74 OF BISHOPS. [Part II. I i with the concurrence of the committee with whose consent the Bishop appoints the Presiding Elders. Q. 6. What shall be done when there is no Bishop to travel at large ? - A. In case there is no Bishop to travel through the Districts, and exercise the Episcopal office, on account of death or otherwise, the Districts shall be regulated in every respect by the Annual Conference and the Presiding Elders, in the interval of General Conference, ordination only excepted. ..,-. ..,.<,,...,.•-:■.>.;.,--.■.:.-■-.•.--,:.>. . v, ■■^-!^• ^*'-''ih,.^f':y>^: >.>i,;.,'^'-''. !''U, SECTION II. ■xm. 27ie Trial of a Bishojy. Ques. 1. To T^hom is a Bishop amenable for his conduct 1 Ana. To tlic General Conference, who have power to reprove, suspend, or expel him for im- proper conduct, if they think it necessary. Qties. 2. What provision shall be made for the trial of a Bishop, if he should be accused of im- morality in the interval of the General Confer- ence » A. If a Bishop be accused of immorality, three travelling elders shall call upon him, and examine him on the subject : and if the three elders verily believe that the Bishop is guilty of Ch. iii, § 2.] OF bishops. 70 the crime, they shall call to their aid two Pre- siding Elders, from two Districts in the neigh- borhood of that where the crime was committed, each of which Presiding Elders shall bring with him two elders, or an elder and a deacon. The above-mentioned nine persons shall form a con- ference to examine into the charge brought against the Bishop ; and if two-thirds of them verily believe him to be guilty of the crime laid to his charge, they shall have authority to sus- pend the Bishop till the ensuing General Con- ference, and the Districts shall be regulated in the meantime as provided in Part II. ch iv. § 1 ; but no accusation shall be received j .uinst a Bishop, except it be delivered in writing, signed by those who are to prove the crime ; and a copy of the accusation shall be given to the accused Bishop. ' ? li ; .>.i ./«-■!•,•;- .'friri; 'J .';.,:); ....-a •:>:•: '■■V ;.'•'♦'■ J-'l \ ;"•-'■.■.' CHAPTER IV. -^V ' SECTION I. — PRESIDING ELDERS. r ' Of the Presiding BlderSj and of their Duty. Ques. 1. By whom are the Presiding Elders to be chosen ? Ans. Each Annual Conference shall elect from among its members two from each District, by and with whose consent the Bishop shall ap- point the Presiding Elders. Q. 1. What are the duties of a Presiding Eldi>- ? A. i. To travel through his appointed District. 2. In the absence of the Bishop, to take charge of all the elders and deacons, travelling and local preachers, and exhorters in his Dis- trict. 3. To change preachers in his District during the intervale of the Conferences, and in the ab- sence of the Bishop, as the Discipline directs ; Provided, nevertheless, he shall not change any preacher contrary to his wish, unless by the advice of two or more members of the Annual Conference. \ ;^. Oh. iv, § 1.] PRESIDING ELDERS. 77 ^ 4. In the absence of a Bishop, to preside in the Conference ; but in case there are two or more Presiding Elders belonging to one Conference, the Bishop or Bishops, by letter or otherwise, appoint the president ; but if no appointment be made, or if the Presiding Elder appointed should not attend, the Conference shall in either of these cases elect the president by ballot, without de- bate, from among the Presiding Elders, who shall perfbrm all the duties of a Bishop, ordination excepted, within the bounds of the Annual Con- ference of which he is a member. 5. To be present, as far as practicable, at all the Quarterly Meetings ; and to call together at each Quarterly Meeting a Quarterly Meeting Conference, consisting of all the travelling and local preachers, exhorters, stewards and leaders, trustees of Church pn^perty and approved Sab- bath-school superintendents of the Circuit, to hear complaints and to receive and try appeals, and also to appoint committees, as follows : (1) on missions ; (2) on estimating pastor's salary ; (3) on Church records ; (4) or parsonage and furniture ; (5) on Sabbath-Schools. 6. To oversee the spiritual and temporal business of the Church in his District. 7. To take care that every part of our Dis- cipline be enforced in his District. 8. To attend the Bishop when present in his District ; and to give him, when absent, all 78 PRESIDING ELDERS. ; [Part II. '\ i ! necessary information, by letter, of the state of his District. Q. 3. By whom are the Presiding Elders to be stationed and changed ? A. By the Bishop, as the Discipline directs. Q. 4. How long may the Bishop allow an elder to preside in the same District ? A. For any term not exceeding four years suc- cessively, after which he shall not be appointed to the same District for six years. Should dissatisfaction exist among a majority of the preachers on any District, relative to their Presiding Elder's administration, and their ob- jection to him be stated in writing to the General Superintendent, the Elder so objected to shall not be appointed to a District the ensuing year. Q. 5. Shall the Presiding Elder have power to employ a preacher who has been rejected at a , previous Annual Conference ? A» He shall not, unless the Conference should give him liberty under certain conditions. *v CHAPTER V. .: *" « .' SECTION I. TRAVELLING ELDERS. 0/ the Election and Ordination of Travelllncf Elders f and of their Duty, Ques, 1. How is an Elder constituted?. Ana. By the election of a majority of the yearly Conference and by the laying on of the hands of a Bishop and some of the Elders that are present. > , Q. 2. What is the duty of a Travelling Elder % A. 1. To administer baptism and the Lord's Supper, and to perform the office of matrimony, and all parts of divine worship. ^ 2. To do all the duties of a travelling preacher. No Elder that ceases to travel, without the consent of the yearly Conference, certified under the hand of the President of the Conference, ex'^ept in case of sickness or debility, or other unavoidable circumstance, shall, on any account, exercise the peculiar functions of his office, or even be allowed to preach among us ; neverthe- less the final determination in all such cases is with the yearly Conference. ^f^.. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 1.1 I^|2j8 |25 Uj ■^" III^B ■ii lii |2.2 1 1.25 III 1.4 1.6 < 6" ^ I^otographic Sciences Corporation \ 4^ H>^ <^ ^ >^ ^^rl\ 23 WIST MAIN STRin WnSTIR.N.Y. MSM (716) t72-4S03 \ \ 5t.'^0^ 80 TRAYBLLIMO ELDERS. [Part II. SECTION II. >, Of tJ^e Method by which Immoral TrttvtUing' Miniatera or Freactysra sJkall he Brought to Triatf FouiuL GuiUy and Jieproved or Sus- pended in the Intervals of tlije Conference. Ques, 1. What shall be done when an Elder, deacon, or preacher is under report of being guilty of some .crime expressly forbidden in the Word of God, or of an unchristian practice, suffi- cient to exclude a person from the kingdom of grace and glory 1 Ans. Let the Presiding Elder, in the absence of a Bishop, call as many ordained travelling preachers as he shall think fit, at least three, and, if possible, bring the accused and the accuser face to face. If the person be clearly convicted, he shall be suspended from all official services in the Church till the ensuing Annual Conferenct; ; when the President shall nominate, and the Conference appoint, a court of twelve, who shall consider and determine the case by a majority vote, the Bishop or his nominee presiding. When a brother is put on his trial at the Annual Conference, before the trial proceeds, the Bishop shall appoint a committee of nine of the senior Elders present, who, with a Bishop pre- siding, shall constitute a court of appeal, to whom * For the triU of • Biihiop, lee 8«o. ii. \ Oh. y, § 2.] TRAYELLIKQ ELDERS. 81 \ the accused, if not acquitted, may refer his cause — said court to be convened before the parties interested leave the seat of Conference. But if the accused be a Presiding Elder, the preacher must call in the Presiding Elder of the neighboring District, who is required to attend and preside at the trial. If the accused and accuser cannot be brought face to face, but the supposed delinquent flees from trial, it shall be received as a presumptive proof of guilt ; and out of the mouth of two or three witnesses he shall be condemned. Never- theless, even in that case, the Annual Confer- ence shall reconsider and determine the whole matter. Q, 2. What shall be done in case of improper tempers, words, or actions 1 A, The person so offending shall be repre- hended by his senior in ofBce. Should a second transgression take place, one, two, or three min- isters or preachers are to be taken as witnesses. If he be not then cured, he shall be tried at the next Annual Conference, and, if f oui^d guilty and impenitent, shall be expelled from the Con- nexion, and his name so returned in the minutes of the Conference. Q, 3. What shall be done with those ministers or preachers who hold and disseminate, publicly or privately, doctrines which are contrary to our articles of religion 1 TRAVELLING ELDERS. [Part IL A. Let the same process be observed as in cases of gross immorsdity : but if the minister or preacher so ofiending do solemnly engage not to disseminate such erroneous doctrines in public or in private, he shall be borne with till his case be laid before the next Annual Conference, which shall determine the matter. Q. 4. What shall be done when a travelling minister is accused by three elders of the Dis- trict wherein he resides (the accusation to be in writing), of being so unacceptable, inefficient, or secular, as to be no longer useful in his work ? A. The Conference £all investigate the case, and if the complaint is well founded, and the accused will not voluntarily retire, the Confer- ence may locate him without his consent. . Provided, nevertheless, that in the above- mentioned cases of trial and conviction, an appeal to the ensuing General Conference shall be allowed, if the condemned person signify his intention to appeal at the time of his condem- nation, or at any time thereafter when he is informed thereof. In all the above-mentioned cases, it shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Ar:aual Confer- ence to keep regular minutes of the trial, in- cluding all the questions proposed to the wit- nesses, and their answers, together with the crime with which the accused is charged, the specifica- tion or specifications, and also preserve all the \ Ch. V, § 2.] TRAVELLING ELDERS. 83 documents relating to the case ; which minutes and documents, only in case of an appeal from the decision of an Annual Conference, shall ba presented to the General Conference, in evidence on the case. And in all cases, when an appeal is made and admitted by the General Confer- ence, the appellant shall either state personally or by his representative (who shall be a member of the Conference), the grounds of his appeal, showing cause why he appeals, and he shall be allowed to make his defence without interrup- tion, after which, the member, or members (the number not to exceed two) who shall be ap- pointed by the Annual Conference from whose decision the appeal is made to meet the appel- lant in the General Conference shall be heard — the appellant to have the privilege of replying to such representatives, which shall close the plead- ings on both sides. 13iis done, the appellant shall withdraw, and the Conference shall decide. \ CHAPTER VI. TRAVELLING DEACONS. TliA Election and Ordination of Travelling Deacons, and of their D'uXy, Quee, 1. How is a Travelling Deacon consti- tuted? Ans, By the election of the majority of the Annual Conference, and the laying on of the hands of a Bishop. Q, 2. What is the duty of a Travelling Deacon ? A, 1. To baptize, and perform the office of matrimony, in the absence of the elder. 2. To assist the elder in administering the Lord's Supper. 3. To do all the duties of a travelling preacher. Q. 3. What is the time of probation of a tra- velling deacon for the office of an elder ) A. Every travelling deacon shall exercise that office for two years, before he is eligible to the office of elder ; except in the case of missions, when an Annual Conference shall have authority \ Ch. vi, § 1.] TRAVELLING DEACONS. 85 to elect for the elder's office sooner, if they judge it expedient. No Deacon who ceases to travel without the consent of the Annual Conference, certified under the hand of the President of the Conference, except in case of sickness, debility, or other unavoidable circumstances, shall, on any account, exercise the peculiar functions of his office, or even be allowed to preach among us : neverthe- less, the final determination in all such cases is with the Annual Conference. CHAPTER VII. OF STEWARDS. Of tJie Qtuxlificattonf Appointment, and Duty of the Stewards of Circuits, Ques. 1. Tyhat are the qualifications necessary for Stewards? An8, Let them be men of solid piety, who both know and love the Methodist doctrine and dis- cipline, and of good natural and acquired ability to transact the temporal business. Q, 2. How are Stewards to be appointed 1 ^. To be appointed by the nomination and vote of the Quarterly Meeting Conference. Q, 3. What are the duties of Stewards ? A. To take an exact account of all the money or other provisions collected for the support of preachers in the Circuit ; to make an accurate return of every expenditure of money, whether to the preachers, the sick or the poor ; to seek the needy and distressed, in order to relieve and comfort them ; to inform the preachers of any sick or disorderly persons ; to tell the preachers what they think wrong in them ; to attend the Ch. vii, § 1.] OP STEWARDS. 87 Quarterly Meetings of their Circuit ; to give ad- vice, if asked, in planning the Circuit ; to attend committees for the application of money to churches ; to give counsel in matters of arbitra- tion ; to provide elements for the Lord's Supper ; to write circular letters to the Societies in the Circuit to be more liberal if need be ; as also to let them know, when occasion requires, the state of the temporal concerns at the last Quarterly Meeting ; and to be subject to the Bishops, the Presiding "^der of their District, and the elder, deacon, and travelling preachers of their Circuit. Q. 4. To whom are the Stewards accountable for the faithful performance of their duties ) A. To the Quarterly Meeting Conference of the Circuit or Station. Q. 5. What number of Stewards is necessary in each Circuit % , A, Not lefes than three nor more than eleven, one of whom shall be the Recording Steward. CHAPTER VIII. SECTION I. — ^THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE OHURCH. Receiving Members into the Chwrcfi, Q, How shall we prevent improper persons from insinuating themselves into the Church 1 A, No person shall be received into full mem- bership, except by certificate, who has not sus- tained a probationary relation to the Church, and attended class for six months, when the Creneral Rules of Society shall be read by the P.C., and the following questions proposed and answered as directed : Q, 1. Do you accept these Oeneral Rules ? A, I do. Q, 2. Are you resolved, by the grace of God, to live according thereto 1 A, I am. Q. 3. Will you epdeavor to promote the wel- fare of the Church of which you are now about to become a member 1 A. I wiU. Ch. Tiii, § 1.] OF MBMBBR8. 89 Then the Minister, addressing tf*e Church, shall My: Brethren, you have heard the responses given to our inquiries. Have any of you reason to allege why these persons should not be received into full membendiip in the Church 1 No objection being alleged^ tlie Minister s/tall say to the candidates : We welcome you to the communion of the Church of God ; and in tesl/imony of our Christian affection and the cordiality with which we receive you, I hereby extend to you the right hand of fellowship ; and may €kxl grant that you may be a faithful and useful member of the Church militant till you are called to the fellow- ship of the Church triumphant, which is " with- out fault before the throne of Ood." Hien shall the Minister offer eoDtempare prayer. If any member in good standing in any ortho- dox Church shall desire to unite with us, such applicant may, by giving satisfactory answers to the foregoing inquiries, be received at once into full fellowship. Q, 2. How shall we be more exact in receiv- ing and excluding members I 90 OF MEMBERS. [Part II. A, The official minister or preacher shall, at every Quarterly Meeting, read the names of those that are received and excluded. SECTION II. — HOW AN ACCUSED MEMBER IS TO BE BROUGHT TO TRIAL. I. For Immoral Conduct Ques. 1. How shall an accused member be brought to trial ? . Ans, 1. Before the Society of which he is a member, or a select number of them, in the pres- ence of a Bishop, elder, deacon, or preacher, in the following manner : Let the accused and the accuser be brought face to face ; but if this can not be done, let the next best evidence be pro- cured. If the accused person be found guilty by the decision of a majority of the members before whom he is brought to trial, and the crime be such as is expressly forbidden in the word of Gk>d, sufficieat to exclude a person from the kingdom' of grace and glory, let the minister or preacher who has the charge of the Circuit expel him. If the accused person evade a trial by absenting himself, after sufficient notice given him, and the circumstances of the accusation be strong and presumptive, let him be esteemed as guilty, and be accordingly excluded. Witnesses from with- out shall not be rejected. V\ can V\ Ch. viii, § 2.] of mbmbebs. dl II. For Neglect of DtUy, or Imprudent Conduct. But in cases of neglect of duties of any kind, imprudent conduct, indulging sinful tempers or words, or disobedience to the order and discip- line of the Church : First, let private reproof be given by a preacher or leader ; and if there be an acknowledgment of the laidt and proper hu- miliation, the person may remain on trial On a second offence, the preacher or leader may take one or two faithful friends. On a third offence, let the case be brought before the Society, or a select number, and if there be no sign of real humiliation, the offender must be cut off. III. For DisiBnnon. 1. If a member of our Church shall be clearly convicted of endeavoring to sow dissensions in any of our Societies, by inveighing against either our doctrines or Discipline, such person so offending shall be first reproved by the senior minister or preacher of his Circuit, and if he persist in such practices, he shall be expelled from the Church. 2. Nevertheless, if in any of the above-men- tioned cases the minister or preacher differ in judgment from the majority of the Society, or the select number, concerning the innocence or guilt of the accused person, the trial, in 92 OF MEMBERS. [Part II. such case, may be referred by the minister or preacher to the ensuing Quarterly Meeting Con- ference. 3. If there be a murmur or complaint from any excluded person, in any of the above-men- tioned instances, that justice has not been done, he shall be allowed an appeal to the next Quar- terly Meeting Conference; and the members present shall finally determine the case. 4. After such forms o^ trial and expulsion, such persons shall have no privileges of Society or of ^raments in our Church, without contri- tion, confession, and proper trial. Should an expelled member memorialize the Conference against the procedure of the admin- istrator^ and the Annusd Conference decide that there have been irregularities therein, the ex- pelled member shall be regarded as restored to membership, but under accusation and subject to a new trial lY. Eulea for the Settlement of Disputed Debts^ ^and Arbitration Thereon. it-: Qties, How shall disputes between members of our Churdi, concerning the payment of debts or otherwise, be settled ? Ane. 1.. On any dispute between two members of our Church, concerning the payment of debts or otherwise, which cannot be settled by the Ch. viii, § 2.] of members. 93 parties concerned, the preacher who has the charge of the Circuit shall enquire into the cir- cumstances of the case ; and shall recommend to the contending parties a reference, consisting of one arbiter chosen by the plaintiff, and another chosen by the defendant, which two arbiters so chosen shall nominate the third — the three arbi- ters being members of our Church. 2. But if one of the parties be dissatisfied with the judgment given, such party may apply to the ensuing Quarterly Meeting Conference of the Circuit, for allowance to have a second arbi- tration appointed ; and if the Quarterly Meeting Conference see a sufficient reason, they shall grant a second arbitration, in which case each party shall choose two arbiters, and the four arbiters shall choose a fifth, the judgment of the maiority of whom shall be final ; and any person refisin J to abide shall be exduded 4L the Church. 3. And if any member of our Church shall refuse, in case of debts or other disputes, to refer the matter to arbitration, when recommended by him who has the charge of the Circuit, or shall enter into a lawsuit with another member before these measures are taken, he shall be expelled, unless the case be of such a nature as to require and justify a proceM at law. 94 OF MEMBERS. [Part 11. V. BiUes to be Observed toward a Member who RefvM» to Pay hie Debts. 1. Whenever a complaint ip made against any member of our Church for non-payment of debt, when the accounts are adjusted, and the amount ascertained, the preacher Lving the ch«^ shall call the debtor before a committee of at least three, to show cause why he does not make pay- ment. The committee shall determine what further time shaU be granted him for payment, and what security, if any, shall be given for payment ; and in case the debtor should refuse to comply, he shall be expelled ; but in such case he may appeal to the Quarterly Meeting Confer- ence, and their decision shall be final. And in case the creditor complains that justice is not done him, he may lay his grievance before the Quarterly Meeting Conference, and their decision shall be final ; and if the creditor refuse to comply, he shall be expelled. VI. Rides Concerning Insolvency on the Part of any of our Members, Ques, What shall be done in case of insol- vency on the part of any of our members ? Ans. 1. The preachers who have the over- sight of Circuits are required to execute all our rules fully and strenuously against all frauds. V Ch. viii, § 2.] op members. 95 and particularly dishonest insolvencies ; suffering none to remain in our Church, on any account, who are found guilty of any fraud. 2. To prevent scandal, when any of our mem- bers fail in business, or contract debts which they are not able to pay, let two or three judicious members of the Church inspect the accounts of the said delinquent, and if he have behaved dis- honestly, or borrowed money without a proba- bility of paying, let him be expelled. PART III. THE RITUAL. I. — THE MINISTRATION OP BAI^PISM TO INFANTS. Let every adult, and the parents of every child to be baptized, have the choice either of immersion, sprmkling, or pouring. The Minister, coming to the Font, which is to be filled with pure Water, slutU use the folloudng : Dearly beloved, forasmuch as all men are conceived and born in sin, and that our Saviour Christ saith. Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God ; I beseech you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that having, of his bounteous mercy, redeemed this child by the blood of His Son, He will grant that he, being baptized with water, may also be baptized with the Holy Ghost, be received into Christ's holy Church, and become a livelt/ member of the same. Ch. 1. § 1.] BAPTISM OF INFANTS. 97 Then shaU the Minister eayy Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, who of thy great mercy hast condescended to enter into covenant relations with man, wherein thou hast included children as partakers of its gracious benefits, declaring that of such is thy kingdom ; and in thy ancient Church didst appoint divers baptisms, figuring thereby the renewing of the Holy Ghost; and by thy well-beloved Son Jesus Christ gavest commandment to thy holy apostles to go into all the world and disciple all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost : We beseech thee, that of thine infinite mercy thou wilt look upon this child : wash him and sanctify him ; that A«, being saved by thy grace, may be received into Christ's holy Church, and being steadfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in love, may so overcome the evils of this present world, that finally he may attain to ever- lasting life, and reign with thee, world without end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, O merc&l God, grant that all carnal afiec- tions may die in him, and that all things belong- ing to the spirit may live and grow in him. Amen, Grant that he may have power and stitegth to have victory, and to triumph against the devil, the world, and the flesh. Amen. o 98 BAPTISM OF INFANTS. [Part III. Grant that whosoever is dedicated to thee by our office and ministry may also be endued with heavenly virtues, and everlastingly rewarded through thy mercy, O blessed Lord Gk>d, who dost Uve and govern all things, world without end. Amen. Almighty, ever-living Qod, whose most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of our sins, did shed out of His most precious side both water and blood, regard, we beseech thee, our supplications. Sanctify this water for this holy sacrament ; and grant that this ehUd^ 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. T/ien 8haM tlie Minister address the parents (or guardians) (M foUows ; Dearly beloved, forasmuch as this chUd is now presented by you for Christian baptism, you must remember that it is your part and duty to see that he be taught, as soon as he shall be able to learn, the nature and end of this holy sacra- ment. And that he may know these things the better, you shall call upon him to give reverent attendance upon the appointed means of grace, such as the ministry of the word and the public and private worship of God ; and further, ye Ch. i, § 1.] BAPTISM OF INFANTS. 99 shall provide that he shall read the Holy Scrip- tures, and learn the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Cate- chism, and all other things which a Christian ought to know and believe to his soul's health, in order that he may be brought up to lead a virtuous and holy life, remembering always that baptism doth represent unto us that inward purity which disposeth lis to follow the example of our Saviour Christ ; that as he died and rose again for us, so should we, who are baptized, die unto sin and rise again unto righteousness, continually mortifying all corrupt ajQTections, and daily proceeding in aU virtue and godliness. Do you therefore solemnly engage to fulfil these duties, so far as in you lies, the Lord being your helper 1 Ana, We do. Then $haU the people stand up, and the Minister shall say : Hear the words of the Gospel, written by St. Mark (Chap, x., verses 13-16) : They brought young children to Christ, that he should touch them. And his disciples re- buked those that brought them ; but when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them. Suffer the little children to come unto me, 100 BAPTISM OF INFANTS. [Part III. and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God. Yerilj I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter herein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. Then the Minister shall take the child into his handSf and say to the friends qfthechild. Name this child. And then, naming it after them, he shall sprinkle or pour water upon it, or, if desired, immerse it in water, saying, iT., I baptize thee in the name of th^**^ther, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen, Then shall the Minister offer the following prayer, the people hneelmg : O God of infinite mercy, the father of all the faithful seed, be pleased to grant unto this child an understanding mind and a sanctified heart. May thy providence lead him through the dan- gers, temptations, and ignorance of his youth, that he may never run into folly nor into the evils of an unbridled appetite. We pray thee so to order the course of his life, that by good III. Ch. i, § 1.] BAPTISM OF INFANTS. 101 his education, by holy examples, and by thy re- straining and renewing grace, he may be led to serve thee faithfully all his days, so that, when he has glorified thee in hie generation, and has served the church on earth, he may be re- ceived into thine eternal kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, Almighty and most merciful Father, let thy loving mercy and compassion descend upon these, thy servant and handmaid, the parents [or guar£ans] of this child. Grant unto them, we beseech thee, thy Holy Spirit, that they may, like Abraham, command their household to keep the way of the Lord. Direct their actions and sanctify their hearts, words, and purposes, that their whole family may be united to our Lord Jesus Christ in the bands of faith, obedi- ence, anj charity ; and that they all, being in this life thy holy diildren by adoption and grace, may be admitted into the Church of the first-born in heaven, through the merits of thy dear Son, our Saviour and Bedeemer. Amen. Then may the Minister offer eactemporary prayer. Then shall be said, aU kneeling, Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our 102 BAPTISM OF ADULTS. [Part III. daily bread : and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us ; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil ; for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen, II. — THE MINISTRATION OF BAPTISM TO SUCH AS ARE OF RIPER TEARS. Dearly beloved, forasmuch as all men are con- ceived and born in sin ; and that which is bom of the flesh is flesh, and they that are in the flesh cannot please GUxl, but live in sin, committing many actual transgressions; and our Saviour Christ saith, Except a man be bom of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom, of God : I beseech you to call upon Qod the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of his bounteous goodness He will grant to these persona that which by nature ^ey cannot have ; that theiff being baptized with water, may also be baptized with tiie Holy Ghost, and being received into Christ's holy Church, may continue lively members of the same. Then shall the Minister say. Let us pray. III. Ch. i, g 2.] BAPTISM OF ADULTS. 103 -y T < Almighty and immortal Qod, the aid of all that need, the helper of all that flee to thee for suooor, the life of them that believe, and the resurrection of the dead : we call upon thee for tk€ie penom ; that theyj coming to iky holy bap- tism, may ako be filled with thy Holy Spirit. Receive thrnn, O Lord, as thou hast promised by thy well-beloved Son, saying. Ask, and ye shall receive ; seek, and ye shall find ; knock, and it shall be opened unto you : so give now unto us that ask ; let us that seek, find : open the gate unto us that knock ; that these peraana may enjoy the everlasting benediction of thy heavenly washing, and may come to the eternal kingdom which thou hast promised by Christ our Lord. Amen. Then shall the people stand up ; and the Minister shall say^ Hear the words of the Gospel written by St. John (Chap. iiL, verses 1-8) : There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nioodemus, a ruler of the Jews ; the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Babbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from QaA ; for no man can do these miracles that thou doest except €k)d be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Yerily, verily, I say unto thee, Ezc^t a man be bom again, he cannot see the 104 BAPTISM OF ADULTS. [PATt III. kingdom of Qod, Nioodemus iudth unto him, How oan a man be bom when he is old 1 Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be bom f Jesus answered, Yerilj, verily, I say unto thee. Except a man be bom of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the king- dom of Qod, That which is bom of the flesh is flesh, and that which is bom of the Spirit is spirit Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be bom again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof ; but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth : so is every one that is bom of tho Spirit. Then the Minister shall speak to the persons to he baptized on this wise : Well beloved, who have come hither, desiring to receive holy baptism, ye have heard how the congregation hath prayed, that our Lord Jesus Ohnst would vouchsafe to receive you, to bless you, and to give you the kingdom of heaven, and everlasi&g life; And our Lord Jesus Christ hath promised in His holy word to grant all those things that we have prayed for : whidb promise He for His part will most surely keep and perform. Wherefore alter this promise made by Christ, ^fou must also faithfully, for your part) promise. Ch. i, § 2.] BApriBM OF adults. 105 in the presence of this whole congregation, that you will renounce the devil and all his works, and constantly believe €k>d's holy word, and obediently keep His commandments. •»i, t%i . , Then $haU the Minister demand of each qf the pereone to be baptized : ^ Quee. Dost thou renounce the devil and all I his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, and the eamal desires of the flesl^ so that thou wilt not follow or be led by them t Ana. I renounce them all. Quee, Dost thou believe in Ood the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth ? and in Jesus Ohrist) his only begotten Son, our Lord ? and that He was conceived by the Holy Ghost, bom of the Virgin Maryt that he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried ; that he rose again the third day ; that He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the ri^t hand of Ckxl the Father Almighty, and from thence shall come again, at the end of the world, to judge the quick and the dead ? And dost thou believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church,* the communion of saints, the , remission - of sins, the resurrection of the body, and everlasting life after death t 106 BAPTISM OF ADULTS. [Part III. :i Ans, All this I steadfastly believe. Ques, Wilt thou be baptized in this faith 1 Ant, This is my desire. Ques, Wilt thou then obediently keep God's holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of thy life ? Ans, I will endeavor so to do, Gkxl being my helper. Then ahaU the Minister say^ O merciful Gkxl, grant that all carnal affections may die in these persons^ and that all things be^ longing to the Spirit may live and grow in Mem. Amen, Grant that they may have power and strength to have victory, and triumph against the devil, the world, and the flesh. Amen, Grant that they, being here dedicated to thee by our office and ministry, may also be endued with heavenly virtues, aiui everlastingly reward- ed, through thy mercy, O blessed Lord God, who dost live and govern all things, worid with- out end. Am&n. Almighty, ever-living God, whose most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of our sins, did shed out of His most precious side both water and blood ; and gave commandment to his disciples, that they diould go teach all nations, and baptize them in the name of the \ Ch. i, § 2.] BAPTISM OF ADULTS. 107 Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ; regard, we beseech thee, our supplications ; and grant that the persona now to be baptized may receive the fulness of thy grace, and ever remain in the number of thy faithful and elect children, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Then shall the Minister ask tfie name of each person to be baptized, and shall sprinkle or pov/r water tipon him (c/r, if he shall desire it, shall immerse him in waier), saying, ilT., I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Afnen, Then shaU be said the Lord^s Prayer, all kneeling. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in 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 : for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Aman. Then may the Minister conclude with extemporary prayer. I: \ 108 THE lord's supper. [Part III. III. — THE ORDER FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE lord's supper. The Elder shall say one or more of these sentences, d'wring the reading of which the persons ap- pointed/or that purpose shall receive the alms /or the poor. Let your light so shine before men, that "they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. [Matt. v. 16.] Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal : but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. [Matt, vi. 19, 20.] Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them ; for this is the law and the prophets. [Matt. vii. 12.] Not every one that saith unto me. Lord, Lord, fihall enter into the kingdom of heaven ; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. [Matt. vii. 21.] Zaocheus stood, and said unto the Lord, Be- hold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor ; and if I have taken anything from any man, by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. [Luke xix. 8.] \ Oh. i, § 3.] THB lord's supper. 109 OP He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully cjiall reap also bountifully. Every man accord- ing as he purposeth in his heaH., so let him give ; not grudgingly, or of necessity : for God loveth a cheerful giver. [2 Cor. ix. 6, 7.] As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. [Gal. vi. 10.] GodUnesss with contentment is great gain ; for we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [1 Tim. vi. 6, 7.] Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy ; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to dis- tribute, willing to communicate ; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hd in him 1 [1 John iiL 17.] He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord ; and that which he hath given Trill he pay him again. [Prov. xix. 17. J Blessed is he that considereth the poor ; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. [Psalm xli. 1.] Afttr which the Elder shall ]give the following Invitation, the people standing : If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous : and he is the propitiation for our sins : and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. Wherefore, ye that do truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways, draw near with faith, and take this holy sacra- ment to your comfort : and, devoutly kneeling, make your humble confession to Almighty God. Then shall this gevieral confession he made by the Minister in th^ name of all those who are minded to receive the Holy Communionf both he and all . tlie people devoutly kneeling ^ and saying. Ch. i, § 3.] THE lord's supper. Ill Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of ail men ; we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we from time to time most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and deed, against thy Divine Majesty, provoking most justly thy wrath and indigna- tion against us. We do earnestly repent and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings ; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merci- ful Father ; for thy Son, our liord Jesus Christ's sake, forgive us aU that is past ; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness of life, to the honor and glory of thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, Then shall the Elder say^ Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of thy great mercy hast promised forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto thee : have mercy upon us ; pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and bring us to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Ame7i. Tlve CoUect. Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets 112 THE lord's supper. [Part III. are hid, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, Then shall the Elder say, We do not presume to come to this thy table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteous- ness, but in thy mangold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy ; grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink His blood, that we may live and grow thereby ; and that, being washed through His most precious blood, we may evermore dwell in Him, and He in us. AmeTi, Then the El^er shaU eay the praj^er of eansecra- tian, aefoUoweth : Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of thy tender mercy didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our rexlemption ; who made there, by His obla- tion of Himself once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world ; and did institute, Ch. i, § 8.] THB lord's 8UPPBR. 113 and in His holy Gospel oommand us to continue, a perpetual memory of His precious death until His coming again : hear us, O merciful Father we most humbly beseech thee, and grant that we, receiving these memorials of the sufferings and death of our Saviour Jesus Christ, may be partakers of His most blessed body and blood ; who in the same night that he was betrayed took bread ; (^) and when He had given thanks. He broke it (i) Here the and gave it to his disciples, say- JSlder may take ing, Take, eat ; this is my body, the plateof bread which is given for you ; do this into his hand, in remembrance of me. Likewise alter supper He took (*) the cup ; and when He (*) Here he may had given thanks. He gave it take the cup in to them, saying. Drink ye all hi§ hand. of this ; for this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins ; do this, as oft as ye shaU drink it, in remembrance of me. Ainen. 7 hen shall the Minister receive the communion in both kinds, and proceed to deliver the same to the other ministers (if any be present) and shall then proceed to administer the communion to the people, in order, into their uncovered hands. And when he delivereth the bread, he shall say, lU THE lord's supper. [Part III. The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee, preserve thy ecul and body unto everlasting life. Take and eat this in remem- brance that Christ died for thee, and feed on Him in thy heart by faith with thanksgiving. And the Minister thai delivereth the cup shall say, The blood of bur Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy soul and body unto everlasting life. Drink this in remembnoioe that Christ's blood was shed for thee, and be thankfuL [If the oonaecrated bread or wine be »U spent before all hsve communed, the Elder may oonteorate more, by repeating the prayer of coiisecration.] [When all have oommaned, the Minister shall return to the Lord's table, and place upon it what remaineth of the consecrated elements, covering the same with a fair linen doth.] The congregation standing. It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God. Therefore, with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name, evermore praising n. ras ito im ich noe be >ent rate urn leth h a Gh. i, § 3.] THE lord's aupPEB. 115 I ces, ler, ind uid ing thee, and saying, Holy, holy, holy Lord Qod of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, Lord most high. Amen. Then shall the Jfflder say the Lard's Prayer ; the people kneeling and repeating after him every petition : Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in 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 : for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. After which shaU be said as /oUaweth : O Lord, our heavenly Father, we thy humble servants desire thy fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanks- giving ; most humbly beseeching thee to grant that, by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in His blood, we and thy whole Church may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits of His death. And here we ofier and present unto thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reason- able, holy, and lively sacrifice unto thee ; humbly 116 THE lord's supper. [Part III. I beseeching thee that all we who are partakers of this holy communion may be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction. And although we be unworthy, through our manifold sins, to oiSer unto thee any sacnfice, yet we beseech ^ee to accept this our bounden duty and service ; not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences, through Jesus Christ our Lord : by whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honor and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen, ThenshaU be said, Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good-will toward men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we Worship thee, we adore thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord, the oidy-begotten Son Jesus Christ ; O Lord God, Lamb of Gknl, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. llibu that takest away the sins of the world, receire our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us. And receive us at last, through the riches of thy grace, into the joy of tlmie eternal kingdom, where wo may reign with thee, world without end. Amen. Ch. i, § 4.] MATRIMONY. 117 Then the Elder, if he see it expedient, may put up extemporary prayer; and afterward shall let the people depart with this blessing : May the peace of God, which passeth all un- derstanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord ; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen, N.B. — ^If the Elder be straightened for time, he may omit any part of the service, except the Invitation, the Confession, and the Prayer of Consecration. IV. — THE FORM OF SOLEMNIZATION OF MAT- RIMONY. First, the banns of aU thai wre to be married to- gether must be published in the congregatioh, three several Sundays in the time of Divine ser- vice (unless they be otherwise qualified according to law), itie Minister saying after tlte accus- tomed manner, I publish the banns of marriage between M. of , and N, of . If any of you know 118 MATRIMONY. [Part IIL cause or just impediment why these two persons should not be joined together in holy Matrimony, ye are to declare it ; this is the first [second, or third] time of asking. « [The parts in brackets throughout may be used or not, at discretion.] At the day and time appointed for solemnization of matrimony^ the persons to he married — Jvaving been qualified a^scording to law — sta/nd' ing together^ the man on the right hand, and the woman on tlie le/t, the Minister shall say^ Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of €k>d, and in the presence of these witnesses, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is an honor- able estate, instituted of QcoA in the time of man's innocency, signifying unto us the i^/stical union that is between Christ and His Church ; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with His presence, and first miracle that He wrought, in Cana of Galilee, and is commended of St. Paul to be honorable among all men ; and therefore is not by any to be entered into unad- visedly, but reverently, discreetly, and in the fear of God. Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore, if any t. Ch. i, § 4.] MATRIMONY. 119 can show just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak^ or else hereafter forever hold his peace. [And eUeo speaking unto the persom that are to be marriedf he shaU say, I require and charge you both, that if either of you know any impediment why you may not be lawfully joined together in matrimony, you do now confess it : for be ye well assured, that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God's word doth allow, are not joined together by God, neither is their matrimony lawful] If no impediment be alleged, then shaU the Minister say unto the man, J/., wilt thou have this woman to be thy wed< ded wife, to live together after God's or&iance in the holy estate of matrimony 1 Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her, in sickness and in health : and forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as' ye both shall Hve? The man shall answer, . , I will. . , i 120 MATRIMONY. [Part III. Then shall the Minister say unto the womanf y.f wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance, in i^^ holy estate of matrimony) Wilt thou love, Honor and keep him, in sickness and in health : and forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, 80 long as ye both shaU Uve » l%e woman shall answer, ' I will. [Then the Minister shaU eatise the man with his right hand to take tlis woman by her right hand, wnd to say c^fter him asfoUwjoeth : I, if., take thee, N,, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for rid^er, for poorer, in sick, ness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordi- nance : and thereto I plight thee my faith. Then shall they loose their hands, and the woman with her right hand, taking the man by his right hand, shall likewise say after the Min- ister, I, N., take thee, Jf., to be my wedded hus- band, to have and to hold, from this day for- . )\ i \ \ \ CL i, § 4.] MATRIMONY. 121 N 1 ward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to Crod's holy ordinance : and thereto I plight thee my faith.] Then shall the Minister say, O, Eternal Ood, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of aU spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life : send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman ; whom we bless in thy name ; that as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant between them made, and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, anil live accord- ing to thy laws, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, • [If the parties desire it, the man shall here hand a ring to the Minister, who shall return it to him, and direct him to place it on the third Jinger of the woman* s l^t hand. And the man shaUsa'k^ to the woman, repeating after the Minister, With this ring I thee wed, arid with my worldly goods I thee endow, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the. Holy Ghost. Amen,] ' 122 MATRIMONY. [Part III. Then shall the Minister join their right hands to^ gether, cmd say. Forasmuch as M. and N", have consented to- gether in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before Gk>d and this company, and thereto have pledged their faith either to other, and have declared the same by joining of hands ; I pronounce that they are husband and wife toge- ther, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Those whom Qod hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Amen, And the Minister shall add this blessing : Ood, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you ; the Lord mercifully with His favor look upon you, and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting. Atnen, Then shall the Minister offer the following prayer : O God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, bless this man and this woman, and sow the seed of eternal life in their hearts, that whatp^Aver in thy holy word, they shall profitably Ch. i, § 4.] MATRIMONY. 123 I. i I learn, they may indeed fulfil the same. Look, O Lord, mercifully on them from heaven, and bless them : as thou didst send thy blessings upon Abraham and Sarah, to their great com- fort, so vouchsafe to send thy blessings upon this man and this woman, that they, obeying thy will, and always being in safety under thy protection, may abide in thy love unto their' lives' end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Almighty Crod, who at the beginning didst create our first parents, Adam and Eve, and didst sanctify and join them together in mar- riage, pour upon these persons the riches of thy grace, sanctify and bless them, that they may please thee both in body and soul, and live together in holy love unto their lives' end. Amen, Here the Ministermay use extemporary prayer. Ther^ ^ Minister shall say, Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread : and forgive us our trespasses, as we fojve them that fSp^a againrt JTrWd lead US not into temptation, but deliver us from evil ; for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. AmetL 124 BURIAL OF THE DEAD. [Part III. V. — THE ORDER FOR THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD. The Minister, going before the corpse, shall say, ^ I am the resurrection and the life : he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live : and whosoever liveth, and believeth in me, shall never die. [John xi. 25, 26.] I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth : and though after my skin, worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God, whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another. [Job xix. 25-27.] We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away : blessed be the name of the Lord. [1 Tim. vi. 7 ; Job L 21.] At the grave, when the corpse is laid in the earth, the Minister shall say, Man that is bom of a woman hath but a short time to live, and is full of misery. He cometh up, and is cut down like a flower : he fleeth as it were a shadow, and never continueth in one stay. \ Ch. i, § 5.] BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 125 \ In the midst of life we are in death : of whom may we seek for succor, but of thee, O Lord, who for our sins are justly displeased ? Yet, O Lord God, most holy, O Lord most mighty, O holy and most merciful Saviour, deliver us not into the bitter pains of eternal death. l^ou knowest, Lo^, the secrets of our hearts ; shut not thy merciful ears to our prayers, but spare us. Lord most holy, O Qod most mighty, O holy and merciful Saviour, thou most worthy Judge eternal, suffer us not at our last hour for any pains of death to fall from thee. iHien while the earth shall be east upon the body by some standing by, the Minister shall say, • .Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty Qod, in His wise providence, to take out of the world the soul of ijie departed, we therefore commit his body to the ground ; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; looking for the general resurrection in the last day, and the life of the world to come, through our Lord Jesus Christ ; at whose seeond coming in glorious majesty to judge the world, the earth, and the sea shall give up their dead ; and the corruptible bodies of those who sleep in Him shall be changed, and made like unto His own glorious body ; accord- 136 BURIAL OF THE DEAD. [Part III. ing to the mighty working whereby He is able to subdue all things unto Himself. ITum ahaU ba iaid, I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, From henceforth blessed are the dead who die in the Lord : even so, saith thd Spirit ; for they rest from their labors. Then shaU the Minister $ay^ Lord, have mercy upon us. Christy ha/ve mercy upon ias. Lord, have mercy upon us. ! i --F- The Collect. O merciful €rod, the Father of our Lord Jesu^ Christ, who is the resurrection and the life : in whom whosoever believeth shall live, though he die, and whosoever liveth and believeth in Him shall not die eternally : We meekly beseech thee, O Father, to raise us from the death of sin unto the life of righteousness; that when we shall depart this life we may rest in Him'; and at the general resurrection on the last day may be found acceptable in thy sight, and receive that bless^'ng which thy well-beloved Son shall then pronounce to all that love and fear thee, sajring. Ch. i, § 6.] CONSECRATING BISHOPS. 127 Come, ye blessed diildren of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the begin- ning of the world. Grant this, we beseech thee, O merciful Father, through Jesus Christ our Mediator and Redeemer. Amen, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thj will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread ; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us ; and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil ; for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory^ forever. Amen, The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of Crod, and > the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen, VI. — THE FORM OF CONSECRATINO BISHOPS. The CoUeet. Almighty God, who by thy Son Jesus Chrie^ didst give to thy holy apostles, elders, and evan- gelists, many excellent gifts, and didst charge 128 OONSRCRATINO BISHOPS. [Part III. them to feed thy flock ; give grace, we beseech thee, to all the ministers and pastors of thy Church, that they may diligently preach thy word and duly administer the godly discipline thereof ; and grant to the people that they may obediently follow the same ; that all may receive the crown of everlasting glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, Then shall be read by one of the Elders, Tihe Epistle. Acts xx. 17-35. From Miletus Paul sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the Church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and wiui many tears and temptations which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews ; and how I kept back nothing tha^ was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance toward Grod, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now behold I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there ; save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every ,» Ch. i, § 6.] C0NSECRA.TINO BISHOPS. 129 \ city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But non6 of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus to testify the Gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed, there- fore, unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you over- seers, to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall gi-ievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise; speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Ther^ore watch, and remember that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel ; yea, ye yourselves know that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I 130 CONSECRATING BISHOPS. [Part III. have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak ; and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Then another shall read : 2 he Gospel, St. John xxi. 15-17. Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord ; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him. Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me 1 He saith unto him, Yea, Lord ; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him. Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas^ lovest thou me) Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third timO) Lovest thou me ? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things ; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him. Feed my sheep. Or this : St. Matt, xxviii. 18-20. Jesus came and spake unto them, saying. All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, \ Oh. i, § 6.] CONSECRATING BISHOPS. 131 and of the Holy Ghost ; teaching them to ob- serve all things whatsoever I have commanded you : and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the en4 of the world. After the Gospel and the servion are ended^ tJie elected person shall he presented by two elders unto the Bishop, saying. We present unto you this holy man to be con- secrated a Bishop. Then the Bisltop shall move the congregation present to pray, saying thus to tfiem : Brethren, it is written in the Gospel of St. Luke, that our Saviour Christ continued the whole night in prayer before he did choose and send forth his twelve apostles. It is written also in the Acts of the Apostles, that the disci- ples who were at Antioch did fast and pray before they laid hands on Paul and Bamabsus, and sent them forth on their first million to the Gentiles. Let us, therefore, following the exi^mple of our Saviour Christ, and his apostles, first fall to prayer before we admit and send forth this person presented to us, to the work where- unto we trust the Holy Ghost hath called him. \ / 132 CONSECRATING BISHOPS. [Part III. 'Jlisn shall he said this prayer following : \ Almighty God, Giver of all good things, who by thy Holy Spirit hast appointed divers offices in thy Church : mercifully behold this thy ser- vant now called to the work and ministry of a Bishop, and replenish him so with the truth of thy doctrine, and adorn him with innocency of life, that both by word and deed he may faith- fully serve thee in this office, to the glory of thy name, and the edifying and well governing of thy Church, through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee, and the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen, Tlien the Bishop shall say to him that is to he consecrated : Brother, forasmuch as the Holy Scripture commands that we should not be hasty in laying on hands, and admitting any person to govern- ment in the Church of Christ, which he hath purchased with no less price than the shedding of his own blood ; before you are admitted to this administration, you will, in the fear of God, give answer to the questions which I now pro- pound : Are you persuaded that you are truly called to this ministration, according to the will of our liOrd Jesus Christ ? \ Ch. i, § 6.] CONSECRATINO BISHOPS. 133 •>, Ans. I am so persuaded. 2^he Bishop. Are you persuaded that the Holy Scriptures contain sufficiently all doctrine re- quired of necessity for eternal salvation, through faith in Jesus Christ ? And are you determined, out of the same Holy Scriptures, to instruct the people committed to your charge, and to teach or maintain nothing as required of necessity to eternal salvation but that which you shall be persuaded may be concluded and proved by the same? Ans. I am so persuaded and determined, by God's grace. The Bishop. Will you then faithfully exercise yourself in the same Holy Scriptures, and call upon God by prayer for the true understanding of the same, so that you may be able by them to teach and exhort with wholesome doctrine, and to withstand and convince the gainsayers 1 Ans, I will so do, by the help of Grod. The Bishop. Are you ready .with faithful dili- gence to banish and drive away all erroneous and strange doctrines contrary to God's word, and both privately and openly to call upon and en- courage others to the same 1 Ans, I am ready, the Lord being my helper. The Bishop, Will you deny all .ungodliness and worldly lust, and live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, that you may show yourself in all things an example of good works X 134 CONSECRATING BISHOPS. [Part III. unto others, that the adversary may be ashamed, having nothing to say against you ? A 718. I will 80 do, the Lord being my helper. The Bishop. Will you maintain and set for- ward, as much as shall lie in you, quietness, love, and peace among all men: and such as shall be unquiet, disobedient, and criminal, cor- rect and punish according to such authoi ^y as you have by God's word, and as shall be commit- ted unto you? Ana. I will so do, by the help of God. 7'he Bishop. Will you be faithful in ordaining or laying hands upon and sending others, and in all the other duties of your office ? Ans. I will so be, by the help of God. T/ie Bishop. WiU you show yourself gentle, and be merciful, for Christ's sake, to poor and needy people, and to all strangers destitute of help? Ans. I will so show myself, by God's help. Then the Bishop shall say, Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who hath given you a good will to do all these things, grant also unto you strength and power to per- form the same ; that He accomplishing in you the good work which he hath begun, you may be found blameless .at the last day, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ^ €h. i, § 6.] CONSECRATING BISHOPS. 135 my Then shall the Veni, Creator SririttM he said : Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire, And lighten with celestial fir t, - Thou the anointing Spirit art, Who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart. Thy blessed unction from above Iscomfortf life^ andfvre of love. Enable with perpetual light The dullness of our blinded sight ; Anoint and cheer our soiled face With the ahundance of thy grace ; Keep far our foes, give peace at home ; Where thou art Guide, no ill can come. Teach us to know the Father, Son, And thee of hotli to be but one ; That through the ages all along, This may be ov/r endless song : Praise to thy eternal merit. Father^ Son, and Holy Spirit, That ended, the Bishop shaU say. Lord, hear our prayer. Ar^. And let our cry come unto thee. Let us pray. 136 CONSECRATING BISHOPS. [Part III. Almighty God and most merciful Father, who of thine infinite goodness hast given thine only and dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ to be our Kedeemer, and the author of everlasting Ufe ; who after that he had made perfect our redemp- tion by his death, and was ascended into heaven, poured down his gifts abundantly upon men, making some apostles, some prophets, some evan- gelists, some pastors and teachers, to the edify- ing and making perfect of his Church : grant, we beseech thee, to this thy servant, such grace that he may evermore be ready to spread abroad thy Gospel the glad tidings of msoncUiation with thee, and use the authority -given him, not to destruction, but to salvation ; not to hurt, but to help ; so that as a wise and faithful servant, giving to the femUy their portion in due season, he may at last be received into everlasting joy, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who, with thee and the Holy Ghost, tivoth and reigneth, one God, world without end. Anz^n, Then the Bishop cmd elders present ahaU lay their hands upon the head of the elected person^ kneeling before them, the Bishop saying, ! The Lord pour upon thee the Holy Ghost for the office and work of a Bishop in the Church of God now committed unto thee by authority of the Church through the imposition of our I Ch. i, § 6.] CONSECRATINO BISHOPS. 137 hands, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. And remember that thou stir up the grace of God which is in thee ; for God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and of a sound mind. Then Hie Bishop shall deliver him the Bible, saying, Give heed unto reading, exhortation, and doctrine. Think upon the things contained in this book. Be diligent in them, that the in- crease coming thereby may be manifest unto all men. Take heed unto thyself, and to thy doc- trine ; for by so doing thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee. Be to the flock of Christ a shepherd, not a wolf ; feed them, devour them not. Hold up the weak, heal the sick, bind up the broken, bring again the out- cast, seek the lost, be so merciful that you may not be too remiss ; so minister discipline that you forget not mercy ; that when the chief Shep- herd shall appear, you may receive the never- fading crown of glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, [Then the Bishop shall administer tits Lord' 8 ISvpper to the newly consecrated Bishop and other persons present,^ 138 coNSECRATiNa BISHOPS. [Part III. Wien shall be said the foUowing 'prayers : Most merciful Father, we beseech thee to send down upon this thy servant thy heavenly bless- ing, and so endue him with thy Holy Spirit, that he, preaching thy word, and exercising authority in thy Church, may not only be earnest to reprove, beseech, and rebuke with all patience and doctrine, but also may be to such as believe a wholesome example in word, in conversation, in love, in faith, and in purity : that faithfully fulfilling his course, at the last day he may receive the crown of righteousness laid up by the Lord, the righteous Judge, who liveth and reigneth, one Grod with the Father and the Holy Ghost, world without end. Ainen. Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help, that in all our works begun, con- tinued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy name; and finally by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amefti, The peace of God, which passeth all under- standing, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord ; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen. v by Ch. i, § 7.] ORDAINING ELDERS. 139 Til. — ^THE FORM OF ORDAINING ELDERS. [When the day appointed by the Bishop is come, there shall be a sermon or exhortation, declaring the duty and office of such as come to be admitted Elders ; how necessary that Order is in the Church of Christ, and also how the people ought to esteem them in their office.] r After which, one of the elders shall present unto the Bishop all them that are to he ordained, and say, I present unto you these persons to be ordained Elders. ■^ !....■ - { *■ ' Theniheir names being read alaud, tlie Bishop shall say unto the people. Brethren, these are they whom we purpose, God willing, this day to ordain Elders. For after due examination, we find not to the contrary, but that they are lawfully called to this function and ministry,, and that they are persons meet for the same. But if there be any of you who knoweth any crime or impediment in any of them, for the which he ought not to be received into this holy ministry, let him come forth in the name of God, and show what the crime or impediment is. 140 ORDAINING ELDERS. [Part III. [If any crime or impediment be objected, the Bishop shall surcease from ordaining that person until such time as the party accused shall be found clear of the same.] Then shall he said the Collect, Fpistle, and Gos- pel, as followeth : The Collect. Almighty God, Giver of all good things, who by thy Holy Spirit hast appointed divers orders of ministers in thy Church, mercifully behold these thy servants now called to the office of Elders, and replenish them so with the truth of thy doctrine, and adorn them with innocency of life, that both by word and good example they may faithfully ^rve thee in this office, to the glory of thy name and the edification of thy Church, through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen, The Epistle. Eph. iv. 7-13. Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also de- scended first into the lower parts of the earth ? He that descended is the same also that ascended iik Ch. i, § 7.] ORDAINING ELDERS. 141 up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles ; and some, prophets ; and some, evangelists ; and some, pastors and teachers ; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till Ve all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the . measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. After this shall be read /or the Gospel, part of the tenth chapter of St. John, St. John X. 1-16. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that enter- eth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth, and the i^eep hear his voice, and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him, for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto them, but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them 142 ORDAINING ELDERS. [Part III. again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the edieep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door ; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture. The thief oometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy ; I am ome that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd : the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is a hireling, and not the ohepheid, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolt coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth, and the wolf catcheth them, and scaitereth the sheep. The hireling fieeth because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father : and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have '^ich are not of this fold : them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one snepherd. And that d hal'h )eware ) occa- >t have >r that arefore tly for not by eighty |,n, but of the to the be in knd in Bind of ording )r this md set *es and eighed !S long before this time : and that you have clearly de- termined, by God's grace, to give yourselves wholly to this office, whereunto it hath pleased God to call you : so that, as much as lieth in you, you will apply yourselves wholly to this one thing, and draw all your cares and studies this way, and that you will continually pray to God the Father, by the mediation of our only Saviour Jesus Christ, for the heavenly assistance of the Holy Ghost ; that by daily reading and weighing of the Scriptures, ye may wax riper and stronger in your minirtry, and that ye nmy SO endeavor to sanctify the lives of you and yours, and to fashion them after the rule and doctrine of Christ, that ye may be wholesome and godly examples and patterns for the people to follow. And now that this present congregation of Christ, here assembled, may also understAnd your minds and wills in these things, and that this your promise may the more move- you to do your duties, ye shall answer plainly to these things which we, in the name of God and his Church) shall demand of you touching the same. Do you think in your heart that you are. truly called, according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the order of Elders 1 Ans. I think so. 7%« Bishop. Are you persuaded that the Holy Scriptures contain sufficiently all doctrine re- 146 ORDAINING ELDERS. [Part III. quired of neoessity for eternal salvation, through faith in Jesus Christ 1 And are you determined, out of the said Scriptures, to instruct the people committed to your charge, and to teach nothing as required of necessity to eternal sal- vation but that which you shall be persuaded may be concluded and proved by the Scrip- ture] Ana. I am so persuaded and have so deter- mined, by God's grace. The Bishop, Will you then give your faithful diligence always so to minister the doctrine and sacraments, and discipline of Christ, as the Lord hath commanded ) Ana, I will so do, by the help of the Lord. The Biahop, Will you be ready with all faith- ful diligence to banish and drive away all erro- neous and strange doctrines contrary to God's word ; and to use both public and private moni- tions and exhortations, as well to the sick as to the whole within your charge, as need shall require and occasion shall be given 1 Ans, I will, the Lord being my helper. The Biahop, Will you be diligent in prayers, and in reading of the Holy Soriptures, and in nuch studies as help to the knowledge of the same, laying aside the study of the world and the flesh ? Ana, 1 will endeavor so to do, the Lord being my helper. 1 f Ch. i, § 7.] ORDAINING ELDERS. 147 The Bishop, Will you be diligent to frame and fashion yourselves, and your families, according to the doctrine of Christ : and to make both yourselves and them, as much as in you lieth, wholesome examples and patterns to the flock of Christ 1 Ana, I will apply i^yself thereto, the Lord being my helper. The Bishop, Will you maintain and set for- ward, as much as lieth in you, quietness, peace, and love among all Christian people, and especially among them that are or shall be com- mitted to your charge 1 Ana, I will so do, the Lord being my helper. The Bishop, Will you reverently obey your^ chief ministers, unto whom is committed the charge and government over you : following with a glad mind and will their godly admoni- tions, submitting yourselves to their godly judg- ments? Ana, I will so do, the Lord being my helper. Then ahaU the Biahop, standing up, say. Almighty Grod, who hath giyen you this will to do all these things, grant also unto you strength and power to perform the same ; that He iiiay accomplish His work which He hath 148 ORDAINING ELDERS. [Part III. ./ begun in you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Aitien. [After this, the congregation shall be desired secretly in their prayers to make th^ir humble supplications to God for all these things : for the which prayers thcte shall be silence kept for a space.] After which shall be said by t/ie Bislwp (the per- sons to be ordained Elders all kneeling )f Yeni, Creator Spiritus, the Bishop beginning and the Klders aiui others that a/re present answering by verse, asfoUoweth : ^ Come, Holy Ghost, our souls Inspire, And lighten with celestial fire. Thou the anointing Spirit art. Who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart. Thy blessed unction from above ^ h comfort, life, andfvre of love. Enable with perpetual light The dullness of ov/r blinded sight ; Anoint and cheer our soiled face WiU^ the abundance of thy grace ; Keep far our foes, give peace at home ; Whffre tfiou art O'utde, no ill can come. Teach us to know the Father, Son, And thee of both to be but one ; That through the ages all along. This may be our endless song : Praise to thy eternal merit, fattier, ^ion^ and Holy Spirit. -till. Lord. ecretly Mtions >rayer8 ^ per- Veni, nd the oering Ch. i, § 7.] ORDAINING ELDERS. 149 That done, the Bishop shall pray in this wis^ and say. Let u8 pray. Almighty God and heavenly Father, who of thine infinite love and goodness toward us, hast given to us thine only and most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ to be our Redeemer, and the author of everlasting life ; who after He had made perfect our redemption by His death, and was ascended into heaven, sent abroad into the world His apostles, prophets, evangelists, teach- ers, and pastors, by whose labor and ministry He gathered together a great flock in all parts of -the world, to set forth the eternal praise of thy holy name ; for these so great benefits of thy eternal goodness, and for that thou hast vouch- safed to call these thy servants here present to the same office and ministry appointed for the salvation of mankind, we render unto thee most hearty thanks ; we praise and worship thee ; an and receive what they shall deliver out of thy most holy word, or agreeaUy to the same, as the. means of our salvation ; and that in all our words and deeds we may seek thy glory, and the increase of thy kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help, that in all our works begun, con- tinued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy name; and finally by thy mercy obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, The peace of God, which passeth all under- standing, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and oi* his Son Jesus Christ our Lord ; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen, 152 ORDAINING DEACONS. [Part III. • tt « [If on the same day the order of Deacons be given to some, and that of Elders to others, the Deacons shall be first presented, and then the Elders. The Col- lects shall both be nseid : first, that for Deacons, and then, that for Elders. The Emstle shall be Eph. iv. 7 to 13, as before in this office : immediately after which, they that are to be ordained Deacons shall be examined and ordained as is above prescribed. Then one of them having read the Gospel, which shall be St. John X. 1, as before in this office ; they that are to be ordained Elders shall likewise be examined and or- dained, as in this office before appointed.] VIII. — ^THE FORM OF ORDAINING DEACONS. [When the day appointed by the Bishop is come, there shall be a sernion or exhortation, declaring the duty and office of' such as come to be admitted Deacons.] After iohichf one of the elders shall present unto the Bishop the persons to be ordained Deacons, and their names being read alotid, the Bishop shall say unto the people^ Brethren, if there be any of you who knoweth any crime or impediment in any of these per- sons presented to be ordained Deacons, for the which he ought not to be admitted to that office, let him come forth in the name of Cknl, and show what the crime or impediment is. 'X Ch. i, § 8.] -ORDAINING DEACONS. 153 [If anv crime or impediment be objected, the Bishop shall surcease from ordaining that person until such time as the party accused shall be found clear of the same.] - Then shall he read the followivg Collect and Epistle: The Collect, Almighty God, who by thy divine providence hast appointed divers orders of ministers in thy Church, and didst inspire thy apostles to choose into the order of Deacons thy first martyr, St. Stephen, with others: mercifully behold these thy servants now called to the like office and administration ; replenish them so with the truth of thy doctrine, and adorn them with innocency of life, that both by word and good example they may faithfully serve thee in this office, to the glory of thy name and the edifi- cation of thy Church, through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and forever. 4-'inen» The Epistle. 1 Tim. iii. 8-13. . Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the mystery of 154 ORDAININO DEACONS. [Part III. the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved ; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to them- selves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. - i Then shall the Bishop examine eioeiry one of those who are to be ordained^ in the presence of the people, after this manner following : Do you trust that you are inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost to take upon you the office of the ministry in the Church of Christ, to serve God, for the promoting of His glory and the edifying of His people 1 Ans, I trust so. The Bishop. Do you unfeignedly believe all the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testament ? Ans, I do believe them. The Bishop, "Will you diligently read or ex- pound the same unto the people whom you shall be appointed to serve 1 Ans, I will. z' \ Ch. i, § 8.] ORDAiNiyo deacohts. 155 THa Biahop, It appertaineth to the office of a Beacon to assist tiie elder in divine service. And especially when he ministereth the holy communion, to help him in the distribution thereof, and to read and expound the Holy Scriptures ; to instruct the youth, and to bap- tize. And furthermore, it is his office to search for the sick, poor, and impotent, that they may be visited and relieved. Will you do this gladly and willingly 1 Ans, I will do so, by the help of €U)d. 27ie Bishop, Will you apply all your diligence to frame and fadiion your own Uves (and the lives of your families) according to the doctrine of Christ ; and to make (both) yourselves (and them), as much as in you lieth, wholesome exam- ples of the flock of Christ 1 Ana. I will do so, the Lord being my helper. The Bishop. Will you reverently obey them to whom the charge and government over you is committed, following with a glad mind and will their godly admonitions 9 Ans. I will endeavor so to do« the Lo my helper. being Then the Bishop, laying his hands severaMy upon the Jiead of every one oftliem, sJiaU say, Take thou authority to execute the office of a Deacon in the Church of God ; in the name of the 156 ORDAINING DEACONS. [Part III. Father, and of the, Son, and of the Holy: Ghost. Amen. Then i^ all t^ hfuhop deliver to encry one of them vAt Holy Bible, saying, . . , i: • - . ■ . ■ Take tiiuii ai;' ^^rity to read the Holy Scrip- tures in the Church of Grod, and to preach the same. Then one appointed by the Bishop shall read the Gospel, Luke xii. 36-38. Lfet your loins be girded about, and your lights burning, and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding, that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching. Verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. Immediately before the Benediction shall be said iJiese Collects following : Ch. i, g 8.j ORDAINING DEACONS. 157 Almighty God, Giver of all good things, who of thy great goodness hast vouchsafed to accept ''lif'. cake these thy servants into the office of Deacons in thy Church ; make them, we beseech thee, O Lord, to be modest, humble, and con- stant in their ministration, and to have a ready will to observe all spiritual discipline ; ^^^at they having always the testimony of a good c^. isv ^nce, and continuing ever stable and str< ig thy Son Christ, may so well behave tV- ni; '^ives in this inferior office, that they may " ^ found worthy to be called into the higher ministries in thy Church, through the same, t.^y Son . our Saviour Jesus Christ, to whom be glory and honour, world without end. Amen, Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy most gracious f ayor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works, begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, The peace of God, which pcusseth all under- standing, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his ^n Jesus Christ our Lord. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen. 158 LAYING CORKERrSTONE. [Part III. IX. — THE FORM FOR LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF A CHURCH. The MiniBteVy standing near the place where the etone is to he laid, ehall say. unto the congrega- tion. Dearly beloved, we are taught in the word of €k>d that, although the heaven of heavens can- not contain the Eternal One, much less the walls of temples made with hands, yet his delight is ever with the sons of men, and that, wherever two or three are gathered in His name, there is He in the midst of them. And in all ages His servants have separated certain places for His worship ; as Jacob erected a stone in Bethel for God's house ; as Moses made a tabernacle in the desert ; as Solomon builded a temple for the Lord, which He filled with the glory of His presence before all the people. We are now assembled to lay the comer-stone of a new house for the worship of the God of our Others. Let us not doubt that He will favourably approve out godly purpose, and let us now devoutly unite in singing his praise, and in prayer for his blessing on this our undertaking. Let one of the Hyinns SStS-SSS le sung. Ch. i, § 9.] LAYING CORNER-STONE. ^ 159 Then shall the Minister eay^ Let us pray. Most glorious God, the heaven is thy throne and the earth is thy footstool : what house then can be builded for thee, or where is the place of thy rest? Yet, blessed be thy name, O Lord God, that it hath pleased thee to have thy habi- tation among the sons of men, and to dwell in the midst of the assembly of the saints upon the earth. And now, especially, we render thanks unto thy holy name that it hath pleased thee to put it into the hearts of thy servants to erect in this place a house for thy worship. We thank thee for thy grace, which has inclined them to contribute of their substance for the glory of thy name : and we pray thee to continue thy blessing upon their pious undertaking. AiMfa, May many unite with them in their holy work, until this habitation of thy house sliaU be completed, and reieidy for dedication to thy se^ce, free from all debt or claim of man. Aman, May peace and hapnony prevail in the coun- sels of thy servants, and may no selfish or divided aims find place among them. May the work of this building be completed without hurt or accident to any person. And when thou shalt have prospered the work of their hands upon them, and this house shall be pre- 160 LAYiKo cornerstone; [Part III. pared and finished for thy service, grant that all who shall enjoy the benefit of this pious work may show forth their thankfulness, by making a right use of it, to the glory of thy blessed Name ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Grant that all who shall hereafter worship thee in the temple here to be builded, may so serve and please thee in all holy exercises of godliness, that in the end they may come to that temple on high, even to the holy places, made without hands, whose builder ond maker is God. Amen. Hear us, O Lord, for thou art our God in whom we trust. And when we shall cease to pray unto thee on earth, may we, with aU those who in like manner have erected such places to thy name, and with all thy saints and redeemed ones, eternally praise thee for all thy goodness vouchsafed unto us here on earth and laid up for us there in heaven. AmeTL Accept these our prayers, we beseech thee, for the sake of thy dear Son, and to thee, the only true and living God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, be honor, praise, alid glory, for ever and ever. Amen. • • . - ■ ) ■ • 27ien shall the Minister read thefoUowing Psahn, or the Minister and people may read it in alternate verses ; the parts in italics to be read by the people ; , Ch. i, § 9.] LAYtKO CORNER-STONE. .1'.. '. 4v:^Wil»n cxj^xii. '.i 'v-i. Lord, tememb^r David and all his a^ictions : How he svoare unto the Lordj and, vowed unto the .v"5iv' fnigj^y Qod of Jacob ; - Surely I will' not come into the tabernacle of my house; nor go up into my bed ; / unU not give sleep to mine eyes^ or slumber to my eyelids f Until I find out a place for the Lord, A habitation for the mighty God of Jacob. Lo^we heard of it at Ephratah : we found it in the fields of the wood. We wiU go into his tabernacles ; we will worship at his footstool Arise, O Lord, into thy rest ; thou, and the ark of thy strength. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness ; And let thy saints shout for joy. For thy servant DavicPs sake turn not away the face of thine cmointed. The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David ; he will not turn from it ; Of the fruit of thy body wiU I set upon thy throne. If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for ever- more, h 162 LAYINQ G0RKER-8T0NE. [Part III. For the Lord liath chosen Zion ; he hath desired U for his hMtcttion, This is my rest forever; here will I dwell ; for I have desired it. / will ahfwn/^mdly bless her provision : I will satisfy her poor with bread. / wiU also clothe her priests with salvation : And her saints shall shout aloud for joy. There will I make the horn of David to bud : I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. ^ His CTiemies will I clothe with shame : But upon himself shaU his crown flourish. The Lesson. 1 Cor. iii. 9-23. For we are laborers together with God : ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me as a wise master-builder, I have laid the foundation and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble : every man's work shall be made manifest : for the day shall declare it, because it diall be re- vealed by fire ; and the fire shall try every man's Oh. i, § 9.] LAYING OORNER-STONE. 163 work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss : but he himself shall be saved ; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in youl If any man deflc the temple of Gk)d, lum shall G -a ,'.4ti- ^, '^^«0. ^iL^. W \t 1^. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // 1.0 I.I US 125 lU 140 2.0 IJ£ ! - , " ■ ' '"' , " ' - " "'''~ |L25|U,j^ ^ _ 6" » FhotogFaphk] Sciences Corporalion 33 WIST MAIN STRHT WltSTIR,N.Y. HSM (7I«) •79-4503 w ^ i^ PART IV. REUGIOUS AND BENEVOLENT INSTI- TUTIONS. 1 ■ i CHAPTER I. / SECTION I. — RELATION OF BAPTIZED CHILDREN TO THE CHURCH. Qties, 1. Are all young children entitled to baptism? , . Ans, We hold that all children, by virtue of . the unconditional benefits of the atonement, are members of the kingdom of Qod, and, therefore, graciously entitled to baptism, but as baptism contemplates a course of religious instruction and discipline, it is expected of all parents or guardians, who present their children for bap- tism, that they use all diligence in bringing them up in conformity to the word of God ; and they should be solemnly admonished of ihia obliga- tion, and earnestly exhorted to faithfulness therein. \ n- y DREN 3d to ue of jy are ifore, >tism ction ts or bap- ;hem they >liga- Iness Ch. i, § 1.] BAPTIZED GHILDRBN. 175 Q. 2. Wliat is the relation of baptized chil- dren to the Church 1 A. We regard all children who have been baptized as placed in visible covenant relation to Grod, and under the special care and supervi- sion of the Church. Q. 3. What shall be done for the baptized children of our Church 1 A. 1. It shall be the duty of every preacher having the charge of a Circuit or Station to pro- cure our catechisms for them ; explain and im- press them upon their hearts ; pray earnestly for them, and diligently instruct them ; also to preach expressly on the subject of religious education. 2. To obtain the names of the children of his congregations, and — ^where the parents will allow it — ^form them into classes for the purpose of giving them religious instruction ; to meet them as often as his other duties will allow ; to ap- point leaders to instruct them in his absence ; to leave his successor a correct account of each class, and report to the Annual Conference. 3. To make and preserve an accurate, correct P&gister, and leave it with his successor, of the names of all the baptized children in his pastoral care, after the following form ; Name of child, - and date of birth, names of parents, when baptised, - place 176 EPISCOPAL FUND. [Part IV. and make a full retum to the Aauual Confer- ence ; all local preachers to make returns to the preacher in charge. SECTION II.^^EPISCOPAL PUND. Ordered^ That we provide for the Episcopal office by collecting from the congregations of our several Circuits, Stations, and- Missions, a per- centage, according to the number of membersvin the Church, equivalent to the annual expenses, to, be procured by the direction of the Aniiual Con- ferences. SECTION III. — PRESIDING ELDERS SUPPORT. Ques. How shall the Presiding Elders be sup- ported? Ans, There shall be a meeting in every Dis- trict, of one Steward from each Station and Cir- cuit, to be selected from among the stewards by the Quarterly Meeting Conference, whose duty it shall be, by and with the advice of the Pre- siding Elder ^who shall preside in such meet- inirs), to take into consideration the ireneral state ofd;; District in regard to tempora&tie;^ and to furnish a competent support for the Presiding Elder : who shall be accountable to the Annuid Conference for what he receives as his allow- ance. Ch. i, § 4.] ALLOWANCE TO MINISTERS. 177 SECTION lY. — ^ALLOWANCE TO MINISTERS. Ques. By what method shall we provide the salary necessary for the preachers on the various charges within the bounds of our work ? Ana. The Quarterly Meeting Conference, at its last regular meeting in each year, shall ap- point a Finance Committee, composed of six persons, with power to add to their number, whose duty it shall be, — 1st. To meet the preacher as early as prac- ticable after his arrival upon his charge, and esti- mate the amount of stipend required for the current year ; 2nd. To appoint a committee of one or more in each congregation, whose duty it shall be to canvass the congregation for subscriptions to the pastorate fund, payable weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, as shall appear most practicable, and report at the earliest date possible ;. 3rd. To meet whenever called by the pastor or their chairman ; 4th. To report to the Quarterly Meeting Con- ference, at each of its sessions, the state of the pastorate fund, and submit their action for the approval thereof ; 5th. The travelling and moving expenses of the preachers shall not be reckoned as a part of the estimate, but be paid by the stewards sepa- rately." 178 SUPERANNUATED FUND. [Part IV. SECTION V. — OP THE SUPERANNUATED FUND. "'l. That each Annual Conference shall secure within its bounds the amount required to meet the following claims for its superannuates : 1. That five years* eflfective labor in the ministry entitle to a claim of $40 ; ten years, to $60 ; fif- teen years, to $80 ; twenty years, to $100 ; thirty years, to an addition of 10 per cent., and forty years, of 15 per cent, annually, intermediate years to claim according to the above scale, giv- ing an earUer claim for the shorter period of service. The wife or widow of each claimant shall be entitled to a claim equal to the husband, as above, to twenty years. The maximum to be $100. 2. That ten per cent, of all moneys raised for the superannuated fund be reserved by each Annual Conference for necessitous cases, to be expended annually ; and if < at any time there shall be more than sufficient funds to meet the allowance to claimants, the surplus shall be added to the amount reserved for necessitous cases. 3. To provide for the better support of the superannuated preachers, their wives, widows and children — ' (1) It shallbe the dutyof each Annual Con- ference cancy occurring, the Book Committee shall have power to fill such vacancy until the ensuing General Conference. The general superintendents or any two mem- bers of the Book Committee shall have power to call said committee together at any time. . ;.«r At all times when said committee shall meet, it shall take five of its members to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. It shall be the duty of the Book Committee to examine into the condition of the Book Room — to inspect the accounts of the agent and make a report thereof yearly to the Annual Conf erenceSj and once in four years to the General Conference. They shall also attend to such matters as may be referred to them by the agent for their action or counsel. And they shall have power to sus- pend an agent or editor from his official relation as such, if they judge it necessary for the inter- ests of the Church and of the Book Boom. And a time shall be fixed — at as early a day as prac- ticable — for the investigation of the official con- duct of the said agent or editor, at which one or more of the bishops shall be requested to attend, and with the concurrence of the bishop or bishops present, and of the majority of the committee he may be removed from office in the interval of the General Conference. And in case a vacancy occurs in the Agency or Editorship, it shall be y.'i 188 PRiNTiNO OF BOOKS. [Part rV, the duty of the Book Committee and one of the General Superintendents as soon as practicable to provide for such vacancy until the next General Ck)nference. 8. In the absence of the agent every Annual Conference shall appoint a committee who shall attend to the collection of the accounts sent out from the Book Koom, and return an accurate report of the same. They shall also report to the Conference any claims which have been one year due, that they may be collected or secured. EyeryP^sidingElder. minister and preacher shaU do everything in his power to recover all debts due to the BookB>oom, and also all books belong- ing to it within the bounds of his charge. If any person, preacher or member, be indebted to the Book Boom and refuse or neglect to make payment or to come to a just settlement, let him be dealt with in the same manner as is directed in other cases of debt and disputed accounts. 9. Whenever a member of an Annual Con- ference applies for a location, it shall be asked in all cases : ** Is he indebted to the Book Boom V* and if it be ascertained that he is, the Conference shall require him to secure said debt, if they judge it at. all necessary, or proper, befoire they grant him a location. Whenever any claimant on the funds of the Conference shall be in debt to the Book Room, the Conference of which he is a member shall have power to appropriate the Ch. i, § 9.] PRINTING OF BOOKS. 189 amount of such claim, or any part thereof to the payment of said debt. 10. No books shall hereafter be issued or sold on commission from the Book Boom. 11. The profits arising from the Book Boom, after a sufficient capital to carry on the business is retained, shall be regularly applied to the sup- port of the travelling preachers deficient in their disciplinary allowance, and their families, the superannuated preachers, widows and orphans of preachers. The book agent shall every year send forward to each Annual Conference an account of the dividend which the several Annual Con- ferences may draw that year. 12. Any travelling preacher, who may publish any work or book of his own, shall be held re»- ponsible to his Conference for any obnoxious doc- trine or matter therein contained. J ■ J t .■ PART^ V. TEMPORAL ECONOMY. ■'% CHAPTER I. SECTION I — RAISING SUPPLIES — CHURCH BUILDiNO. 1. Every preacher who has the charge of a Circuit shall make a yearly collection, and if ex- pedient, a quarterly one, in every congregation, and the money so collected shall be brought or sent to the ensuing Annual Conference. To this end he may read and enlarge upon the following hints : " How shall we send laborers into those parts where they are most of all wanted ? Many are willing to hear, but not to bear the expense. Nor can it as yet be expected of them. Stay till the word of God has touched their hearts, and then they will gladly provide for them that preach it. Does it not lie upon us, in the mean- Ch. i, § 1.] RAISING SUPPLIES. 191 time, to supply their lack of service 1 To raise moneyj out of which, from time to time, that expense may be defrayed. By this means, those who willingly offer themselves may travel through every part, whether there be societies or hot. Thus may the gospel, in the life and power thereof, be spread from sea to sea. Which of you will not rejoice or throw in your mite to promote this glorious work 1 " Besides this, in carrying on so large a work, there are calls for money in various ways, and we must frequently be at a considerable expense, or the work must be at a full stop. Many, too, are the occasional distresses of our preachers, or their families, which require an immediate sup- ply, otherwise their* hands would hang down, if they w'ere not constrained to depart from the work. "The money contributed will be brought to tlie ensuing Conferences. " Men and brethrJBn, help ! * Was there ever a call like this since you first heard the gospel sound i . Hielp to relieve your companions in the kingdom of Jesus, who are pressed above, mea- sure. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. H6lp to send forth able and willing laborers into your Lord's harvest ; so shall. ye be assistants in saving souls from death and hiding a multitude of sins. Help to propagate the gospel of your salvation to the 193 RAisiNQ SUPPLIES. [Part y. remotest corners of the earth till the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the land as the waters cover the sea. So shall it appear to ourselves and all men, that we are indeed one body united by one spirit ; so shall the heathen be yet again constrained to say, 'See how these Christians love one another ! ' " 2. A public collection shall be made at ev&ry Am ual and every General Conference for the above purpose. V- * 3. Ijet the annual product of the Conference funds be applied with the above contributions ; but so as not to militate against the rules of the Conference funds ; and also the annual dividend arising from the profits of the Book Concern. Out of the moneys so collected, and brought to the Annual Conference, let the various allowances agreed upon be made up ; but in no case shall an allowance be made to any travelling preacher who has travelled in any circuit where he might in the judgment of the Annual Conferience have obtained his full quarterage, if he had applied for it ; and if at any Conference there remain a surplus, after making up all such allowances, the Conference shall send such surplus forward to that Conference they judge to be t^e most necessitous. 4. If the respective allowances are not raised as provided for, the church shall not be account- able for the deficiency, as in case of debt. /■ Oh. i, § 2.] HOUSBS roB preachers. 195 SECTION II. — BUILDING AND RENTING HOUSES FOR THE USE OF THE TRAVELLING PREACHERS. Lght have >plied n ft the rd to most bised mnt- Ques, What advice or direction shall be given concerning the building or renting of dwelling houses, for the use of the married travelling preachers ? A. It is recommended by the General Con- ference to the travelling preachers, to advise our friends in general to purchase a lot of ground on each circuit, and to build a preacher's house thereon, and to furnish it with, «it least, heavy furniture, and to settle the same on trustees, ap- pointed by the Quarterly Meeting Conference, according to the deed of settlement published in our form of Discipline. 2. The General Conference recommend to all the circuits, in cases where they are not able to comply with the above request, to rent a house for the married preacher aad his famUy (when such are stationed upon their circuits respect- ively), and that the Annual Conference do assist to make up the rents of such houses as far as they can, when the circuit can not do it. 3. It shall be the duty of the Presiding Elders and preachers to use their influence to carry the above rules, respecting building and renting houses for the accommodation of preachers and their families, into effect. In order to this, each Quarterly Meeting Conference shall appoint a N 194 HOUSES FOR PREACHERS. [Part V. committee (unless other measures have been adopted), who, with the advice and aid of the preachers and Presiding Elders, shall devise such means as may seem fit to raise moneys for that purpose. .Ajid it is recommended tx) the Annual Conferences to make a special enquiry of their members respecting this part of their duty. 4. Those preachers who refuse to occupy the house which may be provided for them on the stations and circuits where they are from time to time appointed, shall be allowed nothing for house rent ; nevertheless, this rule shall not ap- ply to those preachers whose families are either established within the bounds of their circuits, or are so situated that, in the judgment of the stewards or the above-mentioned committee, it is not necessary for the benefit of the circuit to remove. 5. That the trustees of parsonages hold ministers occupying their houses responsible for all unnecessary damages done to buildings, fences, gardens, &c., and that the stewards of the circuit may pay such damages out of the claims of the preachers. SECTION HI. — OP THE BTTILDING OP CHURCHES AND THE ORDER TO BE OBSERVED THEREIN. Ques. 1, Is any thing advisable in regard to building ? . Ch. i, § 3.] BUILDING OF CHURCHES. 195 ,rd to Ans. 1. Let all our churches be built plain and decent, but not more expensive than is necessary for convenience and comfort. 2. In order more effectually to prevent our people from contracting debts which they are n b able to discharge, it shall be the duty of the Quarterly Conference of every circuit and sta- tion where it is contemplated to build a house or houses of worship, to secure the ground or lot on which such house or houses are to be built, according to our deed of settlement, which deed must be legally executed ; and also said Quarter- ly Conference shall appoint a judicious committee of at least three members of our Church, who shall form an estimate of the amount necessary to build ; and proceed as their judgment may direct. 3. In future we will admit no charter, deed, or conveyance, for any house of worship to be used by uS, unless it be provided in such charter, .deed or conveyance, that the trustees of the said house shall at all times permit such ministers and preachers belonging to the Methodist Epis- copal Church, as shall from time to time be duly authorized by the General Conference of the ministers of our Church, or by the Annual Con- ference, to preach and expound God's holy word, and to administer the sacraments therein accord- ing to the true meaning and purport of our deed of settlement. IH TltUtTIIS; [Party. SEOTIOH lY.— TBU8T EM — ^THEIR DUTIW AVD RBSPOKBIBILITIBS. 1. Each Board of Tmsteefl of our Church property hereafter to be created shall consist of not less than three nor more than nine personfly each of whom shall be not less than twenty-one years of age, two-thirds of whom shall be mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Canada. \ 2. The first Board of Trustees for our Church, hereafter, shall be appointed by a Quarterly Conference and certified to by the President and Secretary thereof. The Quarterly Conference of the Circuit or Station within the bounds of which any Board may exist, hereafter created, shall fill all vacancies therein. 3. Vacancies in Boards of Trustees may occur by death, by resignation which is accepted by the Quarterly Conference, by removal from the vicinity of the society holding the property, or ' in case of those who were members of the Church at the time of appointment by ceasing to be members, or by ejectment from office ; neverthe- less, no person who is a Trustee shall be ejected while he is joint security for money, unless such relief be given him as is demanded, or the creditor will accept. 4. In the case of Boards of Trustees hereto- fore created, the existing rule, as follows, and as Ctti. i, S 4.] TRUSTEES. 19T ■ !.- or provided for in the deeds of settlement, shall stand, unless by Act of Parliament the foregoing is allowed to apply, to wit : Whenever any one or more Trustees, or successor or successors of a Trustee, shall die or cease to be a member of said Methodist Episcopal Church in Canada, ac- cording to the Kules and Discipline of the said Church, or on the circuit or station within the bounds of which the property for which he is a Trustee is located, or shall resi^'*' his trusteeship in writing, which resignation has been accepted by the existing Board of Trustees, the vacant place or places of the Trustee or Trustees, so dying, ceasing to be a member or members of the Church, or so resigning, may be filled with a suc- cessor or successors, being a member or members of the said Church, of the age of twenty-one years. The stationed minister or preacher in the charge of the said Church, for the time being, within whose station or circuit the said parcel or tract of land shall be, shall call a meeting of the sur^ viving trustees of the said trust, who, when met, shall nominate and appoint by vote such succes- sor or successors in the said trust ; and in case of an equal division of the votes of the trustees present, the said stationed minister or preacher shall h^ve a casting vote in such appointment ; and if it shall happen at any time that there * The provision for resignations was adopted on condition that it does not conflict v.'ith the statute. 198 TRUSTEES. [Part V. shall not be two surviving trustees of the said trust, in that case it shall and may be lawful for the stationed minister or preacher who shall have the charge of that Station or Circuit for the time being, to nominate, and the Quarterly Conference of that Station or Circuit, if they approve the person so nominated, to appoint the requi- site number of trustees of the said trust, by a major vote of the members of the said Confer- ence then present, and, in case of an equal divi- sion of the votes, the chairman of the said Con- fepence shall have a casting vote in such appoint- ment ; and the person or persons so nominated and appointed trustee or trustees in either of the said modes of nomination and appointment, shall be the legal successor or successors of the above- named trustees. Of Keeping Trustees^ Becor(f .. Ques. How shall the Trustees' Record be kept 1 A. It shall be the duty of the Trustees for the time being to keep a book of record, in which the name or n^^mes of any person or persons nominated and appointed successors, and also the names of the persons so nominating and ap- pointing them, shall be entered, and such entry be subscribed by the said nominators and ap- pointers. ^ , Oh. i, § 5.] FORM OF DfeED. 199 . . * i^^ta- 6 # ' SECTION V. — A FORM OF A DEED OF SETTLEMENT. * Ques. What shall ,be done for the security of our preaching houses, and the premises belong- ing thereto 1 . . ' Ans. Let the following plan of a deed of settle- ment be brought into effect in all possible cases : ^^)^herea0 in and by a statute of the Province ^■^^^ of Ontario, passed in the thirty-sixth year of the reign of her Majesty Queen Victoria, chapter one hundred and thirty-five, entituled " An Act respecting the Property of Keligioua Institutions in the Province of Ontario," it is enacted that, "When any religious society or congregations of Christians in Ontario desire to take a conveyance of land for the site of a church, chapel, meeting-house, burial-ground, residence for a minister, book store, printing or publishing ofiice, or for any other religious or congregational purpose whatever, such society or congregation may appoint Trustees, to whom and their successors to be appointed, in such manner as may be specified in the deed of con- veyance, the land requisite for all or any of the purposes aforesaid may be conveyed ; and such Trustees and their successors in perpetual suc- cession, by the name expressed in the deed, may take, hold, and possess the land, and maintain and defend actions in law or equity for the pro- tection thereof and of their property therein ; 300 FORM OF DBBD. [PartV. And Whereas a religious congregation or soci- ety of Methodists, known as the Methodist Episcopal Church in Canada, have occasion to take such a deed of a tract or parcel of land situate in the in the County of and Province of Ontario, for the site of a church, chapel^ meeting-house, burying-ground, residence for a mimster, book store, printing or publishing office, or for any other purpose consistent with the provisions of the said statute, in such case made and provided, and have appointed Trus- tees, by the name of the " Trustees of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church in Canada,'^ in the in the County of and Province of Ontario ; . jfaw this JjfndmiurB, made in duplicate the day of one thousand eight hundred and Between and Trustees of the WITNESSETH that, in consideration of dollars of lawful money of Canada CL i, § 5.] FORM or deed. 301 with case [eth- the anty rio ; icate >/ ■■ m -s ada •'.- now paid by the said part of the part to the said part of the first part (the re- ceipt whereof is hereby acknow- ledged) the said part of the first part do grant unto the said part of the part and their successors to be appointed in the manner hereinafter specified forever, All and singular th certain parcel or tract of land and premises situate, lying and being To Have and to Hold unto the said part of the part and their successors in the said trust to be appointed in manner hereinafter specified, upon trust for the members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Canada, according to the Kules and Discipline which now are or hereafter may be adopted by the General or Annual Conferences of the said Church in Canada, for the site of a church, meeting-house, burying-ground, or any other purpose for which the said denomination may require the same, in trust and confidence that the said Trustees for the time being shall, at all times hereinafter, per- mit any Methodist Episcopal Minister or Preacher, or Ministers or Preachers, he or they being a member or members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Canada, and duly author- ized as such by the said General or Annual Conferences, to preach and perform religious 202 FORM OF D^Id. [Part V. service in the said Ijousfe and burial service in the said burying-ground, according to the Kules and Discipline of th^ ^aid Church ; arid in fur- ther trust and confidence that the said Trustees for the time being may, at theit* discretion, per- mit the regular minister or preacher of any other orthodox Protestant denomination of Christians to pi'each and perform public Religious service ill such House, when it ^hall not be required for ' the use of the ministers or preachers of the said Methodist Episcopal Church in Canada, or their assigns forever ; subject, nevertheless, to reser- vations, limitations, provisoes and conditions expressed in the original grant thereof from the Crown. - The said part of the first part covenant with the said part of the part and their successors as aforesaid that he ha the ' right to convey the said lands to the said part of the part and their successors, not- withstanding any act of the said part of the first part. ' And that the said part of the part and their successors shall have quiet possession of the said lands, free from all incumbraiices. And the said part of the first part covenant with the said part of the part that he will execute suph further assurances of the said lands as may be requisite. Ch. i, § 5.] FORM OF DEED. i';^- 203 And the said part of the first part covenant ' with the said part of the . part and their successors as aforesaid, that he : ha done no act to encumber the said lands. " ^i; And the said part of the. first part release ." to the said part of the :,4.«^..j,i part- and their successors as aforesaid alj claims upon V the said land, and it is hereby declared to Jje the ■ true ihteiit of this Peed, that the full number of the Trustees of the said trust shall continue to be ' ; and that whenever any one or' more of the said above-named Trustees, or such suc- cessors in the said trust shall die, or cease to be a member or members of the said Methodist Episcopal ■ CJiurch in Canada, according to the Rules and Discipline of the said Church, or on the Circuit or Station within the bounds of which the property for which he is a Trustee is located, or shall resign his Trusteeship- in writing, which resignation has been accepted by the Quarterly Conference, the vacant place or places of the Trustee or Trustees so dying or ceasing to ; be a member or members of the said Church, or so resigning may be filled with a successor or successors, being a member or members of the said Church, of the age of twenty-one years, I the stationed Minister or Preacher in the charge of the said Church, for the time being, within whose Station or Circuit the said parcel or tract 204 MAX or DIED. P»ai?t V. of land shall be, shall call a meeting of the sur- viving Trustees of said trust, who when met shall ^ nominate and appoint bj vote such said succes- ^ Bor or successors in the said trust ; and in case of an equal division of the votes of the Trustees present, the said stationed Minister or Preacher shall have a casting vote in such appointment ; and if it shall happen at any time that there shall not be two surviving Trustees of the said trust, in that case it shall and may be lawful for the stationed Minister or Preacher who shall have charge of that Station or Circuit for the time be- ing to nominate, and the Quarterly Conference of that Circuit or Station, if they approve the person or persons so nominated, to appoint the requisite number of Trustees of the said trust, by a major vote of the members of the said Con- ference then present, and in case of an equal division of their votes, the chairman of the said Conference shall have a casting vote in such ap- / pointment ; and the person or persons so nomi- nated and appointed Trustee or Trustees, in I either of the said modes of nomination and ap- "^ pointment, shall be the legal successor or sue- 1 cessors of the said above-named Trustees, and S shall have in perpetual succession the same capa- b^ cities, powers, and rights and duties as are given to the said above-named Trustees, in and by this Deed and the Statute aforesaid. And to the end that due nomination and ap- pointment of succeeding Trustees in the said ' is I ur- 68- of »es er t; ill !ie ve »e- ce le le t, a- a d I I C9l. i, § 5.] FORM OF DEED. ^ 206 trust may be preserved, it shall be the duty of the Trustees for the time being to keep a book of record, in which the name or names of any person or persons nominated and appointed to the said trust, as aforesaid, and also the names of the persons so nominating and appointing them shall be entered, and such entry subscribed by the said nominators and appointers. In witness whereof, the said parties hereto have hereunto set their hands and seals. Signed, sealed, and delivered in presence o/^ -,'• I .■''' AFFIDAVIT. COUNTY OF TO WIT : of the in tJie ftaid County make oath and say : I. That I was personally present, and did see the within Instrument and Duplicate thereof duly signed, sealed, and executed by r , part thereto. ''-"', ' ' 206 rORM OF DEED. [Part y. II. That the said Instrument and Duplicate were so executed at III. That I know the said part IV. That I am a subscribing witness to the said Instru- ment and Duplicate. Sworn before me at in the year of our Lord A Commissioner in Queen^a Bench for taking affidavits in 4 » 4t APPENDIX L COURSE OF STUDY FOR PREACHERS. 1. Candidates for admission on^trial into the Annual Conference shall be required to pass ex- amination in the following subjects : Common branches of an English education ; Outline of Ancient and Modern History (Collier); Bible History. 2. The following texts and work are prescribed as the Course of Study : First Year. — English Grammar ; Composition and Rhetoric (Bain) ; Sacred Geography and Antiquities (Barrows) ; Watson's Institutes, Pt. I. ; Wesley's Plain Account of Christian Perfec- tion ; Kidder's Christian Pastorate ; Bible Doc- trines (Binney's Theological Compend) ; Discip- line. Candidate Deacons. — History of Methodism (Stevens) ; Watson's Institutes, Pt. II., Chap. i. -xvii. ; Wesley's Sermons, i.-xxv. ; Kidder's Homiletics ; Logic (McCosh) ; Sacraments (Luc- 208 APPENDICES. key's Lord Sapper, and Hibbard on Baptism, Ft. I.) ; Essay. Third Year. — History of the M. E. Church in Canada (Webster) ; Watson's Institutes, Pt. II., Chap, xviii. to the end) ; Stewart's Active and Moral Powers ; Fletcher's Checks, i.-v. ; Kurtz's Church History to the Keformation ; King's Primitive Church ; Sketch. Candidate, Elders. — Kurtz's Church History from the Reformation ; Handbook of Moral Philosophy (Calderwood) ; Angus's Bible Hand- book ; Smith's Old Testament History ; Bledsoe's Theodicy ; Hurst's History of Rationalism. 3. Graduates in Arts and candidates holding a Divinity testimonium shall not be required to pass an examination in those subjects passed during their collegiate course. 4. No candidate shall be considered to have passed the examination for admission on trial who has failed to make thirty-five per cent, on the questions submitted to him. 5. Candidates for the examinations of the First and Second Years shall be required to make forty per cent, upon the questions submitted to them ; and in case of failure to make the required percentage upon any subject, they shall not be required to be re-examined upon those subjects in which the required percentage has been ob- tained ; provided always that a failure upon more \. APPENDIX I. 209 on kke than one half of the question papers submitted shall make the entire examination null and void. 6. Candidates for the examinations of the Third and Fourth Years shall be required to make forty per cent, upon the questions submitted to them, with the same privileges and restrictions as those specified for the examinations of the First and Second Years ; provided always, that nb candidate shall proceed to the ordination of Deacon or Elder, except in case of ordination for special work, until he shall have satisfactorily passed an examination in all the subjects for . which he is a candidate. 7. Each Annual Conference shall appoint a Chairman and Board of Examiners, whose duty it shall be to prepare all examination papers for the several years for which they may be appoint- ed, to estimate the answers returned by the can- didates, and report the same to the Kegistrar as hereinafter to be provided. 8. It shall be the duty of each Annual Con- ference to appoint a Registrar, who shall keep a record of all examinations in a book provided for that purpose, and who shall be associated with the Board of Examiners, and shall be re- responsible, under direction of the Chairman, for the regular and orderly proceeding of the ex- amination of all candidates, and shall also pre- pare a report of the examinations, said report to 210 APPENDICES. be duly signed by the Chairman and Registrar, and to be by the Registrar submitted to the Con- ference. 9. All papers to be submitted to candidates shall be forwarded under seal to the Registrar at -least thirty days before the date fixed for hold- the examinations, and the Registrar shall be responsible to the Conference for said papers until the examinations have been duly held. 10. Each Annual Conference shall order whether any or all of the question papers for the next examination shall be printed, and provide for the payment thereof ; and it shall be <.he duty of the Registrar to execute the order of the Con- feren6^ in such case. 11. A written copy of each question paper for each candidate, in those subjects not ordered to be printed, shall be prepared by the Ex- aminer. 12. All candidates for admission on trial and for examination shall meet the Chairman of the Board of Examiners and the Registrar, at ten o'clock a. m., on the Tuesday preceding the time appointed for the meetings of the Annual Con- ference, the Chairman having duly given notice of the Rame in the Canada Christian Advooate, 13. It shall be the duty of the preacher in charge of the circuit or station entertaining the Conference to provide all necessary accommoda- tion for the holding of the examinations. APPENDIX I. 211 U. A probationer attending any school or college, and neither having charge nor serving as junior on any field of labor, nor in any way doing regular work under official direction, shall not be credited with the years' probation. dered ) Ex- 1 and • ►f the kt ten itime Con- [loxiice ooate. ler in g the aioda- ■ ^■■•■<' lA 'iHn^yJy.f '<,■,! ■■* \ i • APPENDIX 11. LAW QUESTIONS. 1 Ques. 1. Do the taking of extra-judicial oaths, that is, oaths administered by persons not magis* trates or not legally empowered to administer such oaths, contravene the 25th Article of Religion as found on the 13th pge of our Book of Discipline ; and are the taking of such oaths contrary to the teaching of the Scriptures 1 Ana. All oaths must be taken and adminis- tered be'-e the magistrate or person legally empowered to administer such oaths. No others are known to your Committee, or contemplated in the Article. Ques. 2. When a member leaves the M. E. Church regularly by letter, who is a Trustee, and sees fit, after a time, to return to the Church and deposit his letter, does this restore him to the office of Trusteeship, or will he have to be appointed regularly, as the Discipline directs ? Ans. If the letter implies a withdrawal from the Church, we answer. No. If his fibsence be APPENDIX II. 213 brief, and the place has not been filled, and the letter implies removal from one Circuit to another only, and he deposits the same letter, we answer, Yes; otherwise, he must be re-appointed. Quea. 3. Is it competent for a member of an Annual Conference to vote by letter or telegraph on any question in Conference when he has not been present at the seat of Conference, oi', having been present, has gone from the seat of Confer- ence ? Ans. We find no law in the Discipline bearing on this question, but would recommend that an item for insertion therein be presented through the Committee on Revision to provide that no person shall be f)ermitted to vote unless present at ^he seat of Conference. Ques. 4. Does the first item in the duties of a class-leader,* page 15 of the Discipline, require no more of a leader than to be at the place and at the time where and when his class meets, whether each member thereof be present or not ? Ans. Yes. Should any member of his class not be present at the class-meeting, it is the duty of the leader to see him by visiting or otherwise. Ques. 5. Is it necessary that a Trustee shall live within the bounds of the charge where the Church for which he is a Trustee is located ? Ans. No. See pages 196, 197 of the Discip- line. It is not necessary. •Sv. 214 APPENDICES. ' Qwis. 6. Is the pastor of a Circuit chairman ex officio of all Circuit Committees not otherwise provided for by Discipline ? Arts. He is. Q. 7. Has an Elder a right to administer the Sacrament without the use of the prayer for the consecration of the elements 1 Ans. He has no such right. Q. 8. Is it competent, when a Conference Committee have found an accused person guilty of a crime sufficient to exclude him from the kingdom of grace and glory, to infii'ct a penalty other than the Discipline provides 1 Ans. If by " other" is meant greateVy — No. If by it is meant less than the extreme penalty, —Yes. Q. 9. After a minister in regulq,r standing in an Annual Conference has received an appoint- ment from the Stationing Committee, can he be set aside and left without work during the re- mainder of the year, when no charges have been preferred against him 1 Ans. He cannot. * Q. 10. In case a claimant on the Superannu- ate Fund should lose his wife by death, and he should marry again, what effect would his second marriage have on his claim ? Ans. It would have no effect on his claim. . APPENDIX II. 215 * §.11. When a member of the Church is known to be guilty of gross immorality, and no other member can be found to enter a charge against him or become the prosecutor in his case, what is the duty of the preacher in charge ? ' Ans. To institute proceedings in behalf of the Church. \ . Q. 12. Can a person be received as a member of the M. E. Church in Canada while he is at the same time a member of another denomination 1 Arts, Yes. Q, 13. When a person joins our Church on trial and fills up the time of probation stated in the Discipline, can he claim full membership in the event that the preacher in charge neglects to formally admit him ? Ans. He cannot. {See Discipline, p. 88.) Q. 14. Is it the prerogative of the preacher in charge of a Circuit to decide the status of a per- son on trial, wlio has put in his full probation, without any reference to the class with which he has stood connected 1 Ans. The question is so ambiguous that it is difficult to frame an answer ; yet we answer, No. Q. 15. When an expelled member of our Church appeals from the decision of the commit- tee who tried him, stating informality as the 216 APPENDICES. ground of his appeal, has the Quarterly Confer- ence so appealed to a right to refuse to entertain the appeal? Ana. No. Q. 16. A request being made by a benevolent society to an Annual Conference for one of its members to act in the capacity of an agent, the Conference grants permission by resolution. Should this time be reckoned as effective labor 1 Ana. It should be so reckoned. Q. 17. Can a probationer be continued on trial for more than six months ? Ana. He can. Q. 18. If a superannuated preacher dies, leaving a wife, and she ceases to be a member of the Church, has she a claim on the Superannu- ated Preachers' Fund ? Ana. Inasmuch as there is no law on the sub- ject, it is in the discretion of the Annual Con- ference. Q. 19. Is it in the power of a pastor, by vote of the society, to receive a member into full con- nection in our Church who comes without a let- ter, while at the same time the pastor and the society may have perfect satisfaction as to the previous membership? Ana. The vote of the society does not affect the case ; the minister is the judge of the com- pliance with law. APPENDIX II. 217 Q. 20. Is a definite and indefinite suspension to be understood as one and the same thing,* lapsing at the end of the year without action of the Conference 1 Ana. No ; a definite suspension terminates at the time specified ; an indefinite suspension must terminate with the Conference year. Q. 21. When a person who has held full mem- bership, in another Christian Church, bringing a letter of his standing, wishes to connect himself with us, ought a preacher in charge receive him without bringing his case before the Society ? Ana. Yes. Q. 22. If a superannuated minister should be- come a widower and marry again, would his second wife sustain the same relation to the Superan- nuated Fund that the first held ? Ana. No. Q. 23. Is a probationer in an Annual Confer- ence a member of the District Conference within the District where he labors, and in case of alleged immorality, by whom is the process of trial to commence, and before what tribunal must he ap- pear ? ilns. The District Conference. >-v.'r f\.l: ■■/■■K*-t,i0^} '""■ ' ..A t - APPENDIX III. CONSTITUTION FOR SABBATH SCHOOLS. 81 tl t( f( Art. 1— This Society shall be called the Sab- bath School Society of , auxiliary to the Sabbath School Union of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and connected with the Quarterly Meeting Conference of- Circuit. It shall consist of the Preacher in charge, Officers and Teachers, and Sabbath School Committee ap- pointed by the Quarterly Board. Art. 2. — The object of this Society shall be to sustain a Sabbath School at . Art. 3. — The officers shall be a Superintend- ent, Assistant Superintendent, (a female Super- intendent, wher necessary), Secretary, Treasurer and Librarian, who shall be elected annually by ballot. , Art. 4. — Teachers shall be nominated by the Superintendent, with the concurrence of the pas- tor, on their entering the School, and elected by the Society one month after. APPENDIX III. 219 1 .■ Art. 5. — Regular meetings of this Society shall be held on of each month, for the transaction of such business as relates to the in- terests of the Society and School, at which the following order shall be observed : (1.) Singing and prayer ; (2.) Calling the roll; (3.) Reading minutes ; (4.) Unfinished business ; (5.) Reports of Committees ; (6.) Report from Superintendent ; (7.) Report from Treasurer ; (8.) Report of the Librarian, concerning the state of the library, the number and kind of periodicals taken ; (9.) Report from Sabbath School Committee ; (10.) Reports from Teach- ers; (11.) Miscellaneous. Art. 6. — At all meetings for business shall constitute a quorum. Art. 7. — A special meeting of the Society may be called by the Superintendent or by any three of the members. Art. 8 — In cases of withdrawal of persons from the school they cease to be members of this Society, and any member of this Society habit- ually neglecting duty or being guilty of improper conduct may be expelled by a two-thirds vote of the Society. Art. 9 — Vacancies may be filled at any month- ly or special meeting, one month's notice having been given of the election. Art. 10 — This Constitution shall not be alter- ed except by a two-thirds vote of all the mem- bers present at a meeting called for that purpose. ,/ INDEX. :--.^,:i A 'fk'. [The figures refer to th e p^e.] Accused — Uow he may be tried, 80. May employ counsel, 83. May be tried in his absence, 81. His right of appeal, 29 (4), 80. ' Admission fnto Society- Condition of, 15 (4). Of members, directions respecting, 88. Names of those admitted to be read, 90. Of Preachers on trial, 62-63. Of Travelling Preachers into full connection^ 65-66. Of a Missionary employed on a foreign mission, 66. Of Ministers from other Churches, 66. Amusements — Sinful, 16. Appeal- Right of, guaranteed, 29 (4). Of Bishops, 75. Of Travelling Preachers, 80, 82. \ Of Preachers on trial, 36 (5). Of Local Preachers, 36 (5). Of members, 92 (3). 222 INDEX. "^* Appeals-- iv . - Triers of, 80. >. ^ Must be Elders, 80. ^ Number of, 80. ' - By whom bclected, 80. Appointments of Preachers — Hy whom made, 72. ., Term of service, 73. Restriction concerning, 73. i ■ ' ■ "' '■'■ 1 ' Arbitration — V * In cases of disputes concerning business transaC' tions, 92, 93. Articles of Religion — Stated and defined, 3-13. May not be altered by thp General Conference, 29 (1) Baptism — A sacrament, 9. Article on, 10.^ Modes of, 100, 107. Form of ritual to be invariably used in administer- ing, 21 (4). AU chilr^ren entitled to, 10, 174. Ministration of, to infants, 96. Ministration of, to adults, 102. Secretary of baptisms, 34. f Baptized Children- Duty of the parents or guardians, 174. Their relation to the Church, 175. Register of, to be kept, 175. To be organized into classes, 175. INDKX. .rr. 223 kiisac* ence, ster- Benediction— >..'...-. The Apostolic, to be invariably used in dismissing the congregation, 21 (4), Bishops- First of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 2. T Ho^r constituted, 72 (1). How consecrated, in case no Bishop be living, 72 (2). Duties of, 72-73. ., Ceasit)g to travel without permission, 73. Procedure in case of vacancy in office, 74. Trial of, 74 (Sec. 2). Accusation against, must be in writing, 75. May appeal, 76. Support of, 176 (Sec. 2). j Form of consecration of, 127-139. Amenable to General Conference, 74. Book Agent— ^ Numoer of, 185. Duties of, 185. Salaries of, 186, May be suspended and removed, 187. Conference relations, if a Minister, 185. May be a layman, 185. Must report to Annual and General Conferences, 186 (6). Book Committee — Number of, 186 (7). Term of service, 186 (7). How appointed, 186 (7). Duties of, 187. Annual meeting, 186 (7). ^ May be called at any time, 187. ; ; ; Quorum, 187. "•■» I » 224 INDEX. Book Room — m. ,. Publishing house, 185. Appropriation of its produce, 29 (5), 189. Agents of, 185. Management of, 186 (6). ;j Publications of, by whom selected, 185, 186. Reports to the Annual and General Conferences, 187. Debts' to, 186 (6), 188 (8), 188 (9). Books— Preachers to see the societies supplied with, 68 (8). Preachers to be diligent in spreading, 53. Printing and circulating, 185. Publication of, by Travelling Preachers, 189. Books, Canonical — Names of the, 5. Borrowing — Without a probability of paying, forbidden, 16. Bribery— At elections, forbidden, 62. Building of Churches — Recommendations concerning the, 194. Debts to be avoided, 195. Quarterly Conference to appoint Committee on, 193 (3), 195. Right of ministers of the M. E. Church to officiate therein, 201. Yearly subscription to be raised for, 69 (12). Building and Renting — Houses for the use of Preachers, 193. Burial of the Dead- Form of Ritual to be invariably used at the, 21 (4). Form of service for the, 124-127. C C INDEX. 225 ices, (8). >. on, iate (4). Oall to Preach— V^ Marks of a, 45-46. •' , • Candidates for the Ministry — ' Must be recommended by the District or Quarter- ly Conference, 41, 63. Must be examined before admission on trisl, 63. May be admitted or rejected without wrong, 63. Examination of 36. Probation of, before admission to full connexion, 66. Probation of, as Deacons, before admission to El- der's orders, 83. Consequences of ceasing to travel, without consent of the Annual Conference, 85. Canonical Books — Of the Old Testament, 5. All the books of the New Testament so accounted, 5« Celibacy of the Clergy — Doctrine of, rejectee!, 12. * > ■. Certificates — To removing members, 69 (5). To Local Preachers, 39. Children — Members of the kingdom of God, 174. Baptism of, 10. I'aptized, relation to the Church of, 175. Instruction of, 174. -^ Duties of Preachers in charge to, 175 (1). To be publicly catechised, 175 (1). Baptized, record to be kept of, 175., Christ- Article on Resurrection of, 4 (3). (2). 226 INDEX. %' Ohrist— Oblation of, 11 (20). Presence of, in the Supper, 11. Ohristian Oonference— Its importance, 50 (5). Ohurch, The— Article on, 8. Services of, not to be conducted in an unknown tongue, 9. Rites and ceremonies of, 12. Directions for receiving members into, 88. [ Churches- Building of, 196. Ohurch Property- Form of conveyance of, 200. Qhurch Records- Committee on, to be appointed, 43 (9). Are they properly kept, 42 (6). Circuits- Supply for, during Conference, 71. Classes- Origin of, 13 (1, 2). Class Leaders— By whom appointed and changed, 68 (4). Duties of, 15. Members of Quaiiierly Oonference, 41c Class Meetings — ; Origin and object of 13 (1) (2) (3). Directions concerning, 23 — 26, What method to be pursued in reference to persons who absent themselves therefrom, 24, 25. Cleanliness — Recommended, 70 (6)* ^ INDEX. 227 Oollections— Class, 15 (1, 3). Public, quarterly or annually, 190. For education, 184 (8eo 8). Missionary, 183 (3). For the support of Bishops, 176. For the support of Ministers, 177. ^ For delegates to General Conference, 31 (9). For contingent fund 180 (4). At Annual and General Conferences, 192. Colleges — Advice respecting, 184 (sec. 7). Presidents of, 73. Preachers appointed to, 73. Collections for, 184 (sec. 8). Oommunity of Goods — Article on, 13. Conferences, Annual- Provision for, 32-34. Member of, 32. Number of, 32. Deportment at, 26. Time and place of holding, 32 (3) (4). President of, 72. Order of business, 33, 34. Elders and Deacons to be elected, 79, 84. Missionary Societ]^ of, 183. Record of proceedings to be kept, 34. To appoint Missionary Committee, 184. May raise funds for relief of Preachers, 34. Appeals from, 82-83. ppnference, General — Provision for, 27-32. RfttiQ Pf reprweetfttJQn in, 27i 228 INDEX. Conference, General— Of whom composed, 27 < Time and place of meeting, 30 (8). Bishop may call a, with consent of Annual Confer- ences, 31 (8). Quorum of, 28 (5)* President of, 28 (5). Powers of. 29-31. Kestriction of the powers of, 29-31. Expenses of delegates to, how met, 31 (9). Number of Ministerial delegates, 27. How chosen, 27. [ Number of lay delegates, 27. By whom chosen, 27 (2). Extra sessions of, how called, 31 (8). Restrictive rules, by whom altered, 29 (5). Conferences, , District- Provision for, 35. Of whom composed, 35. Shall meet once a year, 35, President of, 35. Business of, 35^1. Time and place of meeting, 35. Duties of, to be discharged by Quarterly Confer- ence, 35. Additional District Conference to be held Annually, Duties in reUtion to Sabbath School work, etc., 41. Conferences, Electoral- How composed, 27 (3). i' Time and place of meeting. Conferences, Quarterly— Of whom composed, 41. President of, 77. Records of, 41 (5). X C C c c u INDEX. 229 Conferences, Quarterly — Order of business of, 42-44. Committees to be appointed by, 43 (9). To make proviston for superannuated preachers fund, etc., 42 (7). Elect delegates to District Conference, 40. Elect delegates to the Electoral Conference, 27 (3). Consecration — Of Bishops, 72. Conversation — Christian, enjoined, 50 (5). Conveyance—^ Of Church property, 199. Corner-Stone of a Church — Form for laying the, 158. Course of Study — Appendix I., 208. Credentials— To be surrendered on expulsion, 37 (6). Restoration of, 37 (6). Deacons— ^ Travelling, how constituted, 84. Duties of a, 84. Term of probation of, 84. Must be examined, 207. Ceasing to travel, 85. Ordination of, 84. Form for ordaining, 152. Local, 38 (8), 39 (9). 230 iia>Ex. Debts— Not to be contracted without probability of pay- ing, 16. Procedure on complaint of non-payment of, 94. To the book concern, 186 (6), 188 (8), 188 (9). Dedication'of a Church — Form for the, 164-173. Deed of Settlement, 199. Delegates to General Conference— [ To be ministers and laymen, 27. \ Qualifications of, 27 (1, 3). Expenses of, how met, 31 (9). Deportment of Preachers— At Conference, 26. Diligence— Enjoined, 17, 46, 53, 60. Distgreement— In business, 92 (sec. 4). Disputes- Settlement of, 92, 94. Dissension- Sowing, in Societies, 91. . ' Districts- How formed, 73 (Ans. to, Ques. 5). ; District Stewards- How appointed, 176 (Sec. 3), Duties of, 176 (Sec. 3), Diversions— INDEX. 231 Domestic Missionary Society— Authorized in each Conference, 182. Doctrines — Procedure, in case of disseminating false, 82. Dress — Bules concerning, 19. Drunlcenness — Prohibited, 16. '??;•, :..^':<, ■■'*}■= ^■', n-v^V' i': ''^i -■ Duty- Paramount to feeling, 17. Early Risins: — ly Rising — Enjoined, 52, 61. Editor— For Church books and papers, 185 (3). Salary of, how determined, 186 (5). -. Conference relation of, 185 (3). Must be a Min afcer, 185 (3). * Elders, Travelling — How constituted, 79. Duties of, 79 (Ques. 2, Ans. 1, 2). Ceasing to travel, 79. Form of ordination of, 139-152. Elections — Treating at, forbidden, 62. Employment— Of time, 52. Episcopacy — Preferred by Mr. Wesley, 1. Not to be done away by General Conference, 29 (2), 232 INDEX. Estimating Committee— For support of preachers^^ 177 (1). Evil Speaking — Prohibited 16. Examination Of candidates for the Ministry, Appendix L Exclusion From the Church — To be announced at quarterly meetings, 90. i i Exhorters— \ How constituted, 70 (10). Members of Quarterly Conference, 41. License of, 70 (10). Renewal of license, 70 (10). May be employed in the absence of preachers, 7L Failure in Business — Of a member, 94-95. Faith- The condition of justification, 7. Family Prayer — Enjoined, 18. Fast- Quarterly, the, 70 (9). Fasting— / Enjoined, 18, 50, 65, 70 (9). Fighting- Forbidden, 16. Free Will- Article on, 6 (8)« INDBZ. 233 Frugality— igalfty— Enjoined, 17. Full QonnextaiT— Membera» how received into, 88"-89. Preachers, how received into, 66. Fund— ^ Episcopal, 176. For distressed preachers, 40 (11) Idl. General Rules— Kequirements of, 15-18. Taught in God's word, 18 (7). General Conference may not change or revoke, 29 (3). Goods of Christian Men— Not owned in common, 13 (24). Good Works- Article on, 7 (10). - Enjoined, 17 (5). Governments — Article on, 12 (23). Duty of Christians to obey, 12 (23). Grace- Means of, 21-25. Heretical Doctrines- Dissemination of, forbidden, 81-82: Holiness — Deficiency of, among preachers, 61. Holy Ghost- Article on, 4 (4). ' Call by, to the Ministry, 45. 23i INDXZ. Holy Scriptures — Article on the, 4 (5). Canon of, 5. ' i ' Study of, 60. To be read in public, 21 (1). Improper Temper, Words, or Actions— In travelling preachers, 81. In members, 91. Infant Baptism— To be retained in the Church, 10. Form of, 96-102. i -^.. , /\ Insolvencies — ' v - Of members, 94-95. Intoxicating Liquors. ' Buying, selling, or using, forbidden, 16. Justification — Article on, 7. Sin after, 8. Lay Delegates— To General Conference, how chosen, 27 (2). Law, Moral- Its obligations, 6. Law Questions, 212. Local Preachers — Members of District and Quarterly Conlerenoe, 35, 41. To be examined for license, 36. How licensed, 35. To whom amenable, 36 (4-5). To be recommended for orders, 36. To be employed, 39 (10) 71. < INDEX. 235 Local Preachers— Must have their names recorded, 39 (9). Removal of, 39. . To be paid when supplying circuits, 39 (10). Directions concerning, 35. When eligible to orders, 38 (8). Trial of. 36 (5). Relief of distressed, 40 (11). Form of ordination of, 139^151, 152-157. Location of Preachers— Aga .nst their consent, 82 (4). Lord's Prayer- Use of, public worship, 21 (4). Lord's Supper- Article on, 9 (16). Duty of partaking of, 18, 50. Mode of receiving, 113. To whom administered, 11 (19). Ritual to be used in administering, 21 (4). Form for administering, 108-117. Love Feasts— To be held, 68(2). Tickets for, to be renewed quarterly, 68 (2). Not to last above an hour and a half, 69 (4). Magistrates- Speaking evil of, forbidden, 16. Marriage— Of ministers, article on, 12. Directions concerning, 19-20. Mass- Sacrifice of, unscriptural, 11 (20). Matrimony — form for fglepoi^fing, 117-123. 236 INDEX. Means of Grace- Chapter on, 21-25. To be observed, 18. Are either instituted or prudential, 49. Instituted, 49-50. Prpdential, 51 (II., 1,2,3). Other important, 51-52 (1, 2, 3, 4). Neglect of, 91. , Members — Reception of, 88. From other orthodox Churches, 89. Names of those received and excluded, when to be announced, 90. To be received, tried, etc., by the preacher, 68 (6). Numbers of, to be taken, 68 (9). Not to remove without cartificate, 69 (5.) Trial of, 90-92. When new trial may be ordered, 92. Form of receiving, 88-89. Memorial — To Annual Cfflif erence by expelled members, 92 . Methodism — Bise of, (see preface). Methodist Episcopal Church- Origin of, 1-2. Ministers — Marriage of, 12, 20, 46 (4). Not to be ill spoken of, 16. "• Ministry — Examination for the. Appendix, I. Missionar'es — Not subj3ct to the rule of limitation, 73. When they may be ordained, 86. Absent, nay be receiye^ into full connection^ 6Q. INDEX. 237 Missionary Committee — To be appointed by each Annual Conference, 1S4. Missionary Societies— To be organized in Annual Conference, 182-183. To be organized in Sunday-Schools,. 183. Missionary Woric— Candidates for, 63. Missions — Collection for, 183 (3). General plan for support, 181 184. New Trial- May be granted, 92. Oaths- Article on, 13. Old Testament- Article on, 6. ^ Canonical books of, 5. Ordination — Of Elders, 79, 139-151. Of Deacons, 84, 152-167. Of Local Elders, 38 (8), 139-161. Of Local Preachers, 38 (7, 8), 162-157. Original Sin — ^ Article on, 6. Orphans of Preachers- Support of, 179 (5). Parsonages- Building and renting of, 193. Providing, 193 (2). Puty of presiding elders concerning, 193 (3). 238 INDBZ. Parsonages- Committee on, to be appointed, 193) 194. Ministers not occupying, 194 (4). Responsible for dunage to, 194 (0). Pastoral Visiting— Enjoined, 60. Periodicals- Preachers to keep account of subscribers to, 69. Prayer- Duty of family and private, 49. \ Prayer Meetings— To be appointed by the preacher, 70 (8). Preach — Examination of those who think themselves called to, 46, 45. Preachers — Appointed to mission, 66, 73, 84 Preacher in Oharge— Duties of, 67-71. Duties of, to children, 175 (1, 2, 3). Duties of, to missions, 183 (3). Preachers—" To be admitted on trial, 33, 35 (3), 41 (2), 62 (Sec. 9). Admitted to full connection, 33, 65. < Reception of, from other denominations, 66-67. Appointments of, fixed by the Bishop, 73. Not to remain more than three years in one pas- toral charge, 73. Consequences of absenting them^lves from their pirouits, 63-64. INDKZ. 239 Preachers- Rules of conduct of, 46-48. Dutv to Gkxl, themselves, and one another) 48-52. Duties of, 19, 68-71, 90. «. Employment of time, 52. Deportment at Conference, 26. Support of, 177. ' Wnen claim for support ceases, 63-64. Trial of, 80. Inefficient, 82 (4). To whom responsible, on charge of maladministra- tion, 83. Houses for, 193. Duty in relation to C. (7. Advocatet 69. To take account of numbers in society, 68 (9). Preachers on Trial— By whom received, 62. Must be first recommended, 63. Must have written license in certain cases, 63. Preaching- Best method of, 54-55. When to continue or desist in any place, 55-56. Presiding Elders — By whom chosen, 76. Blow changed, 78. Term of service, 78. Duties of, 76, 77, 183 (3). Support of, 176 (Sec. 3). Duties to missionary cause, 183 (3, 4). Duties to the Book Room, 188 (8). Cannot employ rejected preachers, 78. To chtuige preachers, 76. Probationers, 88. Public Worship- Directions for, 21. 240 INDEX. Purgatory— Arti