Boyd's National
Baptist Pastor's
Guide
AND
PARLIAMENTARY RULES
BY
R. H. BOYD, D.D.
*****
PUBLISHED BY
NATIONAL BAPTIST PUBLISHING BOARD
NASHVILLE, TENN. 37201
Robert W. Woodruff
Library
From the library of
Kenny Jackson Williams
EMORY UNIVERSITY
Special Collections & Archives
BOYD S NATIONAL
BAPTIST PASTOR'S GUIDE
AND
PARLIAMENTARY RULES
BY
R. H. BOYD. D.D.
Adopted by the National Baptist Convention, September, 1900,
at a Standard Guide for Pastort.
TWENTY-FOURTH EDITION
PUBLISHED BY
NATIONAL BAPTIST PUBLISHING BOARD
NASHVILLE. TBNN.
Copyright, 1900
By R. H. Boyd
TESTIMONIALS.
Dear Dr. Boyd.—One more star added to your crown. Your book b
indeed a splendid achievement, and no pastor can well afford to be
without it.
Wu. BbckhaU,
General State Sunday School Superintendent of Texas.
REV. R. H. BOYD, D.D.
Dear Bro.—Your book shows \that you have made a thorough study
of all the subjects treated, and have fully prepared yourself as an au¬
thority. Your Parliamentary Rules will take high rank as a guide for
deliberative bodies. As for the whole book, no one will conceive its ex¬
tensive range and exceedingly great value until it has been perused.
Very truly,
C. H. Clark,
Pastor Mt. Olive Baftist Church, Nashville, Tenn.
The National Baptist Pastor's Guide, by Dr. R. H. Boyd, is the
most concise and unique compendium of information that has been of¬
fered to the Negro Baptist Ministry. The long, tedious, inappropriate
treatise on pastoral life and service has been displaced by suggestions,
hints, forms and ceremonies given "in a nutshell," so that it forms a
ready reference work, with special adaptations to the needs and require¬
ments of an active, busy pastorate. The Parliamentary Rules are most
conveniently arranged. The whole parliamentary code is given in tabu¬
lated style and consequently of more ready, access than those of any
previous author. The book is an invaluable and indispensable acquisi¬
tion to the library of every intelligent, progressive and studious minister
within the Baptist brotherhood.
E. D. W. Isaac.
Secretary National Baftist Young People's Union of U. S. A.
REV. R. H. BOYD, D.D.
Dear Bro.—It has been my pleasure to make a thorough examination
of your neat little volume, entitled Boyd's National Baptist Pastor's
Guide and Parliamentary Rules, and find it to be accurate, thorough
and an indispensable companion for the Baptist minister. The informa¬
tion that it contains prepares the minister for his duties from the small¬
est to the very largest. Nothing connected with ministerial life is un¬
touched by your volume. Accept my hearty congratulations.
Very respectfully,
Sutton E. Griggs.
Pastor First Baftist Church, East Nashville, Tenn.
REV. R. H. BOYD, D.D.
Dear Bro.—All hail to the coming of your National Baptist Pas¬
tor's Guide and Parliamentary Rules. After a careful examination
I am prep-.rrd i? r~7 -*» will meet a long-felt want in our churches.
Any minister who will carefully study this little book, will find the path
of easy cove ram ent made very plain, for it deals with things in a ver>
practical manner. It does not leave a single stone unturned. It touchef
upon every phase of ministerial life and duty. Please accent my heart)
congratulations on this, your Tery excellent achievement.
Yours in Jesus,
A. D. Hurt,
Superintendent of State Missions for Tennessee, 629 Wetmore St.,
Nashville, Tenn.
Every preacher and deacon should have a copy of your Nation at
Baptist Pastor's Guide and Parliamentary Rulbs. It contains ali
that is needed for any occasion. I not only admire the book for what is
in it, but the neat manner in which it is gotten up.
Yours for Christ and the Publishing House,
D. L. Davis,
Pastor First Baptist Church, Shelbyville, Tenn.
I cheerfully commend Boyd's Pastor's Guidb. It meets a long-felt want
among Baptist ministers.
A. Mannry,
Pastor Pleasant Green Baptist Church, Nashville, Tenn.
I have carefully examined Boyd's National Baptist Pastor's Guidb
and Parliamentary Rules, and take great pleasure in saying it is just
tf.e book that should be in the library of not only every pastor, but in
that of every layman. No Baptist library is complete without it.
J. T. Searcy,
Financial Secretary of Education in Tennessee.
Tbxaricana, Texas.
REV. R. H. BOYD. D.D.
My Dear Sir.—I am in receipt of a copy of Boyd's National Bap¬
tist Pastor's Guidb, and I desire to express my complete satisfaction
with the book. It is comprehensive in thought, choice in diction, and
elegant in appearance. I am of the opinion that pastors and leaders of
young people's societies generally, will find helpful guidance in their de¬
liberations, by having at command this invaluable work. As a hand¬
book for pastors, it is better than anything ersewhile used, and to mv
mind, the pastor will do himself an injustice by not procuring a copy of
this book.
Yours fraternially,
Wm. Rosborough,
Author of Celestial Showers, Nos. 1 and 2.
Boyd's National Baptist Pastor's Guide and Parliamentary Rules
is an excellent book for pastors and laymen. It is comprehensive, con¬
venient, condensed, and the information is presented such an interesting
manner, as when once read to be always understood. I cheerfully recom¬
mend it to all the Baptist people generally.
W. L. Cansler,
Secretary Baptist State Convention of Tennessee and National
Baptist Convention of the United States of America.
PREFACE.
Thirty years of active life in the ministry, the
last five years of which have been spent where a
comprehensive view of the needs of the Negro Bap¬
tists of the United States may be had, has led the
author to the preparation of this manual. Though
the assertion which I shall now make may be sur¬
prising, yet it is nevertheless true, that, at the pres¬
ent time, there is no distinctively Baptist manual
for Baptist preachers in print. Such books as have
been used were prepared with a view to interde¬
nominational use.
I have felt that the Negro Baptist preacher has
needed a brief manual suited exactly to his work.
With such a purpose in view this little volume has
been constructed. Though somewhat brief we think
that it deals with practically every subject that is
likely to engage the thoughts of a pastor.
The nature of the subject with which we herein
deal has, as a matter of course, precluded any at¬
tempt at originality. We have simply endeavored
to point out the well beaten Baptist paths which
have been revealed to us as proper by rightly in¬
formed Negro Baptist churches. Our aim has been
to tell what the proper usage is and not to create a
usage.
The Negro Baptist preacher is a great factor ia
the uplifting of a great people. If what we here
send forth can aid him in any way to more success¬
fully and acceptably prosecute his noble work, its
mission will have been accomplished and the heart
of the author gratified.
R. H. Boyd.
CONTENTS.
PACI
The Church 9
Form of Church Government 9
The Divine Form of Church Government 11
Duty of a Church to its Members 11
Duty of Members to the Church .. 12
The Church and its External Relations 12
Association
Councils
Officers of a Church
Powers and Duties of a Pastor ...
Duties of Deacons
How to Organize a Baptist Church
Church Covenant
Articles of Faith
Reception of Members 25
Dismission of Members 26
How to Elect and Ordain Deacons 27
Licensed Preachers 28
How Licenses are Granted 29
Preacher's License 29
How to Ordain a Preacher 30
Certificate of Ordination 31
How to Call a Pastor 32
Programme for the Installation of a Pastor - 34
Programme for the Dedication of a House of Worship.. 34
Pastoral Visiting 35
For the Bedside of the Sick 36
Administering the Ordinances 37
The Lord's Supper 37
Baptizing 38
Funerals 39
(7)
8
Contents.
PAGI
Business Meetings 39
Deacon Meetings 40
Prayer Meetings 40
Covenant Meetings 41
The Sunday School 41
Baptist Young People's Unions
Social Gatherings 42
Deacons Visiting 42
Letter of Dismission 42
Letter of Notification 43
Letter of Commendation • • • 43
Call for Ordaining Council 43
Call for a Recognizing Council 44
Call for an Advisory Council 44
Marriage Service, No. 1 45
Marriage Service No. 2 - 46
The Episcopal Marriage Service 49
The Episcopal Burial Service 53
Other Burial Services ....55
PARLIAMENT AH Y RULES
Introduction 60
Introducing Business 62
Grades of Motions 62
Motions Explained 62
The Motion to Reconsider, etc 69
Motions Requiring a Two-Thirds Vote 72
Undebatable Motions 72
Obtaining Recognition 73
Appeals 74
Minutes 74
Special Meetings 75
Committee Reports 76
Voting 76
A Word to Presiding Officers 7*9
NATIONAL BAPTIST PASTOR'S
GUIDE.
THE CHURCH
A church is a congregation of believers in Christ
immersed on a credible profession of faith by a prop¬
erly qualified administrator and voluntarily associateu
under special covenant for the maintenance of the
worship, the truth, the ordinances and the discipline
of the Gospel.
FORM OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT.
There are three distinct forms of church govern¬
ments, the underlying principles of which are different.
All of the forms of the various church governments
may be grouped under three heads, as follows:
1. Episcopal. Under this form the clergy is recog¬
nized as the church and all ecclesiastical authority is
vested in them. The clergy, or as it is sometimes called,
the priesthood, has three ranks or orders within itself,
viz.: Bishops, Priests and Deacons. These official
exercise supreme authority over the local congrega¬
tion, the congregation having no authority of its own.
savs such as is permitted by the clergy. To this form
of church government may be assigned the following
the Protestant Episcop;d Church of the United States.
Church of England, African Methodist Episcopal
Church, Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church
(9)
10 National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
Colored Methodist Episcopal Church and Roman Catho¬
lic Church. The last named church has one charac¬
teristic radically different from the others that are
grouped under this form. The Pope belongs to the
first order (the Bishop's), but is a supreme Bishop
having authority over the other Bishops. In this re¬
spect it differs from others of the episcopal form, to
which form, however, it belongs, as the clergy are the
ruling power and the local congregations void of all
authority.
2. Presbyterian. According to the Presbyterian idea
the church consists of bodies constituted out of dele¬
gates sent from the various local congregations. Under
this form no authority inheres in the local congrega¬
tion, but is vested in these delegated bodies. These
bodies are of different ranks. The lowest rank is the
Session, composed of delegates from local congrega¬
tions ; the next is the Presbytery composed of delegates
from the various Sessions; the next is the Synod com¬
posed of delegates from the Presbyteries; and the high¬
est and supreme authority is the General Assembly
composed of delegates from the various Presbyteries
3. Congregational. In this form of church govern¬
ment all ecclesiastical power whatsoever resides in the
local church assembled as a congregation: and from
their decision there is no appeal and no power of re¬
versal. This ecclesiastical authority cannot be alienated
from the local church nor can it delegate its authority
to any one. Governed under this form we find the Con
gregational Churches, the Christian Churches, the Free¬
will Baptists, the Primitive Baptists and the Regnlai
Baptists.
National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
11
THE DIVINE FORM OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT.
From records of the doings of the cnurches in N'ew
Testament times, we find that the Apostolic and there¬
fore divinely inspired method was to allow the local
church to govern itself unfettered by external authority.
The records show that each local congregation exercised
the following sovereign rights:
1. Received, disciplined and excluded members (see
Matt. 18: 17; 1 Cor. 5: 1-5; 2 Cor. 2: 4, S).
2. Elected its own officers (see Acts 1: 15-26; Acts
6: 1-6; 1 Cor. 16: 3; Acts 14: 23).
In all the cases cited it will be observed that the
choosing was done by the local church. If inspired
Apostles refrained from exercising ecclesiastical au¬
thority over the churches, the divine method would
certainly appear to be to let each church regulate itself
Such is a basic principle with the Missionary Baptists,
taking their model from the churches of the New
Testament period.
DUTY OF A CHURCH TO ITS MEMBERS
Each member is a soul entrusted by Christ to the
church to protect and develop and prepare for heaven.
The church, therefore, is bound to furnish the best
possible public instruction in the Gospel, to exercise
a tender, loving, patient watch-care over the member,
and to use the utmost diligence and effort for his en¬
lightenment, sanctification and usefulness, with the view
to present him at last "perfect in Christ Jesus." When
a member falls into immorality or departs from the
faith of the church, or otherwise violates or neglects
church covenanted obligations, it is the right as well
12 National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
as the duty of the church to piace him under discipline
and deal with him according' tc. the laws Christ- na?
given in the New Testament. Upor. sufficient proo:
of guilt, it may admonish him. may for a reasonable
time suspend hirr: from church privileges., or may with¬
draw the hand of fellowship from him.
DUTY OF MEMBERS TO THE CHURCH.
Every believer in Christ is under obligation, if Provi¬
dence permits,, to unite with a church, since it is an in¬
stitution ordained by Him; the neglect of it dishonors
Him. As each church has, ordinarily, its own special
field, it is entitled to the membership of all believers
who live within its natural boundaries unless either
providential disability prevents a public profession or
special reasons exist for membership elsewhere.
Every member is required to fulfil, to the extent of
his ability, the covenanted obligations assumed on be¬
coming a member. The church, therefore, is entitled to
the duties thus promised, together with his good will,
his sympathy, his influence and such time and means as
Providence may enable him to use for its advancement.
THE CHURCH AND ITS EXTERNAL RELATIONS
1. "Each church is complete in itself. Its decisions
are subject to revisal by no ecclesiastical tribunal on
earth."—H.
2. 'Each church, though independent of all eccle¬
siastical authority, is accountable to Christ as its sov¬
ereign head."—H.
3. "Churches are interdependent; each church, there¬
fore, has relation and duties to other churches."
National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
13
4. "The community of churches, so far as the
charter and acts of an individual church affect
their common name and welfare, have certain
rights and duties in relation to each other."—H.
5. The external relations of churches are main¬
tained through associations, councils and benevo¬
lent societies.
ASSOCIATIONS
"An association is composed of pastors and del¬
egates from churches occupying a particular dis¬
trict. Its purpose is twofold—the promotion of
the welfare of the churches connected with it,
and the spread of the Gospel, especially through
the region occupied by it."—H. The association
is a purely voluntary body; no church is com¬
pelled to join it. It has no ecclesiastical authority.
COUNCILS
A council is composed of delegates from several
churches, usually the pastor and one or two lay¬
men from each, called, ordinarily, by some church
to give advice on a subject proposed.
There are five different kinds of councils.
1. A council for the recognition of a church.
.2. A council for the ordination of a minister.
3. A council for the trial of a minister.
4. A council for the settlement of difficulties in
a church, known as a mutual council.
5. A council for the settlement of difficulties
in a church known as an ex parte council.
All councils are advisory and none ever have
ecclesiastical authority.
14 National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
OFFICERS OF A CHURCH.
The officers of a church, as provided for in the Scrip¬
tures, are pastors and deacons. They are elected by
the church for such a period of time as the church may
see fit. But it is the almost universal rule among Bap¬
tist churches to call pastors for an indefinite period
of time.
POWERS AND DUTIES OF A PASTOR.
1. To direct and supervise the public religious in¬
struction of the congregation in the pulpit and all other
departments of the church work.
2. To administer the ordinances within the church;
to preside in all meetings of the church, whether for
devotion or business.
3. To watch over the personal experience and life
of the members, exhorting, admonishing, reproving,
rebuking, as those entrusted with the care of souls and
expecting to give account.
DUTIES OF DEACONS.
The duty of the deacons is to administer the temporal
affairs of the church, such as the relief of the poor,
the support of public worship, the care of the church
property, and the provisions for the due administra¬
tion of the ordinances.
It is to be borne in,mind, however, that the pastor
is the shepherd, the guide, the overseer of the entire
church, and should always be recognized as the leader
by the deacons, who are only his assistants, as well
q.$ the rest of the church.
National Baptist Pastor's Guide. 15
HOW TO ORGANIZE A BAPTIST CHURCH.
1. The parties desiring to form themselves into a
church should assemble at an appointed time and place.
2. If there are those in the number who have letters
of dismission from other churches they are the ones to
take the initiative.
3. After the purpose of the meeting has been stated
and divine guidance is sought in prayer, a moderator
and clerk of the meeting should be elected. These are
temporary officers. Only those having letters of dis¬
mission from regular Baptist churches should be al¬
lowed to vote.
4. When the temporary organization is effected, those
having letters should deposit them with the clerk. These
letters should then be read. If any of the letters are
found to be deficient or unsatisfactory the parties pre¬
senting them should take no further part in the pre¬
liminary organization.
5. Those whose letters are correct may now proceed
by vote to declare themselves organized into a Bap¬
tist church, adopting the covenant and the articles of
faith.
6. A faithful record of the proceedings should be
kept.
7. At as early a: date thereafter as practicable, letters
should be sent to the neighboring Baptist churches, re¬
questing them to send their pastors and delegates to
examine into their organization, their faith and prac¬
tice, and extend to them (the church) the right hand
of fellowship.
16 National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
8. If this recognizing council finds the organization
correct in essential principles atid deems the existence
of the church helpful to the cause of Christ, it is cus¬
tomary to hold public exercises in token of their recog¬
nition of another member to the family of churches.
ANOTHER METHOD.
Sometimes the parties desiring to organize a church
call a council first to discuss the advisability and neces¬
sity for such a step. If the vote of the council is
favorable to the idea the organization is proceeded with.
If the vote of the council is unfavorable, the parties
may or may not proceed, acting in the matter according
to their own judgment. Though a church should,
whenever possible, secure the co-operation and recog¬
nition of other churches through means of a council,
yet recognition from a council is not indispensable.
A church properly organized and correctly practicing
the Baptist faith is a Baptist church regardless of the
action or non-action of a council.
ANOTHER METHOD.
Where there are no regularly dismissed members
from other Baptist churches and the parties desiring
to form the church are simply candidates for baptism,
the services of an authorized administrator should be
secured, who, after hearing their professions of faith
will immerse them in the name of the Father, Son and
Holy Ghost. The parties thus immersed will proceed
to organize themselves after the manner laid down
above for members dismissed by letters, with the excep¬
tion that no letters are required of them. This mode
National Baptist Pastor's Guide. 17
of organization is quite common upon mission fields,
especially foreign fields.
AND YET ANOTHER METHOD.
To some eminent authorities, the method just pro¬
posed for newly converted persons desiring to form a
church, is objectionable. They hold that baptism is a
door of entrance into a church and where there is no
church behind the ordinance there is no baptism. Their
plan is to have % candidate for baptism to communicate
the fact and testimony of their conversion to some
regular Baptist church. Upon this testimony, either
transmitted in person or by letter, the candidates for
membership are accepted and authority is given by
the church to an ordained preacher to administer the
ordinance of baptism. When this is done the parties
are members of the church communicated with and
may then receive letters of dismission and proceed at
once to organize according to the plan laid down for
them in the first method prescribed.
The following is a suitable church covenant to be
adopted upon organization.
CHURCH COVENANT.
Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God
to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour; and
on the profession of our faith, having been baptized
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit, we do now in the presence of God, angels
and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter
into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
18 National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit,
to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the
advancement of this church in knowledge and holiness;
to give it a place in our affections, prayers and services
above every organization of human origin; to sustain
its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to
contribute cheerfully and regularly, as God has pros¬
pered us, towards its expenses, for the support of a
faithful and evangelical ministry among us, the relief
of the poor and the spread of the Gospel throughout
the world. In case of difference of opinion in the
church, we will strive to avoid a contentious spirit, and
if we cannot unanimously agree, we will cheerfully
recognize the right of the majority to govern. We
also engage to maintain' family and secret devotion;
to study diligently the word of God; to religiously edu¬
cate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred
and acquaintance; to walk circumspectly in the world;
to be kind and just to those in our employ, and faithful
in the service we promise others; endeavoring in the
purity of heart and good will towards all men to ex¬
emplify and commend our holy faith.
We further engage to watch over, to pray for, to
exhort and stir up each other unto every good word
and work; to guard each other's reputation, not need¬
lessly exposing the infirmities of others; to participate
in each other's joys, and with tender sympathy bear
one another's burdens and sorrows; to cultivate Chris¬
tian courtesy; to be slow to give or take offence, but
always ready for reconciliation, being mindful of the
rules of the Saviour in the eighteenth chapter of Mat¬
thew, to secure it without delay; and through life, amid
National Baptist Pastor's Guide. 19
evil report, and good report, to seek to live to the glory
of God, who hath called us out of darkness into his
marvelous light. When we remove from this place,
we engage as soon as possible to unite with some other
church where we can carry out the spirit of this cove¬
nant and the principles of God's word.
ARTICLES OF FAITH.
The Articles of Faith which should be adopted by
Baptist churches at the time of organization:
I.—THE SCRIPTURES.
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men
divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly
instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation
for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for
its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God
will judge us, and therefore is, and shall remain to
the end of the world, the true center of Christian union,
and the supreme standard by which all human conduct,
creeds, and opinions shall be tried.
II. THE TRUE GOD.
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one
and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent
Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme
Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in
holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence
and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are
three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost;
equal in every divine perfection, and executing dis-
20 National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
tinct but harmonious offices in the great work of re¬
demption.
III.—THE FALL OF MAN.
We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created
in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by volun¬
tary transgression fell from that holy and happy state;
in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners,
not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly
void of that holiness required by the law of God,
positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just
condemnation to eternal ruin without defense or excuse.
IV.—THE WAY OF SALVATION.
We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salva¬
tion of sinners is wholly of grace; through the media¬
torial offices of the Son of God; who by the appoint¬
ment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature,
yet without «in; honored the divine law by his per¬
sonal obedience, and by his death made a full atonement
for our sins; that having risen from the dead, he is
now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful
person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfec¬
tions, he is "very way qualified to be a suitable, a com¬
passionate, and an all-sufficient Saviour.
v.—JUSTIFICATION .
We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel
blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him
is justification; that justification includes the pardon
of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of
righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration
National Baptist Pastor's Guide. 21
of any works of righteousness which we have done,
but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood; by
virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freeiy
imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state
of most biessed peace and favor with God, and secures
every other blessing needful for time and eternity.
VI.—THE FREENESS OF SALVATION.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the blessings of
saivation are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is
the immediate duty of all to accept them by cordial,
penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents
the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his
own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of
the Gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggra¬
vated condemnation.
VII.—REGENERATION.
We believe that the Scriptures teach that in order
to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again;
that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition
to the mind; that it is effected in a manner above our
comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit, in con¬
nection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary
obedience to the Gospel; and that its proper evidence
appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith, and
newness of life.
VIII. LUHi IANLJL A!ID F^ITII
We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and
faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces,
wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of
22 National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt,
danger and helplessness, and of the way of salvation
by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition,
confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same
time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our
prophet, priest, and king, and relying on him alone as
the only and all-sufficient Saviour.
ix.—god's purpose of grace.
We believe the Scriptures teach that election is the
eternal purpose of God, according to which he graci¬
ously regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners; that
being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man,
it comprehends all the means in connection with the
end; that it is a most glorious display of God's sov¬
ereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and
unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting and pro¬
motes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and
active imitation of his free mercy; that it encourages
the use of means in the highest degree; that it may
be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe
the Gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian as¬
surance; and that to ascertain it with regard to our¬
selves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.
, x.—sanctification.
We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctification
is the process by which, according to the will of God,
we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is a
progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and
that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the
presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and
National Baptist Pastor's Guide. 23
Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means
—especially the word of God, self-examination, self-
denial, watchfulness, and prayer.
XI.—PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS.
We believe the Scriptures teach that such only are
real believers as endure 10 the end; that their persever¬
ing attachment to Christ is the grand mark which dis¬
tinguishes them from superficial professors; that a
special Providence watches over their welfare; and
they are kept by the power of God through faith unto
salvation.
XII.—THE LAW AND GOSPEL.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of
God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral
government; that it is holy, just, and good; and that
the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men
to fuftill its precepts, arises entirely from their love
of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them
through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy
Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the Means
of Grace connected with the establishment of the visible
church.
XIII.—A GOSPEL CHURCH.
We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible church
of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, asso¬
ciated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the
Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed
by his laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privi¬
leges invested in them by His Word; that its only
24 National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
scriptural officers are Bishops or Pastors, and Deacons,
whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined in
the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
XIV.—BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER.
We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian bap¬
tism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the
name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; to
show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith
in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its
effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new
life; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church
relation; and to the Lord's Supper, in which the mem¬
bers of the church, by the sacred use of bread and wine,
are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ;
preceded always by solemn self-examination.
XV.—THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day
of the week is the Lord's Day, or Christian Sabbath,
and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by ab¬
staining from all secular labor and sinful recreation*
by the devout observance of all the means of grace,
both private and public, and by preparation for that
rest that remaineth for the people of God.
XVI.—CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
We believe the Scriptures teach that civil govern,
ment is of divine appointment, for the interest and
good order of human society; and that magistrates are
to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed;
except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord
National Baptist Pastor's Guide. 25
Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience
and the Prince of the kings of the earth.
XVII.—RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED.
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical
and essential difference between the righteous and the
wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in
the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit
of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem; while all
such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his
sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction
holds among men both in and after death.
XVin.—THE WORLD TO COME.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the
world is approaching; that at the last day, Christ will
descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave
for final retribution; that a solemn separation will then
take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless
punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that
this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in
heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.
RECEPTION OF MEMBERS.
A person desiring to become a member of a Baptist
church customarily consults the pastor or some judici¬
ous member. He then appears in person before the
church and makes application for membership, the
church taking such action upon the application as it
may see fit.
There are three modes of admitting an individual to
membership in a Baptist church: 1. By baptism. 2
Bv letter. 3. Bv experience of grace.
26 National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
The third mode only becomes necessary when the
party desiring admission has at some previous time been
baptized into a Baptist church, but for some cause is
totally out of touch with the church and cannot there¬
fore secure a letter of dismission.
Very frequently churches lose names from their roll
books when members are long absent; and when ap¬
plied to for a letter are ignorant of the parties applying.
Occasionally, also, a church disbands, or changes its
name, and all trace of it is lost. Again, clerks are
sometimes negligent and fail to carry out the instruc¬
tions of the church as to letters. In all such and similar
cases, where parties cannot get letters of dismission,
they should be received upon their relating a satisfac¬
tory Christian experience. Rebaptism in such a case
is not necessary.
When a person has been admitted to membership
in a church, it is customary for the pastor, in the
name of the church, to extend the right hand of fel¬
lowship as an expression of the welcome and fellow¬
ship of the church. In some localities the hand of fel¬
lowship is extended by the members present at the
service when the act is performed. The hand of fel¬
lowship is usually given at the communion service, just
prior to the administering of the ordinance.
DISMISSION OP MEMBERS.
There are three ways in which a member may have
his relations with his church severed:
1. By Letter. A member of a Baptist church de¬
siring to become connected with another church of
the same faith and order is granted a letter of dismis-
National Baptist Pastor's Guide. 27
sion, and when the letter of dismission is accepted by
the church to which it is sent, the party thereupon
ceases to be a member of the church granting the letter.
2. By Exclusion. When a church withdraws the
hand of fellowship from anyone he is no longer a mem¬
ber of that church.
3. By Death. The death of a member severs his
connection with his church on earth.
Note I. Any member has the right at any time to
ask for and receive a certificate of his membership
and standing. In case an improper use is made of it,
the member subjects himself to discipline.
Note 2. There is no such thing as the withdrawal
of a member from a church by his own actions purely.
It must be with the consent of the church if it is to
be declared valid.
4. No member may be properly excluded from a
church without due process of trial and a reasonable
opportunity to be heard in his own defense.
HOW TO ELECT AND ORDAIN DEACONS.
1. The church snould take the matter under prayer¬
ful consideration and invoke the guidance of the Holy
Spirit to the end that wise selections be made.
2. Due public notice should be given that at a cer¬
tain time the church would proceed to the election 6f
deacons.
3. At a meeting called for the purpose, nominations
may be made from the floor, if desirable, or a com¬
mittee may be appointed to retire and bring in the
names of parties to be votei on.
28 National Baptist Pastor's Cutdi.
4. The parties receiving the majority of the votes
cast are declared elected deacons. However, no man
should serve unless he had received three-fourths or
at least two-thirds of the votes cast.
5. Some churches place the elected deacons on trial
for a period of time, and, if found acceptable, ordina¬
tion follows. Tn such cases a vote to confirm is neces¬
sary.
6. This policy is severely condemned by eminent au¬
thorities who hold it a wise practice to thoroughly test
a man along his whole Christian career and only elect
him when fully satisfied of his worthiness. One vote
is regarded as sufficient and final. [We incline to this
view of the matter.—The Author.]
7. When duly elected it is customary to have pub¬
lic ordination services, when a sermon on the office
and duties of the deaconship is preached and the hands
o/ tne clergy are laid on the heads of the candidates
during the ordination prayer.
LICENSED PREACHERS.
It has become customary for Baptist churches to
grant a license or certificate of approval to young men
whom they believe called to the Gospel ministry but
for the time are not ready to be ordained or who are
pursuing a special theological course or who are wait¬
ing the call of some church or special field of labor.
This does not impart any special ministerial rights to
him, but is simply a certificate of approval to express
the convictions of the church that he is called to the
work. These licenses may be revoked at any time by
a vote of the church granting them.
National Baptist Pastor's Guidt.
29
how licenses are gra nted.
When the pastor and. members of the church have
reason to believe one of their'number is called to the
work" of the ministry, they .should appoint, a. time in
which to hear him, and if they approve-of his gifts,
the matter should be brought tiefore the church at a
regular meeting and voted upon and recorded in the
books of the church for reference,, and a written or
printed certificate signed by the pastor and clerk, given
to him. (See certificate.)
preacher's license.
"Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to
every creature."
This Certifies. That Brother is a
member of the Baptist Church of
State of Being in good and regular stand¬
ing, he is held in the highest esteem by us. Believing
he has been called of God to the work of the Gospel
Ministry, we do hereby give him our entire and cordial
approbation in the improvement of his gifts by preach¬
ing the Gospel as Providence may afford him oppor¬
tunity. We pray the Great Head of the .Church will
endow him with all needful grace and crown his labors
with abundant success
Done by order of the Church, this day
of ,19
Pastor.
Church Clerk.
30 National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
HOW TO ORDAIN A PREACHER.
1. The church of which he is a member calls a coun¬
cil to examine into his fitness for the Gospel ministry.
2. While the laity may with propriety be represented
on tliis council, yet, when a vote on the question of
recommending the candidate for ordination is taken, a
majority of the ordained ministers present as members
of the council should be in favor of it before the or¬
dination is proceeded with.
3. The candidate should first be examined (a) upon
the question of his conversion; (b) call to the minis¬
try J (c) mental equipment; (d) knowledge of the
tenets of the Baptist church; (e) polity of the Baptist
church; (f) systematic theology; (g) church history.
4. If a majority of the ordained ministers favor the
ordination of the candidate, a motion should be passed
recommending the same to the church.
5. If the church accepts the findings of the council,
it passes a motion authorizing the ordination of the
candidate.
6. A public meeting is set apart for the ordination
ceremony.
7. At this ceremony the following program is ren¬
dered :
(a) Devotional exercises.
(b) Ordination sermon by a minister chosen by the
council.
(c) Ordination prayer, during which hands are
placed on the head of the candidate.
(d) Presentation of the Bible by a minister selected
for the occasion.
National Baptist Pastor's Guide. 31
(0 After appropriate remarks, the hand of fellow¬
ship is extended by fellow ministers and a written or
printed certificate of ordination containing the names
of the ordained ministers composing the council, and
signed officially by the chairman and secretary, shall
be given to him. (See certificate.)
certificate of ordination.
"Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to
every creature."
This Certifies, That Brother was
publicly ordained and set apart to the work of the
Gospel Ministry with prayer, and the laying on of
hands by the ministers, according to the usages of the
Baptist Churches, on , 19
That he was called to ordination by the
Baptist Church, of which he was a member, and which,
after full and sufficient opportunity to judge of his
gifts, were agreed in the opinion that he was called
of God to the work of the Ministry. That
Baptist Churches were represented in the Council by
ministers, and laymen; and
that after a full, fair and deliberate examination, being
satisfied on all points, the Council did unanimously
recommend his ordination. That our Brother
did accordingly receive the full, entire, and hearty ap¬
probation of the Council in his officially entering upon
the work of the Ministry, administering the ordinances
of the Gospel, and performing all those duties, and en¬
joying all those privileges to which a Minister of Christ
is called.
And may the blessing of the great Head of the
Church attend him, crown his labors with abundant
32 National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
success, and make him an honored instrument of good
to Zion and the world.
Moderator.
Clerk.
HOW TO CALL A PASTOR.
1. A church that is without a pastor and is desirous
of securing one, has need of much -prayer. A pastor
can do much to upbuild a church or disrupt its mem¬
bership that great care should be exercised, and reliance
upon mere human judgment and foresight should be
discarded. The church should approach the subject in
an attitude of prayer, believing in the power of the
Holy Ghost to guide aright.
2. A pulpit committee should be appointed to have
charge of filling the pulpit during the interval between
pastors. They should be men above reproach.
3. This committee should put itself in touch with
local ministers in whom it has confidence and find out
the ministers of good repute that might be secured by
the church. Valuable aid is often given by neighbor¬
ing pastors.
4. If suitable information is not obtainable from
local sources, a correspondence might be commenced
with men abroad that are able to give the desired in¬
formation.
5. When satisfied as to the record and ability of a
minister, a letter should be addressed to him expressing
the desire of the church to hear him preach and know
him better, with a view to further consideration.
National Baptist Pastor's Guide* 33
6. If his exposition of the Word of( God is found
to be edifying, and his record in previous fields is what
is desirable, it is then proper to extend a call, fixing
the salary in the letter of call, and designating the time
for an answer, which time should be as ample as the
interests of the church will permit.
7. Care should be taken to not lay too much stress
upon the sermon or sermons preached by the prospec¬
tive candidate. His record is a far more vital question.
8. The church should not sit supinely down and wait
for the pastor to come. Invariably irresponsible ad¬
ventures swarm around such a church. When a church
seeks a pastor intelligently, it is more than likely to get
the best possible material. When it yields itself up to
be sought by the worthy and unworthy alike, the former
are likely to be too modest to enter into such an un¬
dignified scramble, and the field is left to the un¬
worthy.
9. During the period of being pastorless care should
be taken to prevent the coming of men who are self-
seeking and not mindful of the welfare of the church.
A regular supply, if possible, would be the best for
the church.
10. While it is the undoubted right of the majority
to rule, yet in the matter of calling a pastor, the wishes
of a respectable minority should be respected. The
call should, if possible, be unanimous. Unless three-
fourths of the members favor the party called, it is
very doubtful as to whether he should accept. Good
seldom results from a pastorate opposed from the be¬
ginning by a large minority of the members.
34 National Baptis• Pastor's Guide.
PROGRAMME VOI THE INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR.
1. Doxology
2. Invocation.
3. Singing.
4. Scripture reading.
5. Prayer.
6. Singing.
7. Installation sermon.
8. Introduction of pastor.
9. Singing.
10. Charge to the church.
11. Charge to pastor.
12. Address of welcome from fellow ministers.
13. The hand of fellowship by associate ministers.
14. Benediction.
PROGRAMME FOR THE DEDICATION OF A HOUSE OF
WORSHIP.
1. Music.
2. Invocation.
3. Music.
4. Scripture reading, 1 Kings 6, or some other ap¬
propriate Scripture.
5. Prayer.
6. Dedicatory sermon.
7. Dedicatory prayer.
8. Reading of the rules of the church concerning its
house of worship.
9. Dedicatory offering.
10. Benediction.
N. B. As many associate pastors as possible should
be invited to participate in the exerciser outlined above
National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
35
PASTORAL VISITING.
One of the questions surely to rise, giving perplexity
to the pastor's mind, will be the question of visiting
the members of his flock. Viewed from one standpoint,
visiting the members has done great good, while viewed
from another, it must be admitted it has wrought great
havoc. It has bred jealousies, given rise to innumer¬
able scandals, and has been the sole cause of the failure
of many a pastor. On the other hand, it has been the
means of endearing many pastors to their people and
thus extending the scope of their influence for good.
The subject is one calling for much prayer and study.
We desire to offer a few suggestions upon the im¬
portant subject:
1. Social visits, or visits purely for purposes of
pleasure, are of very doubtful propriety. We admit
frankly that a preacher, being a man, has a liking for
the pure pleasures of good society, but we deem it best
*to sacrifice this form of enjoyment for the sake of the
cause of Christ. If he chooses the more entertaining
members to visit socially he displeases and loses his
influence with the remainder.
2. Religious visits—visits to give Christian consola¬
tion where such is needed, are highly in place.
3. Visits to homes overtaken with a moral calamity
are liable to do more harm than good. The action of
the preacher in going is liable to be construed as con¬
doning evil. Whenever sent for in such cases, the
preacher might go and so demean himself in conversa¬
tion as to exalt God and his religion in the matter,
refusing, gently but firmly, to be in any manner com¬
promised.
36
National Baptist Pastor's Guide,
4. Visiting the Sick. When disease has laid his
heavy hand on an individual and brought him low, a
visit from the pastor, the servant of God, has a cheer¬
ing and consoling effect. The sick should never be
neglected by the pastor. At such a time their hearts are
likely to be humble through suffering, and, therefore,
richly prepared for God's word.
FOR THE BEDSIDE OF THE SICK.
In entering the sick room the pastor should guard
against undue levity on the one hand and a too funeral
sobriety on the other. A healthy cheerfulness will
seer/ to brighten the afflicted, where levity would of¬
fend, or a look of deep melancholy depress. The pastor
should turn to the Bible for his words of consolation as
they would have a far greater effect than any of his
own words, however eloquently spoken. We give here¬
with selections of scripture suited to the needs of the
various cases with which he is likely to be called upon
to deal:
God the Author of Afflictions. 1 Sam. 2: 3-9; Job
5: 6-19; Job 14: 1; Ps. 102: 1; Ps. 39: 1.
Sympathy for the Afflicted. Job 6: 1-17; Prov. 17:
17; Ps. 35: 11-28; Rom. 11: 14-21; Heb. 13: 3.
The afflicted Upheld. Job 5: 19; 11: 16; Ps. 18:
2; 22: 24; 23: 45; 27: 14; 30: 5; 42: 11; 46: 12; 55:
22; 71: 20; 73: 26; 145: 14; Isa. 25: 4; 49: 13; 1:
10; 54: 7; Jer. 16: 19; Lam. 3: 31-34; Micah 7: 9;
Nahum 1:7; Habakkuk 3: 17-19.
Sanctifying Purpose of Afflictions. Deut. 8: 2 3*
Job 36: 8-10; Ps. 78 : 34 ; 94: 12; 119 : 67-75; Prov.
National Baptist Pastor's Guide. 37
3: 11; Zech. 13: 9; Hosea 5: 15; Rom. 5:3; Heb.
12: 6-11; 1 Peter 1: 7.
Job's Afflictions. Job 1: 1-22; 2: 3-13; 3: 24, 25;
6: 1-4; 7: 3-16; 10: 1-21; 42: 1-12.
Hezekiah's Afflictions. 2 Chron. 29: 1-29; 30: 1-26,
2 Kings 20: 1-6.
Manasseh's Afflictions. 2 Chron. 33: 12-16; 2 Kings
21: 10-14.
The Scriptures read at the bedside of the sick might
well be read from the Bible of that home. When mem¬
bers realize that the pastor will be sure to.call for a
Bible, instead of using his own, they will be more ljkely
to have Bibles in their homes. Again, when you read
out of the home Bible you can mark the passages .read,
if so desired, and leave them easily to be found by the
afflicted. After reading, prayer appropriate to the
Scripture read and the condition of the patient may
be offered.
ADMINISTERING THE ORDINANCES.
The ordinances of the church as arranged by Christ
are impressive, having a value in themselves when
solemnly and becomingly administered.
THE LORD'S SUPPER.
1. This should be preceded by a sermon calculated
to arouse the deeper feelings of the people and pre¬
pare them for the solemn occasion. This sermon may
be delivered at the same service that the ordinance is
administered or at the preceding service.
2. The bread should be broken and prayed over. It
should then be handed around by the deacons while
38 National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
the church sits in solemn silence. When all are served,
the deacons return and are served by the pastor, who is
also then served by one of them. At this juncture all
might .bow their heads in a moment of silent prayer.
3. When the bread has been partaken of by all, the
wine is poured out and prayed over and served as in
case of the bread.
4. In large churches where time is an important ele¬
ment it is customary to have the wine and bread served
at the same time.
5. It is customary in some churches to have the
pastor and deacons to partake first, after the example
of the Saviour.
6. When all have been served, it is customary to take
a collection for the sick and needy members.
7. After the collection has been taken a hymn is
sung, the parting hand is usually given and the com¬
municants are dismissed without the customary bene¬
diction, the minister saying in accordance with the
scriptures: "And when they had sung a hymn, they
went out."
BAPTIZING.
1. A sermon on the ordinances of baptism would
be appropriate prior to the administering of the or¬
dinances.
2. The preacher descends into the water, followed
by the candidates for baptism, the women preceding
the men. The audience will sing a baptismal hymn
while the candidates are descending into the water.
When there are only a few persons to be baptized the
oreacher may lead them into the water and return with
National Baptist Pastor's Guide. 39
them after they have received the rites of baptism.
Sometimes the candidates are led into the water by
the deacons.
3. The preacher should stand with the side of his
face to the audience, while the candidate faces it fully.
4. Th6 preacher's left hand should clasp the hands
of the candidate folded across his (the candidate's)
bosom, while his right hand is uplifted.
5. He should then say the following or some similar
formula: In obedience to his divine command and upon
your profession of faith in the Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ, I indeed baptize you, my brother (or sister) in
the name of the Father and Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
6. At the conclusion of the formula, the uplifted
hand descends to the back of the candidate's neck and
he is then submerged and quickly raised. The preacher
passes his hand over the candidate's face if the water is
causing a struggle for breath.
FUNERALS.
Funerals are among the most delicate subjects with
which a pastor has to deal. A text should be chosen
fitting as nearly as possible the career of the deceased.
The text should be faithfully and fully expounded.
Comments upon specific deeds of evil committed by the
deceased are of doubtful propriety. Let the chastise¬
ment come through the Word of God. Nor, on the
other hand, when the career is exemplary should exorbi¬
tant eulogy be indulged in.
BUSINESS MEETINGS.
1. Every church should hold business meetings at
regular designated intervals.
40 National Baptist Pastor's Guide
2. The meetings should be opened with devo¬
tional exercises much as other religious services.
3. The pastor is the proper presiding officer of
the meeting. This is a function which is not open
to question.
4. In the absence of the pastor any brother, by
vote of the church, may occupy the chair. But no
officer or brother of the church is the natural
successor of the pastor as presiding officer when
he (the pastor) is absent.
5. A proper order of business is as follows:
(a) Minutes of the previous meeting.
(b) Unfinished business.
(c) Report of committees (if any).
(d) Report of the deacon board.
(e) New business.
(f) Adjournment.
DEACON MEETINGS.
1. These meetings are to be participated in by
the pastor and deacons, the pastor presiding in
these meetings as in all others. No deacon meet¬
ing is complete without the presence of the pastor.
2. A deacon board has no authority in itself. It
can simply do the bidding of the church and make
such recommendations as it deems best to the
church, which the church may either accept or
reject at its pleasure.
PRAYER MEETINGS.
One night in each week should be set apart for a
prayer service led either by the pastor or some one
designated by him. The singing should be congrega-
National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
41
tional and spirited. A short talk by the pastor would
be appropriate at either the opening or closing of the
meeting.
COVENANT MEETINGS.
At stated intervals an opportunity should be given
to the members to give expression to their religious
experiences. It quickens the pulse, stimulates religious
activity, develops boldness in the truth, imparts a fervent
glow to the whole church life. Members should bis
encouraged to tell in their own way the story of the
Saviour's dealing with them. Short talks interspersed
with the singing of brief familiar hymns render the
meeting highly enjoyable.
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.
The pastor should recognize the Sunday school as
one of the greatest agencies for good in his field. His
attendance thereupon should be prompt and regular.
While the immediate management of the school may
be safely entrusted to other hands he is the ex-officio,
the head, and should keep a watchful pve over every¬
thing.
BAPTIST YOUNG PEOPLE'S UNIONS.
The young people naturally have a hesitancy about
taking hold of the work in which the ruling spirits are
so much older than they. The difference which they
feel they owe to age steps in and destroys their bold¬
ness. Thus comes the necessity of getting them apart
to themselves where their development will be free
from embarrassment. Thus we have the Unions. The
pastor is ex-officio head of this also.
42
National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
SOCIAL GATHERINGS.
While a pastor may not do social visiting without
clanger, yet there is room for social enjoyment for
both him and his people. Social reunions should be
had from time to time, at which all may without pro¬
priety yield themselves to cheerful social conversation
and such other forms of enjoyment as are legitimate
for Christians.
DEACONS VISITING.
The deacons should aid the pastor in visiting and
keep in touch with the membership of the church.
Visiting, due to the moral atmospheres of many places
is highly injurious to a pastor. Let the deacons shield
the pastor in this regard by taking from him the neces¬
sity of much visiting in such cases.
LETTER OF DISMISSION.
,19...
The Baptist Church of to
any regular Baptist Church:
Dear Brethren:
This is to Certify, That is a mem¬
ber in regular standing with us, and at
own request is hereby granted the privilege of trans-
fering membership to your body.
^ is received to your membership and
the enclosed letter of acknowledgment is returned to
us within months, membership
with us will cease.
Done by order of the church.
Pastor Clerk
National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
43
letter of notification.
,19...
To the Baptist Church:
This is to Certify, That was re¬
ceived by letter from you to the membership of the
Baptist Church, this day of
19....
Pastor Clerk.
letter of commendation.
,19...
This certifies that is a member in good
standing in the Baptist Church in
and is hereby commended to the confidence and fellow¬
ship of sister churches, wherever Providence may di¬
rect.
Pastor Baptist Church.
(Note.—This form of letter is for members during a temporary ab
aence from home, and given either by the pastor or by the church.)
call for an ordaining council.
,19...
To the Baptist Church of
Dear Brethren:
You are requested to send your pastor and two
brethren, to sit in council with us, at ....
o'clock, to consider the propriety of publicly setting
apart to the work of the Gospel ministry, our brother,
The Council will meet in The follow¬
ing churches are invited:
By order of the Church,
Clerk.
44 National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
call for A recognizing council.
,19...
To the Baptist Church in
Dear Brethren:
In behalf of a company of brethren and sisters in
Christ, you are requested to send your pastor and two
delegates, to meet in council at
, at o'clock, to consider the propriety
of recognizing said company of brethren and sisters as
d regular and independent Church of Christ.
The following churches are invited:
Affectionately yours, etc.,
Committee or Clerk.
call for an advisory council.
,19...
To the Baptist Church of
Dear Brethren:
You are requested to send your pastor and two dele¬
gates, to sit in council 19..at
o clock, to advise with us concerning certain unhappy
difficulties existing among us which are disturbing our
peace, and threatening the most serious consequences
to the welfare of the church.
The council will be held at The fol¬
lowing churches are invited:
By order of the church,
Clerk
National Baptist Pastor's Guide. 45
MARRIAGE SERVICES.
I.
The parties standing before the minister, the man at
the woman's right; after a short prayer, the minister
shall say:
The ordinance of marriage is an institution of God.
God saw in the Garden of Eden that it was not good
for man to be alone, so he gave him a helpmeet. As
it is an appointment of God it is to be entered into
soberly and discreetly, as in his sight. In his holy word
you will find the counsel which you will need in this
mutual relationship. The vows are to be broken only
by death itself. In token therefore of having chosen
each other as partners for life, you may join your right
hands.
The man taking the woman's right hand, the minister
shall say to the man:
Do you A., take B., whom you hold by the right hand,
to be your lawful and wedded wife? Do you promise
to love, to honor, to cherish, to protect; forsaking all
others, in sickness as well as in health, in adversity as
well as prosperity; to cleave only unto her so long as
you both shall live?
The man shall say, I do. Then the minister shall say
unto the woman:
Do you B., take A., whom you hold by the right
hand, to be your lawful and wedded husband? Do
you promise to love, to honor, to cherish; forsaking all
others, in sickness as well as in health, in adversity as
well as prosperity, to cleave unto him so long as you
both shall live?
46 National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
The woman shall say, I do. The minister shall say.
And now by virture of authority vested in me, by
the laws of this State and as a minister of Jesus Christ
(for this is civil and religious service), I pronounce you
husband and wife. And what God hath joined to¬
gether let not man put asunder.
The minister shall then pronounce this benediction:
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee; the Lord make
his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give
thee peace. Amen.
II.
The parties standing before the minister, he shall say:
Divine Revelation has declared marriage to be honor¬
able in all. It is an institution of God, ordained in the
time of man's innocency, before he had sinned against
his Maker, and been yet banished from Paradise. It
was given in wisdom and in kindness, to repress irregu¬
lar affection, to support social order, and to provide
that, through well-ordered families truth and holiness
might be transmitted from one age to another. Earlier,
therefore, than all laws of merely human origin, it lies
at the basis of all human legislation and civil govern¬
ment, and the peace and well-being of the nation and
land.
We learn from the history of our Saviour that he
honored a marriage festival with his presence, and
wrought there the beginning of his miracles. And by
his Holy Spirit, speaking through his apostle, he has
selected the union thus formed, as an apt emblem of
National Baptist Pastor's Guide. 47
the union, endeared and indissoluble, that binds to¬
gether himself and his own ransomed Church.
A relation that is thus consecrated should not be
formed thoughtlessly and irreverently; but advisedly
in the fear of God, and as for the purposes for which
he, its Divine Author, ordained and blessed matrimony.
And now, as in his sight, and as you will answer in
the day when all hearts shall be made manifest, I charge
you to declare if there be any cause that should prevent
your lawful union.
From your silence I presume there is none, Will
the parties now join their right hands?
Then he shall say to the man:
Do you, A. B., take C. D., whom you now hold by
the hand, as your true and lawful wife; and, God help¬
ing you, will you love, cherish, honor, and protect her,
cleaving only and ever unto her, until God by death
shall separate you ?
He shall answer, I do. Then to the woman:
Do you, C. D., take A. B., whom you now hold by
the hand, as your true and lawful husband; and, God
helping you, will you love, cherish, honor, and obey
him, cleaving only and ever unto him, until God by
death shall separate you ?
She shall answer, I do.
Where a ring is used, the groom is here to place it on
the bride's hand; the minister adds these words:
The circle, the emblem of eternity; and gold, the
type of what is least tarnished and most enduring; it
is to show how lasting and imperishable the faith now
mutually pledged.
As the union now formed is to be sundered only by
48 National Baptist' Pastor's Guide.
death, it becomes you to consider the duties you solemn¬
ly assume. If these be remembered and faithfully dis¬
charged, they will add to the happiness of this life,
lightening by dividing its inevitable sorrows, and height¬
ening by doubling all its blessedness. But if these obli¬
gations be neglected and violated, you cannot escape the
keenest misery, as well as the darkest guilt.
It is the duty of the husband to provide for the sup¬
port of his wife, to shelter her from danger, and to
cherish for her a manly and unalterable affection, it
being the command of God's word that husbands love
their wives, even as Christ loved the Church, and gave
his own life for her.
It is the duty of the wife to reverence and obey her
husband, and to put on the ornament of a meek and
quiet spirit, which is, in God's sight, an ornament of
great price, his word commanding that wives be sub¬
ject unto their own husbands, even as the Church is
subject unto Christ.
It is the duty of both to delight each in the society
of the other; to remember that, in interest and in
reputation as in affection, they are to be henceforth
one and undivided; to preserve an inviolable fidelity,
and to see to it that what God has joined thus together,
man never puts asunder.
PRAYER.
Our Father, who art in Heaven, who hast, in thy
wise and tender care for mankind, ordained and blessed
the institution of matrimony, we pray of Thee, graci¬
ously to regard Thy servant and handmaiden, who have
thus solemnly pledged themselves to each other, and
sworn unto Thee; that, through Thy good care and
National Baptist Pastor's Guide. 49
guidance, they may evermore remember and keep these
their vows; be kept themselves in unbroken concord
and sympathy all the days of their earthly life; and be
at the last, with all those most near and most dear unto
them, gathered an unbroken household to Thy right
hand on the day of judgment. And may all of us, here
assembled, be of that blessed company who shall be
called to go into the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
And this we ask, only in the name and through the
merits of Him, Thine own Son and our Redeemer, the
Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
BENEDICTION
In pursuance of your solemn pledges thus given and
in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,
I pronounce you Husband and Wife: and may the God
before whom you have thus vowed, look upon you, to
make you blessed and a blessing, in all your earthly
ways; and grant you, when the snares and trials of this
life are ended, a glad and eternal reunion in heaven.
Amen.
THE EPISCOPAL MARRIAGE SERVICE.
4t the day and time appointed for solemnization of
matrimony, the persons to be married shall come into
the body of the church, or shall be ready in some
proper house, with their friends and neighbors; and
there standing together, the man on the right hand
and the woman on the left, the minister shall say:
Dearly beloved: We are gathered together here in
the sight of God. and in the face of this company, to
join together this Man and this Woman in holy matri-
SO National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
mony; which is commended of St. Paul to be honorable
among all men: and therefore is not by any to be en¬
tered into unadvisedly or lightly; but reverently, dis¬
creetly, advisedly, and in the fear of God. Into this
holy estate, these two persons present come now to be
joined. If any man can show just cause why they
may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak,
or else hereafter forever hold his peace.
And, also, speaking unto the persons who are to be
married, he shall say:
I require and charge you both, as ye will answer at
the dreadful day of judgment, when the secrets of all
hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any
impediment why ye may not be lawfully joined to¬
gether in matrimony, ye do now confess it. For be
ye well assured, that if any persons are joined together
otherwise than as God's word doth allow, their marriage
is not lawful.
If no impediment shall be alleged, the minister shall
say to the man:
M., Wilt thou have this Woman to thy wedded wife,
to live together after God's ordinance, in the holy
estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort
her, honor, and keep her, in sickness and in health;
and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so
long as ye both shall live?
The man shall answer, I will. Then shall the minister
say to the woman:
N., Wilt thou have this Man to thy wedded husband,
to live together after God's ordinance, in the holy estate
National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
51
of matrimony? Wilt thou obey him and serve him,
love, honor, and keep him, in sickness and in health;
and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so
long as ye both shall live?
The woman shall answer, I will. Then shall the minis¬
ter say:
Who giveth this Woman to be married to this Man ?
Then shall they give their troth to each other in this
manner. The minister, receiving the woman at her
father's or friend's hands, shall cause the man with
his right hand to take the woman by her right hand,
and to say after him as followeth:
I, M., take thee, N., to my wedded wife, to have and
to hold from this day forward, for better for worse,
for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love
and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's
holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.
Then shall they loose their hands; and the woman with
her right hand taking the man by his right hand, shall
likewise say after the minister:
I, N., take thee, M., to my wedded husband, to have
and hold from this day forward, for better for worse,
for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love,
cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to
God's holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth.
Then shall they again loose their hands; and the man
shall give unto the woman a ring. And the minister
taking the ring shall deliver it unto the man, to put
it upon the fourth linger of the woman's left hand.
And the man holding the ring there, and taught by
the minister, shall say:
With this Ring I thee wed, and with all my worldly
52 National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
goods I thee endow: In the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then the man, leaving the ring upon the fourth linger
of the woman's left hand, the minister shall say:
Let us pray.
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy
Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who
trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all man¬
kind, giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of ever¬
lasting 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 betwixt them made (whereof this Ring
given and received is a token and pledge), and may ever
remain in perfect love and peace together, and live
according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Then shall the minister join their right hands together,
and say:
Those whom God hath joined together let no man
put asunder.
Then shall the minister speak unto the company:
Forasmuch as M. and N. have consented together in
holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God
and this company, and thereto have given and pledged
National Baptist Pastor's Guide. S3
their troth, each to the other, and have declared the
same by giving and receiving a Ring, and by joining
hands; I pronounce that they are Man and Wife, In
the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost. Amen.
And the minister shall add this blessing:
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost,
bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with
his favour look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual
benediction and grace; that ye may so live together in
this life, that in the world to come ye may have life
everlasting. Amen.
THE EPISCOPAL BURIAL SERVICE.
The minister, meeting the corpse at the entrance of the
churchyard and going before it, either into the church
or towards the grave, shall say, or sing:
I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord:
he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall
he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall
never die.—John 11:25, 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 19 : 25, 26, 27.
We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain
we can carry nothing out. The Lord gave, and the
Lord hath taken away, blessed be the Name of the
Lord.—I Tim. 6: 7; Job 1: 21.
54 National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
After they are come into the church, shall be said or
sung the following anthem, taken from the 39th and
90th Psalms:
Lord, let me know my end, and the number of my
days; that I may be certified how long I have to live.
Behold, thou hast made my days as it were a span
long, and my age is even as nothing in respect of thee;
and verily every man living is altogether vanity.
For man walketh in a vain shadow, and disquiteth
himself in vain; he heapeth up riches, and cannot tell
who shall gather them.
And now, Lord, what is my hope? Truly my hope
is even in thee.
Deliver me from all mine offenses; and make me not
a rebuke unto the foolish.
When thou with rebukes dost chasten man for sin,
thou makest his beauty to consume away, like as it
*vere a moth fretting a garment; every man therefore
is but vanity.
Hear my prayer, O Lord, and with thine ears con¬
sider my calling; hold not thy peace at my tears:
For I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as
all my fathers were.
O spare me a little, that I may recover my strength,
before I go hence and be no more seen.
Lord, thou hast been our refuge, from one genera¬
tion to another.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever
the earth and the world were made, thou art God from
everlasting, and world without end.
Thou turnest man to destruction; again thou sayest,
Come again, ye children of men.
National Baptist Pastor's Guide. SS
Fo. a thousand years in thy sight are but as yester¬
day ; seeing that is passed as a watch in the night.
As soon as thou scatterest them they are even as a
sleep: and fade away suddenly like the grass.
In the morning it is green, and groweth up; but in
the evening it is cut down, dried up, and withered.
For we consume away in thy displeasure; and are
afra.d at thy wrathful indignation.
Thou hast set our misdeeds befcre thee; and our
secret sins in the light of thy countenance.
For when thou art angry, all our days are gone; we
bring our years to an end, as it were a tale that is told.
The days of our age are threescore years and ten;
and though men be so strong that they come to four¬
score years, yet is their strength then but labor and
sorrow; so soon passeth it away, and we are gone.
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply
our hearts unto wisdom.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
Then shall follow the lesson, taken out of the 15th
chapter of the first Epistle of St. Paul to the Corin¬
thians:
OTHER BURIAL SERVICE
1 Cor. 15:20.
Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the
firstfruits of them that slept. Fof since by man came
death, by man came alu the resurrection of the dead
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all bs
made alive. But every man in his own order; Christ
56 National Baptist Pastor's Cuidt.
the firstfruits; afterwards they that are Christ's, at his
coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have de¬
livered up the Kingdom of God, even the Father;
when he shall have put down all rule and all authority,
and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all
enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be
destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under
his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under
him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put
all things under him. And when all things shall be
subdued unto him, then shall the son also himself be
subject unto Him that put all things under him, that
God may be all in all.
Else what shall they do which are baptized for the
dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then
baptized for the dead? and why stand we in jeopardy
every hour? I protest by your rejoicing, which I have
in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the
manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus,
what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us
eat and drink, for to-morrow we die. Be not deceived:
evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to
righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowl¬
edge of God. I speak this to your shame.
But some man will say, How are the dead raised
up? and with what body do they come? Thou fool!
that which thou soweth is not quickened, except it die.
And that which thou soweth, thou sowest not that body
shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of
some other grain. But God giveth it a body as it hath
pleased him, and to every seed his own body. All flesh
is not the same flesh; but there is one kind of flesh of
National Baptist Pastor's Guide. 57
men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and an¬
other of birds. There are also celestial bodies, and
bodies terrestrial^ but the glory of the celestial is one,
and the glory of the terrestial is another. There is one
glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and an¬
other glory of the stars; for one star differeth from an¬
other star in glory.
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown
m corruption; it is raised in incorruption: it is sown in
dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness;
it is raised in power: it is sown a natural body; it is
raised up a spiritual body. There is a natural body,
and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The
first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam
was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit, that was not
first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and
afterwards that which is spiritual. The first man is of
the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from
heaven. As is the earthy, such are they that are earthy:
and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are
heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the
earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot
inherit the Kingdom of God; neither doth corruption
inherit incorruption. Behold, I show you a mystery:
we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in
a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:
for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be
raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this
corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal
must put on immortality.
58 National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorrup-
tion, and this mortal shall have put on immortality;
then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written,
Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is
thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting
of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the Law.
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved
brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding
in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that
your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Then, while the earth shall be cast upon the body some
stand by, the minister shall say:
Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God, in his
wise providence, to take out of this world the soul of
our deceased brother (or sister, or friend), we there¬
fore 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 sec¬
ond 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;
according to the mighty working whereby he is able to
subdue all things unto himself.
Then the minister shall say one or both of the follow-
ing prayers, at his discretion:
Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of those
who depart hence in the Lord, and with whom the souls
of the faithful, after they are delivered from the burden
National Baptist Pastor's Guide.
59
of the flesh, are in joy and felicity; We give thee hearty
thanks for the good examples of all those thy servants,
who, having finished their course in faith, do now rest
from their labors. And we beseech thee, that we, with
all those who are departed in the true faith of thy holy
Name, may have our perfect consummation and bliss,
both in body and soul, in thy eternal and everlasting
glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O merciful God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who is the resurrection and the life; in whom whoso¬
ever believeth, shall live, though he die; and whosoever
liveth, and believeth in him, shall not die eternally;
who also hath taught us, by his holy Apostle Saint Paul,
not to be sorry, as men without hope, for those who
sleep in him; We humbly beseech thee, O Father, to
raise us from the death of sin unto the life of righteous¬
ness; that, when we shall depart this life, we may rest
in him; and that, at the general Resurrection in the
last day, we may be found acceptable in thy sight; and
receive that blessing, which thy well-beloved Son shall
then pronounce to all who love and fear thee, saying,
Come, ye blessed children of my Father, receive the
kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the
world. Grant this, we beseech thee, O merciful Father,
through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer.
Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love
of God, and fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us
all evermore. Amen.
PARLIAMENTARY RULES.
INTRODUCTION.
When men are congregated in a deliberative assem¬
bly for the purpose of transacting business, it is highly
essential, for the sake of harmony and progress, to
have certain well-defined rules and regulations accord¬
ing to which business is to be transacted.
As well might a mechanic seek to construct a mam¬
moth building of many complications without having
proper drawings, as well might an army enter upon
military operations without an agreed system of mili¬
tary tactics, as for a body of men to attempt to con¬
duct a deliberative assembly without a knowledge of
proper mode of procedure.
The first duty of a deliberative assembly is to adopt
suitable regulations by which to be governed, and it
is the duty of each member to become thoroughly con¬
versant with these regulations if he would be a help
instead of a hindrance to the deliberations of the as¬
sembly of which he is a part.
Men have deliberated together for so long a period
that experience has enabled them to come to an agree¬
ment, practically, as to what are the best methods of
conducting the business of deliberative assemblies.
%
In this volume we seek to give a bird's-eye view of
what men have generally found to be the best modes
of procedure, and this is all that is allowed to any
(60)
Parliamentary Rules.
61
writer on parliamentary law. He does not create rules
of action, but gathers them together and presents them
in concrete form to his readers.
This volume is constructed with a view to rendering
it especially acceptable as a more or less complete
guide for the deliberations of religious bodies—such
as churches, associations, conventions, etc.—while it
is well adapted to the use of debating clubs, literary
societies, mass meetings, etc.
In fact, this book, thoroughly learned and fully
digested, will prepare one for participation in the de¬
liberations of all ordinary assemblages, as the regula¬
tions herein set forth are well-nigh universal in this
country.
It seeks to avoid stating matters in an unduly com¬
plex manner, and expects its chief point of commenda¬
tion to be its simplicity of style.
This book will be found to be an invaluable aid to
ministers in their work of presiding over religious as¬
semblies. It does not claim to be as elaborate and ex¬
haustive as the subject will permit, but is deemed amply
sufficient for and peculiarly adapted to the work of the
ministers.
Yours very respectfully,
R. H. Boyd,
Secretary National Baptist Publishing Board.
62
Parliamentary Rules,
INTRODUCING BUSINESS.
No question is properly before an assembly until a
motion placing it before the body is made, seconded,
and stated by the chair. Prior to such action all de¬
bate upon a question is out of order.*
Exceptions: (a) Business is sometimes introduced
by the presentation of communications.
(b) Committee reports may be received without
formal motions being made to that effect. By re¬
ceiving a report is meant the simple reading of it.
(c) Three motions demand no second: (1) Call for
the order of the day; (2) a question of order; (3)
objections to the consideration of a question.
(d) Sometimes questions are decided by common
consent without the formality of a motion.
GRADES OF MOTIONS.
There are four distinct grades of motions made in
deliberative assemblies:
(a) Principal or main motions.
(b) Subsidiary or secondary motions.
(c) Incidental questions or motions.
(d) Privileged questions or motions.
MOTIONS EXPLAINED.
I. A principal or main motion is a motion intended
to introduce any particular subject to an assembly.
A motion of this character can only be made when
there is no other question before the house.
♦Note—Whenever a motion is made involving more, thqn one
proposition, a motion is in order to divide the question. If
carried, each prooosition must be voted on seoaratelv.
Parliamentary Rules.
63
II. Subsidiary motions are such motions as are made
to apply to other motions with a view to disposing of
them. Subsidiary motions are as follows:
Lay on the table.
The previous question.
Postpone to a certain day.
Commit, recommit, or refer.
Amend.
Postpone indefinitely.
III. Incidental questions are questions that spring
out of the consideration of other questions, and are
as follows:
Appeal (or questions of order).
Objection to the consideration of a question.
The reading of papers.
Leave to withdraw a motion.
Suspension of the rules.
IV. Privileged questions are questions that, by virtue
of their great importance, taken precedence of all other
questions and displace all other questions when intro¬
duced. They are as follows:
To fix the time to which to adjourn.
Adjourn.
Questions relating to the rights and privileges
of the assembly or of any of its members.
Gills for the orders of the day.
V. (a) Principal or main motions occupy the lowest
grade, as they take precedence over nothing—that is,
nothing has to stand aside for such motions.
(b) Subsidiary or secondary motions are superior
in point of rank to principal or main motions, as they
64
Parliamentary Rules.
can be introduced when the former are before the
house, and, though introduced last, must be disposed
of before you can proceed to consider a principal or
main motion.
(c) Incidental motions are superior to principal or
main motions and to subsidiary or secondary motions.
(d) Privileged questions are the highest grade of
motions.
VI. Subsidiary or secondary motions are six in num¬
ber and have a rank among themselves. Incidental
questions and privileged questions have each a rank
among themselves. In Articles II., III., and IV, under
"Motions Explained," each set of motions is there given
according to their rank among themselves.
VII. Taking subsidiary or secondary, incidental, and
privileged questions as a whole, their ranking is as
follows:
1. To fix the time to which to adjourn. (Privi¬
leged.) Takes precedence of all others. In order after
the assembly has voted to adjourn, if the vote has not
been announced by the chairman. It can be made
when another member has the floor, in which case it
is undebatable; debatable under other circumstances.
Can be amended as to time.
2. To adjourn. (Privileged.) Superior to all mo¬
tions, save the one just named above. Is not debatable
Cannot be amended. No subsidiary motion may apply
to it. It cannot be reconsidered. If lost, it may be
repeated after any further business is transacted, if
it be but progress in debate.
3. Questions of privilege. (Privileged.) This is the
third motion in point of rank. If important, it is
Parliamentary Rules.
65
in order while another member has the floor. Is de¬
cided by the chairman. Upon an appeal that obtains
a second, it is decided by the house. It may be de¬
ferred, laid on the table, or be acted upon by any sub¬
sidiary motion. When decided, business is resumed at
the point where the question was raised.
4. Orders of the day. (Privileged.) This motion
is fourth in rank, but does not take precedence over
the motion to reconsider. Is not debatable. Requires
no second. Is in order when another member has the
floor.
5. Appeal. (Incidental.) Requires a second. Can¬
not be amended. Is undebatable when the question
is one of indecorum, or transgressions of the rules of
debate, or as to priority of business, or if made when
the previous question is before the house. It can be
laid on the table, and the previous question may be
applied to it, without in either case affecting anything
save the appeal. A vote on an appeal may be recon¬
sidered.
6. Objections to the consideration of a question.
(Incidental.) Objections can be made to the consid¬
eration of principal motions, if made when the subject
is first introduced. Can be made while another mem¬
ber has the floor. Does not need a second. Cannot
be debated, amended, or affected by any other sub¬
sidiary motion.
7. Reading papers. (Incidental.) Any member may
call for the reading of papers before the assembly for
consideration, and he has a right to expect his request
to be granted. If objected to, a motion is made
66
Parliamentary Rules.
granting the desired privilege. This motion cannot be
debated or amended.
8. Withdrawal of a motion. (Incidental.) A mo¬
tion may be withdrawn by the mover, if no one ob¬
jects; if objected to, a motion granting permission to
withdraw must be made. Such motion cannot be de¬
bated or amended.
9. Suspension of the rules. (Incidental.) Is not
debatable. Cannot be amended. No other subsidiary
motion may be applied to it. A vote on suspension
cannot be reconsidered. Must be for a definite pur¬
pose. Requires a two-thirds vote.
10. Lay on the table. (Subsidiary.) Is king among
subsidiary or secondary motions, but subordinate to
any privileged or incidental questions. Is not de¬
batable. Cannot be amended. An affirmative thereon
cannot be reconsidered. Carries with it everything that
adheres to the subject, except in cases of appeal, re¬
consider, amendments to minutes.
11. Previous questions. (Subsidiary.) Is preemi¬
nent over all debatable questions, but is subordinate
to privileged and incidental questions and to lay on
the table. Gives way to a motion to adjourn. Cannot
prevent a motion being made to lay main subject on
the table, even after previous question is ordered. It
is not debatable. Cannot be amended. Applies to
questions of privilege as well as to all other debatable
questions:
"If adopted, its Effect is as follows:
"(i) Its effect [excepting when to Amend or to Commit
is pending] is to instantly close debate, and bring the as¬
sembly to a vote upon the pending question. The vote being
Parliamentary Rules. 67
taken, the effect of the previous question is exhausted, and
the business before the assembly stands exactly as if the vote
on the pending motion had been taken in the usual way, without
having been forced to it by the previous question; so if this
vote is reconsidered the question is divested of the previous
question, and is again open to debate.
"(2) Its effect when either of the motions to Amend or to
Commit is pending, is to cut off debate, and to force a vote,
not only upon the motions to amend and to commit, but also
upon the question to be amended or committed. The chairman
puts to vote all these questions in their order of precedence,
beginning with the one last moved [see illustrations further
on]. The previous question is not exhausted until votes have
been taken on all these questions, or else it has been voted to
refer the subject to a committee. If one of these votes is
reconsidered before the previous question is exhausted, the
pendency of the previous question precludes debate upon the
motion reconsidered.
"The motion for the previous question may be limited to
the pending amendment, and if adopted, debate is closed on
the amendment only. After the amendment is voted on, the
m?in question is again open to debate and amendment. [In
this case the form of the question would be similar to this,
"Shall the question be now put on amendment?"] So in
the same manner it can be moved on an amendment of an
amendment.
"The Object of the previous question is to bring the as¬
sembly to a vote on the question before it without further
debate.
"An Appeal from the decision of the chair is undebatable
if made after the previous question has been moved, and be¬
fore final action has been taken under it.
"To illustrate the effect of the previous question under all
kinds of circumstances, take the following examples:
"(a) Suppose a question is before the assembly, and an
amendment to it is offered, and then it is moved to postpone
the question to another time: the previous question now being
68
Parliamentary Rules.
ordered stops the debate and forces a vote on the pending
question—the postponement. When that vote is taken the
effect of the previous is exhausted. If the assembly refuses
to postpone the subject, the debate is resumed upon the pending
amendment.
"(b) Suppose the subject under consideration is interrupted
by a question of privilege, and it has been moved to refer
this latter question to a committee: the previous question being
now ordered brings the assembly to a vote first on the motion
to commit, and if that motion fails, next on the privileged
question. After the privileged question is voted on, the previ¬
ous question is exhausted and the consideration of the subject
which was interrupted is resumed.
"(c) Suppose, again, that while an amendment to the ques¬
tion is pending a motion is made to refer the subject to a
committee, and some one moves to amend this last motion by
giving the commit'tee instructions; in addition to the main ques¬
tion we have here only the motions to amend and to commit*
and therefore the previous question, if ordered, applies to them
all as one question. The chairman immediately puts the ques¬
tion (i) on the committee's instructions, (2) on the motion
to commit, and if this be adopted the subject is referred to
the committee and the effect of the previous question is ex¬
hausted; but if it fails, next (3) on the amendment, and finally
(4) on the main question."
12. To postpone to a certain day. (Subsidiary.)
This motion takes precedence of a motion to commit,
or amend, of indefinitely postpone. It steps aside for
any privileged or incidental question, to lay on the table,
or for the previous question. It can be amended as to
time. Allows of limited debate, confined to the pro¬
priety of adopting the date specified. If adopted, the
subject so disposed of cannot be taken up before the
hour designated, save by a two-thirds vote.
13. To amend. (Subsidiary.) This motion takes
precedence of nothing but the question to which it is
Parliamentary Rules. 69
applied, and yields to all privileged, incidental, or sub¬
sidiary questions, except to indefinitely postpone. A
motion to amend must bear directly upon, and be ger¬
mane to, the motion desired amended, though it may
be directly the reverse in sentiment to that motion.
Can be amended by adding or inserting, striking out,
striking out some and inserting others.
No amendment is allowable to any of the following
motions:
To adjourn.
For the orders of the day.
All incidental questions.
To lay on the table.
For the previous question.
An amendment of an amendment.
To postpone indefinitely.
To reconsider.
14. To postpone indefinitely. (Subsidiary.) It can¬
not be applied to any save a principal motion. It yields
to all privileged, incidental, and subsidiary motions,
except to amend. It opens the entire question to debate.
It cannot be amended. The previous question being
ordered on it does not affect the main question.
THE MOTION TO RECONSIDER, ETC.
When any principal or main motion (or amend¬
ment) has once been acted upon by an assembly, it
cannot be had under consideration again at the same
meeting without a motion to reconsider is introduced
and adopted. This motion must be made by a person
who voted with the majority on the original question,
must be made on the same day, and, if lost, it (the
70
Parliamentary Rules.
motion to reconsider) cannot be renewed on that ques¬
tion.
A motion to rescind may be made by any member
when he desires to have the assembly annul some pre¬
vious action. This motion is made when a motion to
reconsider would be too late. Any action of an as¬
sembly may be annulled by the passing of this motion,
regardless of the time that has elapsed since the taking
of such action.
A correction in the minutes may be made at any
time without the necessity of a motion to reconsider.
A motion to adjourn, if lost, can be renewed with¬
out a motion to reconsider, provided any business has
been transacted since it was originally made, even if
such business is but progress in debate.
A motion to reconsider is in order even when an¬
other member has the floor, but it cannot be consid¬
ered while another question is before the body.
On the subject of the motion to reconsider, Roberts'
"Rules of Order" speak quite well, as follows:
"A motion to reconsider the vote on a Subsidiary Motion
takes precedence of the main question. It yields to Privileged
Questions (except for the Orders of the Day) and Incidental
Questions.
"This motion can be applied to the vote on every other
question, except to Adjourn and to Suspend the Rules, and
an affirmative vote on to Lay on the Table or to Take from
the Table, and a vote electing to office one who is present and
does not decline. No question can be twice reconsidered, un¬
less it was amended after its first reconsideration. If an
amendment to a motion has been either adopted or rejected,
and then a vote taken on the motion as amended, it is not in
order to reconsider the vote on the amendment until after
the vote on the original motion-has-been r«ron<si<lered. If the
Parliamentary Rules.
71
Previous Question has been partly executed, it cannot be re¬
considered. If anything which the assembly cannot reverse
has been done as the result of a vote, then that vote cannot
be reconsidered. This motion cannot be amended; it is de¬
batable or not, just &s the question to be reconsidered is de¬
batable or undebatable; when debatable, it opens up for dis¬
cussion the entire subject to be reconsidered, and the Previous
Question, if ordered while it is pending, affects only the
motion to reconsider. It can be laid on the table, in which
case, the reconsideration, like any other question, can be taken
iron:, the table, but possesses no privilege. The motion to
reconsider being laid on the table does not carry with it the
pending measure.
"The effect of making this motion is to suspend all action
that the original motion would have required until the re¬
consideration is acted upon, but if it is not called up, its
effect terminates with the session provided, that in an as¬
sembly having regular meetings as often as monthly, if there
is not held upon another day an adjourned meeting of the one
at which the reconsideration was moved, its effect shall not
terminate till the close of the next succeeding session. But
the reconsideration of an Incidental or Subsidiary Motion (ex¬
cept where the vote to be reconsidered had the effect to remove
the whole subject from before the assembly) shall be immedi¬
ately acted upon, as otherwise it would prevent action on the
main question.
"While this motion is so highly privileged as far as re¬
lates to having it entered on the minutes, yet the reconsidera¬
tion of another question cannot be made to interfere with the
discussion of a question before the assembly, but as soon as
that subject is disposed of, the reconsideration, it called up,
takes precedence of everything except the motion to adjourn,
and to fix the time to which to adjourn. As long as its effects
lasts (as shown above), any one can call up the motion to
reconsider, and have it acted upon—excepting that when its
effect extends beyond the meeting at which the motion was
made, no one but the mover can call it up at that meeting.
72
Parliamentary Rules.
"The effect of the adoption of this motion is to place be¬
fore the assembly the original question in the exact position
it occupied before it was voted upon; consequently no one
can debate the question reconsidered who had previously ex¬
hausted his right to debate on that question; his only resource
is to discuss the question while the motion to reconsider is
before the assembly. When a vote taken tinder the operation
of the previous question is reconsidered, the question is then
divested of the previous question, and is open to debate and
amendment, provided the previous question has been exhausted
by votes taken on all the questions covered by it, before the
motion to reconsider was made.
"A reconsideration requires only a majority vote, regardless
of the vote necessary to adopt the motion reconsidered."
MOTIONS REQUIRING A TWO-THIRDS
VOTE.
The following motions require a two-thirds vote in
order to be adopted:
To amend the rules.
To suspend the rules.
To make a special order.
To take up a question out of its proper order.
An objection to the consideration of a question.
To extend the limits of debate.
To close or limit debate.
The previous question.
Expulsion of members.
A motion to amend can be amended, but an amend¬
ment to an amendment cannot be amended.
UNDEBATABLE MOTIONS.
The following motions are undebatable:
To adjourn.
Appeal relating to decorum.
Parliamentary Rules.
73
Call to order.
Motion to close debate.
Motion to extend limits of debate.
Leave to continue speaking after indecorum.
To lay on the table.
Motion to limit debate.
Objection to the consideration of a question.
Motion for the orders of the day.
Previous question.
Questions relating to priority of business.
Reading papers.
Reconsider an undebatable question.
Suspend the rules.
Take from the table.
Take up a question out of its proper order.
Withdrawal of a motion.
OBTAINING RECOGNITION.
Before a member can make a motion or speak upon
a question, he must first obtain recognition from the
chairman.
The following considerations should govern a chair¬
man in granting the floor:
(a) The member first obtaining the floor.
(b) When two or more obtain the floor at the same
time, the one farthest away.
(c) When issues are clearly drawn on a subject, and
there are two parties, recognition should be given first
to one side of the controversy, and then to the other.
(d) The chairman of a committee making a report
is usually accorded the floor if he has not previously
spoken, even if others succeed in getting to their feet
before he does. It is his right also to close debate.
74
Parliamentary Rules.
(e) If the chair is in doubt as to* who obtained the
floor first, or as to who should havfe recognition, he
may submit it to the house to decide by vote.
(f) If a member feels himself entitled to the floor
after the chairman has decided against him, he may
make an appeal from the decision of the chair.
(g) No member who has spoken once on a subject
is entitled to the floor a second time until every other
member so desiring has spoken, except by unanimous
consent.
APPEALS.
If the ruling of the chair on any question is dis¬
pleasing to any member, he has the right to appeal
from that decision. The appeal must be seconded and
be put by the chair without debate, if it relates to the
question of indecorum or transgression of the rules
of debate. The form of putting the question should
be this: "Shall the decision of the chair stand as the
judgment of the body?" A majority or tie vote sus¬
tains the decision of the chair.
When the appeal is of a nature to allow debate, the
chair may state his attitude without surrendering his
chair to do so. No member can speak on an appeal
more than once.
The motion to lay on the table and the previous
question may be applied to an appeal when debatable.
MINUTES.
An assembly that has a continuous existence desires
to have a record of its doings.
For this purpose a secretary is elected and furnished
a book. It is his duty to chronicle the doings of the
assembly, making a record of all motions carried, reso-
Parliamentary Rules. 75
lutions adopted, and actions taken. Motions lost are
not to be recorded.
At each meeting the minutes of the previous meet¬
ing are read and, if correct, approved. If in anywise
incorrect, they are corrected, and then approved as
corrected.
Adopting minutes has no effect whatever upon the
action of a body. It is simply affirming that a correct
record of what was done has been kept.
SPECIAL MEETINGS.
Sometimes emergencies arise that render necessary
or expedient a special meeting of parties interested in
a given subject. A meeting is called and the parties
solicited to be present come.
Any one familiar with the object of the meeting
may, at the hour designated for opening, call the body
together, briefly state the purpose of the meeting, and
invite nominations for temporary chairman. When
a vote is taken and a temporary chairman is elected,
the person calling this meeting to order surrenders
the meeting to him. A temporary secretary is next
chosen. A committee is then appointed to bring in
nominations for permanent officers. When this has
been done and the permanent officers have been elected,
the gathering is in a condition to proceed with the
matter for which it was called together. It is usually
the case that a committee is appointed to retire and
bring in resolutions bearing on the subject in order
to get it into tangible form for action. If it is a
matter that demands extended consideration, the meet¬
ing ordinarily adjourns subject to the call of the chair-
76
Parliamentary Rules.
man; the chairman keeps in touch with the committee
appointed, and, when informed that they are ready to
report, issues the call. If the matter is of such a nature
that one meeting will suffice, while the committee is
out deliberating, speeches are usually heard from prom¬
inent persons known to be in sympathy with the move¬
ment. If it is the object of the meeting to form a
permanent organization, the task of the committee is
to draw up a suitable constitution and by-laws. When
this is done and the report is adopted, it is proper to
proceed to organize under the constitution.
COMMITTEE REPORTS.
When a committee has been assigned a task to per¬
form, and has finished or is ready to report, the chair¬
man of the committee gains the attention of the chair¬
man and states that he is ready to report.
A motion to receive the report is sometimes made,
but more often it is received by common consent.
After the report is received—that is, heard—it is in
order to move to accept, adopt, or reject, or recommit.
If the committee has findings, they may be accepted
or rejected; if it makes recommendations, they may be
adopted or not.
If the report does not suit, it may be recommitted
or sent back to the committee.
The body may also instruct the committee as to what
to include in a report.
. VOTING
"Whenever from the nature of the question it permits of
no modification or debate, the chairman immediately puts it
to vote; if the question is debatable, when the chairman th«nlr»
the debate has been brought to a close, he should inquire if
Parliamentary Rules. 77
the assembly is ready for the question, and if no one rises
he puts the question to vote. There are various forms for
putting the question in use in different parts of the country.
The rule in Congress, in the House of Representatives, re¬
quires questions to be put as follows: 'As many as are in favor
[as the question may be] say Aye;' and after the affirmative
voice is expressed, 'As many as are opposed say No.' The
following form is very common: 'It has been moved and sec¬
onded that [here state the question] as many as are in favor
of the motion say Aye: those opposed No.' Or, if the motion
is for the adoption of a certain resolution, after it has been
read the chairman can say, 'You have heard the resolution read;
those in favor of its adoption will hold up the right hand;
those opposed will manifest it by the same sign.' These ex¬
amples are sufficient to show the usual methods of putting a
question, the affirmative being always put first.
"A majority vote, that is, a majority of the votes cast,
ignoring blanks, is sufficient for the adoption of any motion
that is in order, except those which require a two-thirds vote.
A plurality vote never adopts a motion nor elects any one
except by virtue of a special rule previously adopted.
"When a vote is taken the chairman should always announce
■the result in the following form: 'The motion is carried—
the resolution is adopted,' or, 'The ayes have it—the resolution
is adopted.' If, when he announces a vote, anv member rises
and states that he doubts the vote, or calls for a 'division,' the
chairman shall say, 'A division is called for; those in favor
of the motion will rise.' After counting these, and announcing
the number, he shall say, 'Those opposed will rise.' He will
■count these, announce the number, and declare the result; that
is, whether the motion is carried or lost. Instead of counting
the vote himself, he can direct the secretary, or appoint tellers,
to make the count and report to him. When tellers are ap¬
pointed, they should be selected from both sides of the question.
A member has the right to change his vote (when not made
by ballot) before the decision of the question has been finally
and conclusively pronounced by the chair, but not afterwards.
"Until the negative is put, it is in order for any member,
78
Parliamentary Rules.
in the same manner as if the voting had not been commenced,
to rise and speak, make motions for amendment or otherwise,
and thus renew the debate; and this, whether the member was
in an assembly or not when the question was put and the vote
partly taken. After the chairman has announced the vote, if
it is found that a member has risen and addressed the chair
before the negative had been put, he is entitled to be heard on
the question, the same as though the vote had not been taken.
In such cases the question is in the same condition as if it had
never been put.
"No one can vote on a question affecting himself; but if
more than one name is concluded in the resolution (though »
sense of delicacy would prevent this right being exercised, ex¬
cept when it would change the vote) all are entitled to vote;
for if this were not so, a minority could control an assembly
by including the names of a sufficient number in a motion, say
for preferring charges against them, and suspend them, or
even expel them from the assembly.
"When there is a tie vote the motion fails, unless the chair¬
man gives his vote for the affirmative, which he is at liberty
to do, as he has a right to vote whenever his vote will affect
the result. When his vote in the negative will make a tie, he
can cast it and thus defeat the measure. In case of an Appeal',,
though the question is, 'Shall the decision of the chair stand
as the judgment of the assembly?' a tie vote sustains the chair,
upon the principle that the decision of the chair can only be
reversed by a majority.
"Another form of voting is by ballot. This method is
adopted only when required by the constitution or by-laws of
the assembly, or when the assembly has ordered the vote to
be so taken. The chairman, in such cases, appoints at least
two tellers, who distribute slips of paper, upbn which each
member, including the chairman, writes his vote. In voting
by ballot members are not restricted to persons who have been
nominated. Closing nominations prevents the public endorse¬
ment of any other candidates, but does not prevent their being
voted for and being elected. When the votes are collected,
they are counted by the tellers, and the result reported to the
Parliamentary Rules.
79
chairman, who announces it to the assembly. The chairman
announces the result of the vote, in case of an election to office,
in a manner similar to the following: 'The whole number of
votes cast is —; the number necessary for an election is —;
Mr, A. received —; Mr. B, —; Mr. C, — Mr. B, having
received the required number, is elected —.' Where there is
only one candidate for an office, and the constitution requires
the vote to be by ballot, it is common to authorize the clerk to
cast the vote of the assembly for such and such a person; if
anyone objects, however, it is necessary to ballot in the usual
way. So, when a motion is made to make a vote unanimous,
it fails if anyone objects. In counting the ballots all blanks are
ignored. The assembly can, by a majority vote, order that
the vote on any question be taken by Yeas and Nays. In this
method of voting the chairman states both sides of the ques¬
tion at once; the clerk calls the roll, and each member, as his
name is called, rises and answers Yes or No, and the clerk notes
his answer. Upon the completion of the roll call the clerk
reads over the names of those who answered in the affirmative,
and afterwards those in the negative, that mistakes may be
corrected; he then gives the number voting on each side to
the chairman, who announces the result An entry must be
made in the minutes of the names of all voting in the affirmative,
and also of those in the negative.
"The form of putting a question upon which the vote has
been ordered to be taken by yeas and nays is similar to the
following: 'As many as are in favor of the adoption of these
resolutions will, when their names are called, answer Yes [or
Aye]; those opposed will answer No.' The chairman will then
direct the clerk to call the roll. The negative being put at
the same time as the affirmative, it is too late, after one person
has answered to the roll-call, to renew the debate. After the
commencement of the roll-call it is too late to ask to be ex¬
cused from voting."
A WORD TO PRESIDING OFFICERS
Upon the presiding officer, more than upon any one
else, depends the successful transaction of business.
ft)
Parliamentary Rules.
It behooves a presiding officer to be thoroughly
posted in general parliamentary law.
He should bear in mind that it is the purpose of
rules to aid, not to hinder, bodies in the transaction of
business.
He should bear this in mind in all his rulings.
If at any time a chairman discovers himself to be in
error, or if an error is pointed out to him, he will do
well to at once admit his mistake. To persist in it
will only serve to make matters worse.
The chairman can do much to help along proceed¬
ings by pointing out to ignorant members the proper
kinds of motions to make to reach the ends sought by
them.
He should be able to rule readily upon any situa¬
tion, however complicated, and thus save the body
from hopeless tangles.
The chairman should maintain an impartial atti¬
tude on all questions under consideration before a
body, ruling according to law, regardless of his per¬
sonal desire as to the outcome of deliberations.
When desirous of taking part in a debate, the chair¬
man should vacate the chair for the time being and
call the vice-chairman or some other person to occupy
it. He should rarely take such a course, as participa¬
tion in partisan debate tends to impair his influence as
a presiding officer.
He should keep a parliamentary guide by his side
when presiding.
Above all, he should always be cool and collected,
never losing self-control. A chairman that cannot con¬
trol himself cannot hope to control others.