...THE...
Probationer's Guide
Designed also for the use of
Members and Sunday School Pupils
By REV. C. M. TANNER, D. D.
Author of "A Manual of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church."
THIRD EDITION—REVISED.
EIGHTEENTH THOUSAND.
COPYRIGHTED 1901,
By C. M. Tanner.
RICHARD ALLEN,
Founder and First Bishop of the A. M. F. Church.
"Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin
which dotli so easily beset us, and let us run
with patience the race that is set before us."—
Heb. 12: 1.
I CERTIFICATE OF PROBATION.
j| tfhis Certifies, That
jfj Was Received on Probation in the
African Methodist Episcopal Church
In Conference 19
Pastor.
Assigned to Class No Reader
Meets '• o'clock.
CERTIFICATE OF MEMBERSHIP.
I tfhis Certifies, That
H of was received a full member into the African
f§ Methodist Episcopal Church, according to the usages of said Church, and
j|j that the same is entitled to all the rights and privileges enjoyed by any
other member iu the world, so long as the conduct of the party is in keep-
If ing with the discipline of said Church. We, therefore, commend the
H bearer to the Bishops, Ministers and members of the same everywhere.
I Member of Conference, African
^ Methodist Episcopal Church.
if Date 19
INDEX.
Page.
Preface 9
A Word With the Probationer 13
Chapter I—A General Instruction.... 19
Chapter II—History of the Church... 28
Chapter III—Doctrine of the Church. 30
Chapter IV—Discipline of the Church 32
Chapter V—Articles of Religion 37
Chapter VI—General Rules 52
Chapter VII—Form of Baptism of
Adults 61
Chapter VIII—Reception of Members. 69
Probationer's Pledge 74
Commandments in Verse 75
Beatitudes 76
Baptismal Covenant 77
General Confession 78
"Covenant of Consecration" 80
PREFACE TO REVISED EDITION.
The hearty reception accorded the "Guide"
has encouraged us to issue this revised edi¬
tion. We are grateful to several friends for
helpful suggestions, and crave for this issue
the consideration accorded our first edition.
PREFACE.
Upon many occasions, since the appear¬
ance of the "Manual for Probationers
and Members," it has been suggested to us
that there was still the need of some com¬
plete, yet brief and simple, treatise that
could be sold for a pittance, to be placed in
the hands of each Probationer upon his
reception and used also in our Sabbath
Schools. The question has often been
asked: "Why don't you give something
brief ?" This shall be our effort. Prepared
in catechetical form, it shall include all of
Doctrine, Discipline and History that it is
absolutely necessary for a Probationer to
know. We shall aim to be direct and simple
in all our statements. We advise those who
are interested and desire more light to read
the "Manual," to which the present work
will serve as an introduction.
We fear the matter of the instruction of
10 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
our Probationers has, in the past, been all
but ignored. The period of probation
should be diligently improved by the Church
in filling the heart and the head with
essential truths. As has been wisely said,
the time of probation is the time of prepara¬
tion. Our discipline requires the pastor
to instruct the children of his charge and
that all persons, before being admitted to
full membership, shall pass a satisfactory
examination before the pastor and the
Church as to the correctness of their faith
and willingness to observe the rules (p. 182.
Discipline, 1904). In each Quarterly Con¬
ference the question is now asked whether
the Probationers are being duly instructed.
How many members would be saved to God
and our Church if pastors and leaders were
only more diligent in this matter.
And now a suggestion as to the use of the
Guide." Do not fail to place one in the
hands of the Probationer upon the very
moment of his admission. A free-will
offering or an after collection will pay for
the books needed; or let each Probationer
pay for his own. Upon presenting the
Guide' instruct him to read it or have it
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 11
read to him. Let him be encouraged to com¬
mit to memory at least the Cathechism at
the opening of the book. This Catechism
has been adapted to our use from that
employed in the Protestant Episcopal
Church. We do not see that such a step
can be objected to, as that Catechism has
seen service in all parts of the world for
nearly 350 years; and since, moreover, our
entire liturgy and articles of religion are
from the same source. By learning this
Catechism the Probationer fulfills the
pledge made in the baptismal covenant.
For in this short Catechism we have the
Apostles' Creed, Ten Commandments and
the Lord's Prayer, with an explanation of
each and the number, nature and end of the
Sacraments defined. If possible let regular
instruction be given by pastor or leader.
Form a class in the Church and urge the
older members to attend. Few of them,
likely, have had any training. Let certain
chapters, be assigned for each night. Urge
the use of the Discipline. Much given here
is mere suggestion and needs to be developed
to be most profitable. In the Sabbath
School the "Guide" may be used in the
12 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
classes and so aim to bring our children
from the school right into the Church. On
the day of reception into full membership
let the candidates be together on the front
seats and let a special sermon be preached
to them, explaining their new relation to
Christ and His Church. Let every effort be
made to impress upon them the importance
of the occasion. If they cannot remember
the answers let them have the "Guide" in
their hands and answer from it. If the
pastor or leader will fill out the blank
forms in the front of the book, the person
will retain the book as a souvenir.
In the preparation of this work we have
sought help wherever it could be found.
We have examined all the works on the sub¬
ject that we could secure—possibly a
dozen—and have received some suggestion
or help from each. Our desire has been to
make the work practical and helpful rather
than entirely original. That it may aid
in extending and strengthening the borders
of our beloved Zion, is our earnest prayer.
PROBATIONERS GUIDE 13
A WORD WITH THE PROBATIONER.
Dear Friend: We meet to-day at the
threshold of your Christian experience.
You have made the wisest step of all your
life when you resolved to come within the
Church. May God bless you, is our prayer.
As you will admit, the way is untried;
accept then a word of fi'iendly counsel.
First, you will need to Guard against the
Approach of Evil. Do not be misled and
suppose that Satan will not try to lure you
again into the way of sin. If you do not
feel the old temptations now, he has only
withdrawn, but will return again and use
his every art and persuasion to take you
captive (I Peter 5:8). But of one thing
you can be assured, he cannot take you
captive unless you yield to him.
You will have trouble on your way. Not
everything will be pleasant. At times you
may be much cast down (I Peter 1:6), but
whatever trouble you have do not give up
and go back into the world. The Lord has
14 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
promised to put no more upon you than he
will give you grace to bear, and will with
every trial make a way of escape (I Cor.
10:13).
There are certain well tried and well
known agencies to help us to be Christians.
Let us call your attention to three:
First. Do not fail to pray and read your
Bible every day. Make this the set rule of
your life. There may come a time when
you will think that you are too busy to stop
for these. You can never be too busy to
pray and read a verse at least. Are soldiers
ever too busy, when called to battle, to carry
their weapons? Without*weapons they are
110 use. Without your weapons you are no
use. Then read other good books, as Bun-
yan's Pilgrim's Progress, or Drummond's
Addresses. Secure also a Discipline and a
Hymn Book of your Church. Remember:
Well begun is half won.
Second. Attend your Church service on
Sabbath, also the Class and Prayer Meet¬
ing. We receive great instruction and help
from the regular Church service; hence be
a regular attendant. Next to the preaching
service, is the Class Meeting. You are to
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 15
meet your Class each week to tell how you
are progressing in the Christian life, to
receive instruction and encouragement, and
to pay your weekly assessment for the sup¬
port of Gospel. The Methodist Church was
born in a Class Meeting. Great good has
rome from these meetings and you will grow
in grace by attending your Class. The more
you attend the greater will be your love for
the Class, the less you attend the less you
will love to attend. Suspect your heart just
as soon as you do not desire to meet your
companions in the Class. Do not neglect
the Prayer Meeting, either. Attend as often
as possible. When the opportunity comes,
do not fail or be ashamed to take some
active part.
Third. Begin at once to work for the
Master. An idle mind is the devil's work¬
shop and idle hands are his tools. Be a
working Christian. Start right out to help
some one else. You will grow strong by aid¬
ing others. The best Christians the world
has ever seen have always been the busiest
ones. Be enthusiastic for the Master's
cause. What use is there in forever pray¬
ing "Thy Kingdom come," if we do nothing
1G PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
to help it to come? This world is to be
saved by the Gospel and Christians are to
carry the word. Do not sit and dream of
great achievements, but begin and do some¬
thing, though it may appear to be small.
One little deed of kindness done is worth a
thousand great deeds dreamed about.
We conclude with a word as to the rights
and privileges of Probationers. "There is
only one condition previously required of
those who desire admission" into our
Church, "a desire to flee from the wrath
to come, and be saved from their sins."
Such persons are put on probation for 8
months at least. The time may be longer,
but never shorter. During this period in¬
struction is given. The Church tries the
Probationer and the Probationer tries the
Church. As a Probationer, if not baptized
seek the first oportunity to receive
baptism. Often persons who have been
baptized in infancy wish to be re-baptized
when entering the Church. This cannot be.
Sprinkling, pouring and immersion are
three different names for the same act.
Infant baptism is as old as the Church and
to be re-baptized would be a confession that
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 17
the first act was not a true baptism. How¬
ever, we must understand that the person
received into full membership distinctly
and publicly assumes for himself the obli¬
gations of the Baptismal Covenant. Some
pastors wisely require members to commit
and repeat the covenant when received into
full membership (See pnge 77). On this
see "Manual," page 144, where the whole
matter is explained in full. A Probationer
is entitled and expected to communion at
every opportunity. Though, of course, he
does not communion until he is baptized.
But no Probationer should be received into
full membership until he is soundly con¬
verted. The question is asked when received
into full membership, "Have you saving
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?" to which
the answer is expected, "I trust I have." A
Probationer can not be tried as a member
is; he is simply dropped from the rolls if
his conduct is not satisfactory to the
Church. He is made a full member upon
the recommendation of his leader and the
consent of the Church.
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 19
CHAPTER I.
A GENERAL INSTRUCTION.
Question. Have you been Baptized?
Answer. I have. *
Q. What promises were then made, either
for you, or by you?
A. Three things were vowed and
promised: First, that I renounce the
devil and all his works, the pomp and
vanity of this world and all the sinful
lusts of the flesh; secondly, that I believe
all the articles of the Christian faith; and
thirdly, that I keep God's holy will and
commandments, and walk in the same all
the days of my life.
Q. Dost thou not think that thou art
bound to believe, and to do, as has been
promised?
*Foot Note. All unbaptized adults, in¬
tending to unite with the Church, should
seize the first opportunity to be baptized.
20 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
A. Yes, verily; and by God's help so I
will. And I pray unto God to give me his
grace, that I may be faithful to my life's
end.
Q. How can a sinner be saved?
A. By repenting and forsaking his sin
and believing on the Lord Jesus Christ,
for by grace we are saved.
Q. Rehearse the articles of thy belief?
A. I believe in God, the Father Al¬
mighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and
in Jesus Christ his only begotten Son our
Lord, who was conceived by the Holy
Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered
under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead
and buried: He descended into hell: the
third day he arose again from the dead: He
ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the
right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From thence he shall come to judge the
quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy
Ghost: the Holy Catholic Church: the com¬
munion of Saints: the forgiveness of sins:
the resurrection of the body: and the life
everlasting. Amen.
Q. What dost thou chiefly learn in the
articles of thy belief?
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 21
A. First, I learn to believe in God the
Eather, who hath made me, and all the
world. Secondly, in God the Son who hath
redeemed me and all mankind. Thirdly,
in God the Holy Ghost, who sanctifieth me,
and all the people of God.
Q. It was promised that you keep God's
Commandments. Tell me how many there
are?
A. Ten.
Q. Which are they?
A. The same which God spake in the
twentieth chapter of Exodus, saying, I am
the Lord thy God who brought thee out of
the land of Egypt, out of the house of
bondage.
I. Thou shalt have no other gods before
me.
II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any
graven image, or the likeness of anything
that is in heaven above, or that is in the
earth beneath, Dr that is in the water under
the earth: thou shalt not bow down thy¬
self to them nor serve them: for I the Lord
thy God am a jealous God, visiting the
iniquity of the fathers upon the children
unto the third and fourth generation of
22 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
them that hate me; and showing mercy
unto thousands of them that love me, and
keep my commandments.
III. Thou shalt not take the name of
the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord
will not hold him guiltless that taketh his
name in vain.
IV. Remember the Sabbath day to keep
it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do
all thy work: but the seventh day is the
Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou
■shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son,
nor thy daughter, thy man servant, nor thy
maid servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy
stranger that is within thy gates: for in six
days the Lord made heaven and earth, the
sea, and all that in them is, and rested the
seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed
the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
Y. Honor thy father and thy mother,
that thy days may be long upon the land
which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
VI. Thou shalt not kill.
VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
V III. Thou shalt not steal.
IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness
against thy neighbor.
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 23
X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's
house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's
wife, nor his man. servant, nor his maid ser¬
vant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything
that is thy neighbor's.
Q. What dost thou chiefly learn by these
commandments ?
A. I learn two things: my duty towards
God, and my duty towards my neighbor.
Q. What is thy duty towards God?
A. My duty towards God'is to believe in
him, to fear him and to love him with all
my heart, with all my mind, with all my
soul: and with all my strength: to worship
him: to give him thanks: to honor his holy
name and word, and to serve him truly all
the days of my life.
Q. Who is thy neighbor?
A. My neighbor is every human being in
this world, no matter of what country or
race he may be.
Q. What is thy duty towards thy neigh¬
bor?
A. My duty towards my neighbor is to
love him as myself, and to do to all men as
I would that they should do even to me: to
love, honor, and succor my father and
24 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
mother: to honor and obey all civil rulers
in authority over me: to submit myself tc»
all my teachers, and spiritual pastors: to
order myself lowly and reverently to al3
my betters: to hurt nobody by word or
deed: to be true and just in all my deal¬
ings: to bear no malice or hatred in my
heart: to keep my hands from stealing and
my tongue from speaking evil, lying and
slandering: to keep my body in temper¬
ance, soberness and chastity: not to covet
other men's goods; but to Jearn and labor
truly to get mine own living, and to do my
duty in that state of life unto which it
shall please God to call me.
Catechist. Know this, that thou art not
able to do these things of thyself nor to
walk in the commandments of God, and
to serve him, without his special grace;
which thou must learn at all times to call
for by diligent prayer. Let me hear, there¬
fore, if thou canst say the Lord's prayer.
Answer. Our father, which 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 for¬
give us our trespasses as we forgive those
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 25
who trespass against us, and lead us not
into temptation, but deliver us from evil,
for thine is the kingdom, the power and
the glory forever, amen.
Q. What desirest thou of God in this
prayer ?
A. I desire my Lord God our heavenly
Father, who is the giver of all goodness,
to send his grace unto me, and to all peo¬
ple; that we may worship him, and obey
him, as we ought to do. And I pray unto
God that he will send us all things that are
needful both for our souls and bodies; and
that he will be merciful unto us and forgive
us our sins; and that it will please him to
save and defend us in all dangers, both of
soul and body; and that he will keep us
from all sin and wickedness, and from our
spiritual enemy, and from everlasting
death. And this I trust he will do of his
mercy and goodness, through our Lord
Jesus Christ. And therefore I say, Amen,
so be it.
Q. How many sacraments hath Christ
ordained in his Church?
A. Two only, that is to say, Baptism
and the Supper of the Lord.
-26 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
Q. What meanest thou by this word Sac¬
rament ?
A. Sacraments are not only badges or
tokens of Christian men's professions, but
rather they are certain signs of grace and
"God's will towards us, and do not only
•quicken, but also strengthen and confirm
■our faith in him.
Q. How many parts are there in a Sac¬
rament ?
A. Two; the outward visible sign, and
the inward spiritual grace.
Q. What is the outward visible sign or
form of baptism ?
A. Water, wherewith the person is bap¬
tized in the name of the Father, and of the
"Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Q. What is the inward and spiritual
^race ?
A. A death unto sin and a new birth
unto righteousness.
Q. What is required of persons to be
baptized ?
A. Repentance, whereby they forsake
«in; and Eaith, whereby they steadfastly
believe the promise of God made to them
in that Sacrament.
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 27
Q. Why, then, are infants baptized,,
when by reason of their tender age they
cannot perform them?
A. Because they promise them both by
their sureties; which promise when they
come to age, themselves are bound to per¬
form.
Q. Why was the Sacrament of the Lord's-
Supper ordained?
A. Eor the continual remembrance of
the sacrifice of the death of Christ, and of
the benefits which we receive thereby.
Q. What is the outward sign or part of
the Lord's Supcer?
A. Bread and wine which the Lord hatb
commanded to be received.
Q. What is the inward part, or the thing
signified ?
A. The Body and Blood of Christ, which
are spiritually taken and received by the-
faithful in the Lord's Supper.
Q. What are the benefits whereof we are
partakers thereby?
A. The strengthening and refreshing of
our souls by the Body and Blood of Christ,,
as our bodies are by the Bread and Wine.
28 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
Q. What is required of those who come
to the Lord's Supper?
A, To examine themselves whether they
repent them truly of their former sins,
steadfastly purposing to lead a new life;
have a lively faith in God's mercy through
Christ, with a thankful remembrance of
his death; and be in charity with all men.
CHAPTER II.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
1. Who organized the African Methodist
Episcopal Church?
Richard Allen, formerly a preacher in
the Methodist Episcopal Church, followed
by fifteen others.
2. When and where was the Church or¬
ganized ?
The Charter was granted September
15th, 1796. The first General Conference
was held in Philadelphia, April, 1816.
3. Why did Richard Allen leave the
Methodist Episcopal Church?
Because of cruel treatment.
4. What was done to him?
He and his companions were ordered to
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 29
sit in the church gallery, and even there
one of his brethren was pulled from his
knees while at pray(jr.
5. When did this happen?
In the year 1787.
6. Why did Allen organize another
Church ?
That his ill-treated brethren and all
others might have a place to worship God.
7. What do you know of Richard Allen ?
Richard Allen was born February 14,
1760, a slave to Benjamin Chew, of Phila¬
delphia. He died in the same city March
26, 1831, and is buried under the tower of
"Mother'' Bethel, where his tomb can now
he seen.
8. What is the principle of your Church?
"God our Father, Christ our Redeemer,
Man our brother."
9. What does this mean?
It means three things: First, God who
made us loves us as a Father; second,
Christ has come to save all men; and,
third, every person is our brother and is to
he treated as such.
10. How many Bishops have there been
in the Church?
30 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
There have been thirty Bishops, of which
number thirteen are now alive. (July,
1905.)
CHAPTER III.
THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH.
1. How many articles of religion are
there ?
There are twenty-five.
2. Where did we get them ?
They were taken by John Wesley, who
established the Methodist Societies, from
the thirty-nine Articles of the Church of
England.
(For the Articles, with Scriptural Proof
for the same, see Chapter V. Let the Ar¬
ticles, at least, be carefully read over and
the references sought out in your Bible.)
3. Name the seven special doctrines of
your Church?
Repentance, Justification, Regeneration,
Witness of the Spirit, Holiness, Universal
Atonement, Final Apostasy Possible.
4. Please define each?
Repentance. Godly sorrow for sin, shown
by turning from sin. Ezek. 33:15; Matt.
3:8; Acts 26:20.
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 31
Justification. The forgiveness of sins to
all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ
and repent of their sins. Is. 53:11; Rom.
5:1; Gal. 2:16.
Regeneration. Being made a "new creat¬
ure" in Christ through the forgiveness of
sin. Ezek. 36:26, 27; John 3:3; Tit. 3:
5, 6.
Witness of the Spirit. The inward tes¬
timony of the Holy Spirit assuring us of
our acceptance with God. Rom. 8:16; 2
Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13, 14.
Holiness, or Entire Sanctification, is
that state of grace in which we love God
with all our heart and our neighbor as our¬
selves. This work of grace may be instan¬
taneous or gradual. Deu. 14:2; Matt. 5:8;
1 Cor. 3:17; 1 Peter 1:15, 18.
Universal Atonement. Christ, by his
death, atoned for the sins of all mankind.
Jno. 3:17; I Tim. 1: 15; Rev. 22:17.
Final Apostasy Possible. A pt"son once
saved, may by neglect fall back into sin
and, dying in that state, be finally lost.
1 Chr. 28: 9; Luke 9:62; John 15:6; 1 Cor.
9:27; 2 Peter 2:20, 22.
32 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
CHAPTER IV.
THE DISCIPLINE OF THE CHURCH.
SECTION A.
1. How is your Church governed?
By six bodies called Conferences.
2. Name these bodies?
The General, Annual, District, Quarterly,
Church Conference and Official Board.
(See the Discipline for the work of each.
Conference.)
3. Which Conference has the right to
make laws?
The General Conference only.
4. How is our ministry divided ?
Into four classes, Bishops, Presiding
Elders, Elders, Deacons. There are also
Local Elders, Local Deacons, Local Preach¬
ers, men who are not in the Itinerancy,
Other officers are Class Leaders, Stewards,
Trustees, Sunday School Superintendents
and Deaconesses.
5. What is meant by the Itinerancy?
This is an agreement by which the ap-
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 33
pointment of pastors is decided upon each
year by the Bishop and the Presiding
Elders. The Bishop can make any change
he may deem best for the work, but may
not return the same Pastor to a charge
more than five years in succession. (See
Discipline, 1904, pages 193, 200.)
6. How is the work of the Church carried
on?
By several departments with a secretary
at the head of each. These departments
are the Publishing, Missionary, the Educa¬
tional, the Financial, the Sabbath School,
the Church Extension, and Preachers' Aid.
(Let the Probationers examine the Dis¬
cipline for information as to the scope of
each Department.)
7. What is the object of Love Feast and
Watch Night services?
The Love Feast aims to unite the Church
in bonds of love (for ancient custom see
Acts 2:42, 46; 20:7; Jude 12), and at the
Watch Night services we urge saints and
sinners to resolve to mend their lives with
the opening year.
8. How are the expenses of the Church
met?
34 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
By the contributions of the probationers
and members.
9. When you fail to give what is the
result ?
The work of the Church must suffer or
someone else must give my part.
DISCIPLINE OF THE CHURCH.
SECTION B.
10. What is the law of our Church re¬
garding Temperance?
"No member of our society shall give, dis¬
till, drink or traffic in spirituous liquors;
or rent, lease or permit his house or other
property to be used for such purpose. Who¬
soever violates this rule shall be dealt with
by the preacher in charge, as he would be
dealt with in other cases of gross im¬
morality. If found guilty he shall bel
deemed censurable, or liable to suspension
according to his conduct." (See Discipline,
1904, pages 52, 252.)
11. What is the law regarding Amuse¬
ments ?
The Church forbids "the singing of those
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 35
songs and the reading of those books which
do not tend to the knowledge or love of
<rod," also dealing in lotteries or policies,
attending dances and horse-races; engaging
in playing cards, and the pursuit of such
other games and diversions as cannot be
carried on in the name of our Lord Jesus.
(Discipline, 1904, pages 53, 251.)
12. What is the law regarding Marriage ?
An evil has prevailed in our Church by
many of our members marrying un-
awakened persons. By so doing they have
been either hindered for life or turned back
to perdition. But our members are not
prohibited from marrying persons who are
not of our Church, provided those persons
have the form and are seeking the power
of godliness. Every preacher shall publicly
■enforce the Apostle's mandate—"Be ye not
unequally yoked together with unbelievers,"
2 Cor. vi. 14 ver., and shall exhort all con¬
cerned not to take such a course without
seeking counsel from the most serious of
their brethern. A woman ought not to
marry without the consent of her parents.
But if she believe it to be her duty to
marry and her parents absolutely refuse to
36 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
let her marry any Christian, she then ought
to marry without their consent. If any
minister, preacher, exhorter or lay-member,
male or female, who has been legally mar¬
ried, shall leave his wife or her husband,
save for the cause of adultery, and marry
again (which we believe to be a crime ex¬
pressly forbidden by the word of God),
while the former wife or husband is living,
he or she shall be expelled and shall not be
admitted to any of our churches during the
natural life of the forsaken party. Any of
our ministers who shall knowingly perform
the marriage ceremonies for any person
who has thus violated his or her previous
marriage obligation said minister shall
forfeit his standing in the connection."
(See Discipline, 1004, pages 64, 65.)
13. What is the law regarding Dress?
The preacher shall, once a quarter, read
the "General Rules" upon dress, exhorting
Ihe people to conform to the spirit of the
Apostolic precepts concerning gold, pearls
and costly array—1st Tim. ii. chap. 9th
verse: 1 Peter ii. chap. 3d verse. (See
Discipline, 1904, page 181.)
14. What is the law regarding Fasting?
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 37
A fast is to be held on the Friday pre¬
ceding each Quarterly Meeting. (See Dis¬
cipline, 1904, pages 55, 182.)
15. What is the law regarding Class Meet¬
ings?
Probationers and members are required
to be in attendance each week and for will¬
ful failure to attend a member may be ex¬
pelled or a probationer dropped. (See Dis¬
cipline, 1901, page 250.)
CHAPTER V.
ARTICLES OF RELIGION.*
Each Probationer, upon being received
into full membership, is asked, "Do you be¬
lieve in the doctrines of Holy Scripture as
set forth in the Articles of Religion?"
Though it is not expected that you will
know the Articles by heart, yet if you will
read them over carefully and search out
the Bible references you will be able to say
truthfully that you accept them.
* The Bible references here quoted are
taken from the excellent work of Rev. J. O.
Peck, D.D.
38 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
I. OF FAITH IN THE HOLY TRINITY.
There is but one living and true God,
everlasting, without body or parts, of in¬
finite power, wisdom, and goodness; the
maker and preserver of all things, visible
and invisible. And in unity of this God¬
head there are three persons, of one sub¬
stance, power, and eternity—the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Isa. 45:22;
Psalm 90:2; John 4:24; Mark 10:27; Psalm
147:5; 52:1; Isa. 44:24; Neh. 9:6; 2 Cor.
13:14; Matt. 28:19.
II. OF THE WORD, OR SON OF GOD,
WHO WAS MADE YERY MAN.
The Son, who is the Word of the Father,
the very and eternal God, of one substance
with the Father, took man's nature in the
womb of the blessed virgin; so that two
whole and perfect natures, that is to say,
the Godhead and manhood, were joined
together in one person, never to be divided;
whereof is one Christ, very God and very
man, who truly suffered, was crucified, dead
and buried, to reconcile his Father to us,
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 39
and to be a sacrifice, not only for original
guilt, but also for the actual sins of men.
Rev. 19:13; John 1:1; 10:30; 1:14; Isa.
7:14; Matt 1:23; Acts 2:36; Heb. 10:12;
Matt. 27:35; John 19:33; Mark 15:46;
1 John 2:2; Isa. 53:6; Heb. 2:17.
III. OF THE RESURRECTION OF
CHRIST.
Christ did truly rise again from the
dead, and took again his body, with all
things appertaining to the perfection of
man's nature, wherewith he ascended into
heaven, and there sitteth until he return
to judge all men at the last day. Ltike 24:
39; Mark 16:19; Matt. 16:27.
IY. OF THE HOLY GHOST.
The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the
Father and the Son, is of one substance,
majesty, and glory with the Father and the
Son, very and eternal God. John 15:26;
14:16, 23; Acts 5:3,4.
Y. THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE HOLY
SCRIPTURES FOR SALVATION.
The Holy Scriptures contain all things
40 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
necessary to salvation; so that -whatsoever
is not read therein, nor may be proved
thereby, is not to be required of any man
that it should be believed as an article of
faith, or be thought requisite or necessary
to salvation. In the name of the Holy
Scriptures we do understand those canoni¬
cal books of the Old and New Testament of
whose authority was never any doubt in
the Church.
THE NAMES OF THE CANONICAL
BOOKS.
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers,
Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, The
First Book of Samuel, The Second Book of
Samuel, The First Book of Kings, The
Second Book of Kings, The First Book of
Chronicles, The Second Book of Chronicles,
The Book of Ezra, The Book of
Nehemiah, The Book of Esther, The Book
of Job, The Psalms, The Proverbs, Ec-
clesiastes, or The Preacher, Cantica, or
Song of Solomon, Four Prophets, the
greater; Twelve Prophets, the less.
All the books of the New Testament, as
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 41
they are commonly received, we do receive
and account canonical. 2 Tim. 3:16, 15;
John 5:39; Deut. 12:32; Mark 7:7.
VI. OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.
The Old Testament is not contrary to the
New; for both in the Old and New Testa¬
ment everlasting life is offered to mankind
by Christ, who is the only Mediator be¬
tween God and man, being both God and
man. Wherefore they are not to be heard
who feign that the old fathers did look only
for transitory promises. Although the law
given from God by Moses as touching cere¬
monies and rites doth not bind Christians,
nor ought the civil precepts thereof of
necessity be received in any commonwealth;
yet, notwithstanding, no Christian what¬
soever is free from the obedience of the
commandments which are called moral.
Acts 24:14; Luke 24:44; Acts 16:31; Isa.
55:7; John 11:26; Matt. 5:17.
VII. OF ORIGINAL OR BIRTH SIN.
Original sin standeth not in the following
of Adam (as the Pelagians do vainly talk),
42 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
but it is the corruption of the nature of
every man, that naturally is engendered of
the offspring of Adam, whereby man is very
far gone from original righteousness, and
of his own nature inclined to evil, and that
continually. Job 25:4; Rom. 8:7.
VIII. OF FREE WILL.
The condition of man after the fall of
Adam is such that he cannot turn and pre¬
pare himself, by his own natural strength
and works, to faith, and calling upon God;
wherefore we have no power to do good
works, pleasant and acceptable to God, with¬
out the grace Qf God by Christ preventing
us, that we may have a good will, and work¬
ing with us, that we may have that good
will. Rom. 8:8; 7:18; 1 Cor. 15:10; Phil.
2:13.
IX. OF THE JUSTIFICATION" OF
MAN.
We are acounted righteous before God
only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ, by faith and not for our own
works or deservings. Wherefore, that we
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 43
are justified by faith only is a most whole¬
some doctrine, and very full comfort. Acts
13:39; Rom. 3:28.
X. OF GOOD WORKS.
Although good works, which are the
fruits of faith, and follow after justifica¬
tion, cannot put away our sins, and endure
the severity of God's judgments; yet are
they pleasing and acceptable to God in
Christ, and spring out of a true and lively
faith, insomuch that by them a lively faith
may be as evidently known as a tree is dis¬
cerned by its fruit. James 2:18, 22; Matt.
5:16; 7:16-20; John 15:8; Phil. 1:11; 1
Peter 2:12. *
XI. OF WORKS OF SUPEREROGA¬
TION.
Voluntary works—besides, over and above
God's commandments—which are called
works of supererogation, cannot be taught
without arrogancy and impiety. For by
them men do declare that they do not only
render unto God as feiuch as they are bound
to do, but that they do more for his sake
44 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
than of bounden duty is required. Whereas
Christ saith plainly, When ye have done all
that is commanded you, say, We are un¬
profitable servants. Luke 17:10.
XII. OF SIN AFTER JUSTIFICATION.
Not every sin willingly committed after
justification is the sin against the Holy
Ghost, and unpardonable. Wherefore, the
grant of repentance is not to be denied to
such as fall into sin after justification;
after we have received the Holy Ghost, we
may depart from grace given, and fall into
sin, and, by the grace of God, rise again
and amend our lives. And therefore they
are to be condemned who say they can no
more sin as long as they live here; or deny
the place of forgiveness to such as truly
repent. Mark 3:29; Gal. 6:1; Jer. 3:22;
Rev. 2:5.
XIII. OF THE CHURCH.
The visible Church of Christ is a congre¬
gation of faithful men in which the pure
word of God is preached, and the sacraments
duly administered according to Christ's
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 45
ordinance, in all those things that of neces¬
sity are requisite to the same. 1 Cor. 1:2;
2:1; Acts 2:41. 47.
XIY. OF PURGATORY.
The Romish doctrine concerning purga¬
tory, pardon, worshiping and adoration, as
well of images as of relics, and also invoca¬
tion of saints, is a fond thing, vainly in¬
vented, and grounded upon no warrant of
Scripture, but repugnant to the word of
God. John 8:21; Luke 5:21; Lev. 26:1;
John 14:6; 1 Tim. 2 :5.
XV. OF SPEAKING IN THE CONGRE¬
GATION IN SUCH A TONGUE AS
THE PEOPLE UNDERSTAND.
It is a thing plainly repugnant to the
word of God, and the custom of the primi¬
tive Church, to have public prayer in the
Church, or to administer the sacraments, in
a tongue not understood by the people.
1 Cor. 14:9, 19.
XVI. OF THE SACRAMENTS.
Sacraments ordained of Christ are not
46 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
only badges or tokens of Christian men's
profession, but rather they are certain signs
of grace, and God's good will toward us,
by the which he doth work invisibly in us,
and doth not only quicken, but also
strengthen and confirm, our faith in Him.
There are two sacraments ordained of
Christ our Lord in the Gospel; that is to
say, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord.
Those five commonly called sacraments—
that is to say, confirmation, penance, or¬
ders, matrimony and extreme unction—are
not to be counted for sacraments of the
Gospel; being such as have partly grown
out of the corrupt following of the
apostles, and partly are states of life al¬
lowed in the Scriptures, but yet have not
the like nature of Baptism and the Lord's
Supper, because they have not any visible
sign or ceremony ordained of God.
The sacraments were not ordained of
Christ to be gazed upon, or to be carried
about; but that we should duly use them.
And in such only as worthily receive the
same they have a wholesome effect or opera¬
tion ; but they that receive them unworthily,
purchase to themselves condemnation, as
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 47
St. Paul saith (1 Cor. 11:29). Matt. 28:19;
26:26, 28; Luke 22:19.
XVII. OF BAPTISM.
Baptism is not only a sign of profession
and mark of difference whereby Christians
are distinguished from others that are not
baptized; but it is also a sign of regenera¬
tion or the new birth. The baptism of
young children is to be retained in the
Church. Acts 22 :16; 10:47; 2.38, 39.
XVIII. OF THE LORD'S SUPPER.
The Supper of the Lord is not only a sign
of the love that Christians ought to have
among themselves one to another, but rather
is a sacrament of our redemption by
Christ's death; insomuch that, to such as
rightly, worthily, and with faith receive
the same, the bread which, we break is a
partaking of the body of Christ; and like¬
wise the cup of blessing is a partaking of
the blood of Christ.
Transubstantiation, or the change of the
substance of bread and wine in the Supper
of our Lord, cannot be proved by Holy Writ,
48 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
but is repugnant to the plain words of
Scripture, overthroweth the nature of a
Sacrament, and hath given occasion to
many superstitions.
The body of Christ is given, taken, and
eaten in the Supper, only after a heavenly
and spiritual manner. And the means
whereby the body of Christ is received and
eaten in the Supper is faith.
The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was
not by Christ's ordinance reserved, carried
about, lifted up, or worshiped. 1 Cor. 10:16,
17; 11:26.
XIX. OF BOTH KINDS.
The cup of the Lord is not to be denied
to the lay people; for both the parts of
the Lord's Supper, by Christ's ordinance
and commandment, ought to be adminis¬
tered to all Christians alike. Matt. 26:27.
XX. OF THE ONE OBLATION OF
CHRIST, FINISHED UPON THE
CROSS.
The offering of Christ, once made, is that
perfect redemption, propitiation, and satis¬
faction for all the. sins of the whole world,
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 49
both original and actual; and there is none
other satisfaction for sin but that alone.
Wherefore the sacrifice of masses, in the
which it is commonly said that the priest
doth offer Christ for the quick and the
dead, to have remission of pain or guilt, is
a blasphemous fable, and dangerous deceit.
Heb. 10:14; 1 Peter 2:24; Heb. 9:28.
XXI. OF THE MARRIAGE OF MINIS¬
TERS.
The ministers of Christ are not com¬
manded by God's law either to vow the
estate of single life, or to abstain from mar¬
riage; therefore it is lawful for them, as
for all other Christians, to marry at their
own discretion, as they shall judge the
same to serve best to godliness. 1 Tim. 3:2;
1 Cor. 9:5.
XXII. OF THE RITES AND CERE¬
MONIES OF CHURCHES.
It is not necessary that rites and cere¬
monies should in all places be the same, or
exactly alike; for they have been always
different, and may be changed accordingly
50 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
to the diversity of countries, times and
men's manners, so that nothing be ordained
against God's word. Whosoever, through
his private judgment, willingly and pur¬
posely doth openly break the rites and cere¬
monies of the Church to which he belongs,
which are not repugnant to the word of
God, and are ordained and approved by com¬
mon authority, ought to be rebuked openly
(that others may fear to do the like) as one
that ofifendeth against the common order of
the Church, and woundeth the consciences
of weak brethren.
Every particular Church may ordain,
change, or abolish rites and ceremonies, so
that all things may be done to edification.
1 Cor., 14:26, 40; Acts 15:28, 29; 2 Thess.
3:6.
XXIII. OF THE RULERS OE THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
The President, the Congress, the General
Assemblies, the Governors, and the Councils
of State, as the delegates of the people, are
the rulers of the United States of America,
according to the division of power made to
them by the Constitution of the United
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 51
States, and by the Constitutions of their
respective States. ^ And the said States are
a sovereign and independent nation, and
ought not to be subject to any foreign juris¬
diction. * Rom. 13 :l-3.
XXIV. OF CHRISTIAN MEN'S GOODS
The riches and goods of Christians are
not common, as touching the right, title, and
possession of the same, as some do falsely
boast. Notwithstanding, every man ought,
of such things as he possesseth, liberally to
give alms to the poor, according to his
ability. Acts 5:4; 1 John 3:17.
XXV. OF A CHRISTIAN MAN'S OATH.
As we confess that vain and rash swear¬
ing is forbidden Christian men by our Lord
Jesus Christ and James his apostle; so we
* Obedience to civil government, however,
is one of the principal duties of all men,
and was dignified and honored by our Lord
and His Apostles. Though differing in
form and polity, all righteous governments
rightfully command the obedience, loyalty,
support and defense of all Christians,
whom they control and protect.
52 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
judge that the Christian religion doth not
prohibit, but that a man may swear when
the magistrate requireth, in a cause of faith
and charity, so it be done accordingly to
the prophet's teaching, in justice, judgment
and truth. Exod. 20:7; Matt. 5:34; 26:63,
64.
CHAPTER VI.
THE GENERAL RULES.
The following are the General Rules
which our Discipline orders "should be
read by the pastors at every Love Eeast'*
We are indebted to Rev. S. Olive Garrison,
M. A., of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
in his excellent work of the "Probationer's
Hand Book," for many of the Bible refer¬
ences and their unique arrangement. We
quote as follows:
1. In the latter end of the year 1739
eight or ten persons came to Mr. Wesley in
London, who appeared to be deeply con¬
vinced of sin, and earnestly groaning for
redemption. They desired (as did two or
three more the next day) that he would
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 53:
spend some time with them in prayer, and
advise them how to flee from the wrath to
come, which they saw continually hanging
over their heads. That he might have
more time for this great work, he appoint¬
ed a day when they might all come to¬
gether; which from thenceforward, they
did every week, namely on Thursday, in
the evening. To these, as many more as
desired to join them (for their number in¬
creased daily), he gave those advices from
time to time which he judged most needful,
for them; and they always concluded their
meeting with prayer suited to their several
necessities.
2. This was the rise of the United So¬
cieties, first in Europe, and then in Ameri¬
ca. Such a society is no other than "a.
company of men having the form and seek¬
ing the power of godliness, united in order
to pray together, to receive the word of
exhortation, and to watch over one another
in love that they may help each other to
work out their salvation."
3. That it may be more easily discerned
whether they are indeed working out their
own salvation, each society is divided into-
-54 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
smaller companies, called classes, accord¬
ing to their respective places of abode.
There are about twelve persons in a
-class, one of whom is styled the "Leader."
It is his duty,
I. To see each person in his class once
.a week at least; in order
(1.) To inquire how their souls prosper.
*(2 Pet. 3:18.)
(2.) To advise, reprove, comfort, or ex¬
hort, as occasion may require. (2 Tim.
3:16, 17.)
(3.) To receive what they are willing to
.give toward the support of the preacher,
Church, and the relief of the poor. (Prov.
11:25; 19:17.)
II. To meet the minister and the stew¬
ards of the society once a week; in order
(1.) To inform the minister of any that
are sick, or of any that walk disorderly,
-and will not be reproved.
(2.) To pay the stewards what they have
.received of their several classes the week
(preceding.
(3.) There is only one condition pre¬
viously required of those who desire ad¬
mission into these societies: "A desire to
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 55-
flee from the wrath to come, and to be
saved from their sins." But wherever this-
is really fixed in the soul it will be shown'
by its fruits. It is therefore expected of
all who continue therein, that they should*
continue to evidence their desire of salva¬
tion by observing the following rules:
Firstly. Doing no harm, (Matthew 10 r.
16; 1 Thess. 5:22,) avoiding evil of every
kind, (Proverbs 1:10, 61; 2 Sam. 3:39;.
John 3:20; 1 Cor. 15:33,) especially that
which is most generally practiced, such as,.
The taking of the name cf God in vain.
(Exodus 20:7; Lev. 19:12; Matt. 5:34-37;
23 :16-22.)
The profaning of the day of the Lord,,
either by doing ordinary work therein or-
buying or selling. (Exod. 20:8-11; 31:13-
17; Matt. 28:1, 5, 6; Acts 15:13; 20:7; Rev.
1:10.)
Drunkenness, (Prov. 23:20~32: 20:1;_
Luke 21:34; 1 Cor. 6:10; Gal. 5:21,) buying-
or selling spirituous liquors, (Hab. 2:15,)-
or drinking them, unless in cases of neces¬
sity. (Prov. 20:1; Eph. 5:18.)
The buying and selling of men, women
and children, with an intention to enslave
-56 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
them. (Exod. 21:6; Deut. 24:7; Isa. 58:
•6; Matt. 22:39; Col. 4:1; 1 Tim. 1:10.)
Fighting, quarreling, brawling, (Jas. 4:
1; Heb. 12:14; Mark 9:50; Rom. 12:17;
18:21; Eph. 4:31; Titus 3:2;) brother go¬
ing to law with brother, (1 Cor. 6:1, 6, 7,)
returning evil for evil, or railing for rail¬
ing, (1 Peter 3:9; Rom. 12:17, 21; Eph.
4:32,) the using of many words in buying
•and selling. (Heb. 13:15; James 1, 19.)
The buying or selling goods that have
not paid the duty. (Matt. 22:17, 21; Matt.
17:25, 27; Rom. 12:17; 1 Cor. 7:5.)
The giving or taking things on usury,
i;hat is, unlawful interest. (Psalm 15:1, 5.
1 Thess. 4:6.)
Uncharitable or unprofitable conversa¬
tion, (Psalm 15:3; Eph. 4:29; Matt. 12:36;
Eph. 5:4,) particularly speaking evil of
.magistrates or of ministers. (Eph. 4:31;
1 Tim. 5:13; Titus 3:2; 1 Peter 2:1, 13, 14,
IT.)
Doing to others as we would not they
should do unto us. (Matt. 7:12.)
Doing what we know is not for the glory
of God; as
PROBATIONERS GUIDE 57'
The putting on of gold and costly ap¬
parel. (1 Peter 3:3; 1 Tim. 2:9.)
The taking of such diversions as cannot,
b6 used in the name of the Lord Jesus..
(1 John 2:15, 16; Rom. 6:20-22; 1 Cor. 10:
31.)
The singing of those songs or reading
those books which do not tend to the knowl¬
edge or love of God. (1 Cor. 15:33; Eph..
5:15-19; Col. 3:17.)
Softness and needless self-indulgence^
(Matt. 16:24; Rom. 8:13; Col. 3:5; Gal.
5:24.
Laying up treasure upon earth. (Matt-
6:19-21; Mark 10:25.)
Borrowing without a probability of pay¬
ing; or taking up goods without a probabil¬
ity of paying for them. (Psalm 37:21;
Rom. 12:17; 13:8; 2 Cor. 8:21.)'
It is expected of all who continue in
these societies, that they should continue
to evidence their1 desire of salvation:
Secondly. . By doing good. (Psalm 37:3
Heb. 13:16; by being in every kind merci¬
ful after their power as they have oppor¬
tunity, (Matt. 5:7; Luke 4:36, 38;) doing
good of every possible sort, and, as far as-
-58 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
possible, to all men. (James 4:17; Gal.
<6:4; Matt. 5:16.)
To their bodies, of their ability which
"God giveth, by giving food to the hungry,
•by clothing the naked, by visiting or help¬
ing them that are sick, or in prison. (1
-John 3:17, 18; Matthew 25:35-40; 1 Tim.
6:17-19; James 1:27; Prov. 19:17.)
To their souls by instructing, reproving,
•or exhorting all we have any intercourse
with; trampling under foot that enthusias¬
tic doctrine, that we are not to do good
unless our hearts be free to do it. (2 Tim.
4:2: Isa. 43:10; Matt. 5:13-16; Heb. 3:13;
Isa. 58:1; 62:1.)
By doing good, especially to them that
-are of the household of faith, (Gal. 6:10,)
or groaning so to be; employing them
^preferably to others, buying one of another,
.helping each other in business, (Rom. 12:
10-13,) and so much the more because the
world will love its own, and them only.
(John 15:19; 1 John 4:7.)
By all possible diligence and frugality,
that the gospel be not blamed. (Rom. 12:
11. 1 Tim. 5:8; 1 Cor. 4:12; Prov. 20:4;
-.22:29.)
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 5^
By running with patience the race which
is set before them, (Heb. 12:1; 1 Cor. 9:
24;) denying themselves, and taking up-
their cross daily, (Matt. 14: 24; Mark 8:
34;) submitting to bear the reproach of
Christ, to be as the filth and off scouring of*
the world, (1 Cor. 4:13,) and looking that
men should say all manner of evil of them-
falsely for the Lord's sake. (Matt. 5:11.}
5. It is expected of all who desire to con¬
tinue in these societies that they should1
continue to evidence their desire for salva¬
tion by attending upon all the ordinances-
of God; such are,
Thirdly, The public worship of God-
(Psalm 27:4; 63:4; 84:1-4, 10; Isaiah 2:3;
1 Cor. 11:2; Heb. 10:25.)
The ministry of the word, either read or
expounded. ("The ministry instituted.""
Matt. 28:16; Mark 16:15; 2 Tim. 4:2. "The-
ministry should be attended." Rom. 10:
14, 15, 17; Acts 13:44; James 1:25; Rev_
2:7; Isa. 62:6.)
The Supper of the Lord. (Matt. 26:26-
28; Acts 18:21; 1 Cor. 11:23-26.)
Family. (Josh. 24:15; Deut. 6:6, 7; Jer..
10:25) and private prayer. (Matt. 9:6;-
"60 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
1 Thess. 5: 17, 18; 1 Tim, 2:8; Psa. 55:17;
Dan. 6:10.)
Searching the Scriptures. (Psa. 119:
3L5, 16; 1:2; John 5:39; 17:17.)
Easting or abstinence. (Matt. 6:16-18;
17:21; Acts 14:23.)
6. These are the General Rules of our
societies, all which we are taught of God to
■observe, even in his written word, which is
the only rule, and the sufficient rule, both
of our faith and practice. (2 Tim. 3:16,
17.) And all these we know his Spirit
writes on truly awakened hearts. (John 14:
26; 16:13.) If there be any among us who
•observe them not, who habitually break
any of them, let it be known unto them,
who watch over that soul, as they who must
give an account. (Ezek. 33:1-20; Matt.
18:15-17; James 5:19, 20.) We will ad¬
monish him of the error of his ways, we
will bear with him for a season; (Rom.
15:14; 2 Thess. 3:15; 1 Cor. 13:4.) But
if then he repent not, he hath no more
place among us. We have delivered our
own souls. (1 Cor. 5:5; 2 Thess. 3:6; 1
Tim. 6:3-5; Matt. 18:15-17.)
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 61
CHAPTER VII.
FORM OF BAPTISM OF ADULTS.
The minister shall use the following, or
sortie other suitable exhortation:
Dearly beloved, forasmuch as all men
are conceived and born in sin, (and that
which is born of the flesh is flesh, and they
that are in the flesh cannot please God,
fyut live in sin, committing many actual
transgressions,) and that our Saviour
Christ saith, None can enter into the king¬
dom of God, except he be regenerated and
"born anew of water and of the Holy Ghost,
and received into Christ's holy Church, and
be made lively members of the same: I be¬
seech you to call upon God the Father,
through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of
his bounteous goodness he will grant unto
these persons that which by nature they
cannot have, and that they may be baptized
with water and the Holy Ghost.
First Prayer.
Then the minister shall say:
Almighty and Immortal God, the aider
62 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
of all that need, the helper of all that flee
to thee for succor, the life of them that be¬
lieve, and the resurrection of the dead, we
call upon thee for these persons, that they,
coming to thy holy baptism, may receive
the remission of their sins by spiritual re¬
generation. Receive them, O Lord, as
thou hast promised by thy well-beloved
Son, saying, Ask, and ye shall receive;
seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall
be opened unto you: So give now unto
those that ask; let us that seek find; open
the gate unto us that knock; that these
persons may enjoy the everlasting benedic¬
tion of thy heavenly washing, and may
come to the eternal kingdom which thou
hast promised by Christ our Lord. Amen.
Second Prayer.
After which he shall say:
Almighty and Everlasting God, heavenly
Eather, we give thee humble thanks, for
that thou hast vouchsafed to call us to the
knowledge of thy grace, and faith in thee;
increase- this knowledge and confirm this
faith in us evermore. Give thy Holy
Spirit to these persons, that they may be
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 63
born again, and made heirs of everlasting
salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who liveth and reigneth with thee and the
Holy Spirit now and forever. Amen.
Scripture Lesson.
Then shall the people stand up, and the
minister shall say:
Hear the words of the gospel written by
St. John in the third chapter, beginning
£it the first verse:
"There was a man of the Pharisees,
named IsTicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the
same came to Jesus by night, and said unto
him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teach¬
er come from God; for no man can do the
miracles that thou doest, except God be
with him. Jesus answered and said unto
liim, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except
a man be born again, he cannot see the
kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto
him, How can a man be born when he is
old? Can he enter the second time into
his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus
answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
•except a man be born of water and of the
64 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
Spirit he cannot enter into, the kingdom
of God. That which is born of the flesh is
flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit,
is spirit. Marvel not that X said unto thee,
Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth
where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound
thereof, but canst not tell whence it Com¬
eth, and whiter it goeth: so is every one
that is born of the Spirit."
Address to the Candidate.
Then shall the minister speak to the per¬
son to be baptized, on this wise:
Well beloved, who are come hither desir¬
ing to receive holy baptism, ye have heard
how the congregation hath prayed that our
Lord Jesus Christ would vouchsafe to re¬
ceive you, and bless you, to release you of
your sins, to give you the kingdom of
heaven and everlasting life. And our Lord
Jesus Christ hath promised in his holy
word, to grant all those things we have
prayed for, which promise he, for his part,
will most surely keep and perform.
Wherefore, after this promise made by
Christ, you must also faithfully, on your
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 65
part, promise, in the presence of this whole
congregation, that you will renounce the
devil and all his works, and constantly be¬
lieve God's word, and obediently keep his
commandments.
Then shall the minister demand of each
of the persons to be baptized,
Q. Dost thou renounce the devil and all
his works, the vain pomp and glory of the
world, with all covetous desires of the
same, and the carnal desires of the flesh,
and that thou wilt not follow, nor be led
by them?
A. I renounce them all.
Q. Dost thou believe in God the Father
Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth?
And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son,
our Lord? And that he was conceived of
the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary?
That he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was
crucified, dead and buried; that he arose
again the third day; that he ascended into
heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of
God, the Father Almighty; and from
thence shall come again at the end of the
world, to judge the quick and the dead?
And dost thou believe in the Holy Ghost,
66 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
the Holy Catholic Church,* the commun¬
ion of saints, the remission of sins, the res¬
urrection of the body, and everlasting life
after death?
A. All this I steadfastly believe.
Q. Wilt thou be baptized in this faith ?
A. This is my desire.
Q. Wilt thou then obediently keep
God's holy will and commandments, and
walk in the same all the days of thy life?
A. I will endeavor to do so, God being
my helper.
The Collects.
Then shall the minister say:
O merciful God, grant that the old Adam
in these persons may be so buried, that the
new man may be raised in them. Amen.
Grant that all carnal affections may die
in them, and that all things belonging to
the Spirit may live and grow in them.
Amen.
Grant that they may have power and
strength to have victory, and triumph
*The Church Universal, and not the
Papal Church of Rome.
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 67
against the devil, the world, and the flesh.
Amen.
Grant that they, being here dedicated to
thee by our office and ministry, may also
be endued with heavenly virtues, and
everlastingly rewarded, through thy mercy,
O blessed Lord God, who dost live and gov¬
ern all things, world without end. Amen.
Almighty, ever living God, whose most
dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ, for the
forgiveness of our sins, didst shed out of
his most precious side both water and
blood; and gave commandment to his dis¬
ciples, that they should go teach all na¬
tions, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost, regard, we beseech thee, the suppli¬
cations of this congregation; and grant
that the persons now to be baptized, may
receive the fullness of thy grace, and ever
remain in the number of thy faithful and
elect children, through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
The Ceremony.
Then shall the minister take each per¬
son to be baptized by the right hand, and
68 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
placing them conveniently by the font, ac¬
cording to his discretion, shall ask the
name: and then shall sprinkle or pour
water upon him, (or if they desire, shall
immerse them in water,) saying:
N , I baptize thee in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer.
Then shall be said the Lord's Prayer, all
kneeling.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed
be thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will
be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us
this day our daily bread, and forgive us our
trespasses as we forgive them that trespass
against us; and lead us not into tempta¬
tion, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Then let the minister conclude with an
extemporary prayer.
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 69
CHAPTER VIII.
FORM EOR RECEIVING MEMBERS
INTO FULL CONNECTION.
Address to the Congregation.
Upon the day appointed, all that are to be
received shall be called forward, and the
minister addressing the congregation shall
say:
Dearly Beloved Brethren: The Scriptures
teach us that the Church is the household
of God; the body, of which Christ is the
Head, and that it is the design of the Gospel
to bring together in one, all who aret
Christ's. The fellowship of the Church is
the communion that its members enjoy one
with another. The ends of this fellowship
are the maintenance of sound doctrine, and
of the ordinances of Christian worship, and
the exercise of that power of godly admoni¬
tion and discipline which Christ has com-
70 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
mitted to his Church for the Promotion of
holiness. It is the duty of all men to unite
in this fellowship, for it is only those that
"be planted in the house of the Lord, that
shall flourish in the courts of our God." Its
more particular duties are to promote peace
and unity; to bear one another's burdens;
to prevent each other's stumbling; to seek
the intimacy of friendly society among
themselves; to continue steadfast in the
faith and worship of the gospel; and to
pray and sympathize with each other.
Among its privileges are—peculiar incite¬
ments to holiness from the hearing of God's
Word, and sharing Christ's ordinances; the
being placed under the watchful care of
Pastors, and the enjoyment of the blessings
which are promised only to those which are
of the household of faith. Into this holy
fellowship the persons before you, who have
already received the sacrament of Baptism
and have been under the care of proper
leaders for six months on trial, come seek¬
ing admission.
We now propose, in the fear of God, to
question them as to their faith and pur¬
poses, that you may know that they are
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 71
proper persons to be admitted into the
Church.
Address to the Applicants.
Then addressing the applicants for ad¬
mission, the minister shall say:
Dearly Beloved: You are come hither
seeking the great privilege of union with
the Church our Saviour has purchased with
his own blood. We rejoice in the grace of
God vouchsafed unto you, in that he has
called you to be his followers, and that
thus far you have run well. You have heard
how blessed are the priviliges and how
solemn are the duties of membership in
Christ's Church, and before you are fully
admitted thereto, it is proper that you do
here publicly renew your vows, confess your
faith, and declare your purpose by answer¬
ing the following questions:
Q. 1. Do you here in the presence of God
and of this congregation, renew the solemn
promise contained in the Baptismal Coven¬
ant ratifying and confirming the same, and
acknowledging yourselves bound faithfully
to observe and keep that covenant, and all
things contained therein?
72 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
A. I do.
Q. 2. Have you saving faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ?
A. I trust I have.
Q. 3. Do you entertain friendly feelings
towards all the members of this Church ?
A. I do.
Q. 4. Do you believe in the doctrines of
Holy Scrinture as set forth in the articles
of religion of the African Methodist Epis¬
copal Church?
A. I do.
Q. 5. Will you cheerfully be governed by
the Discipline of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church, hold sacred the ordi¬
nances of God, and endeavor, as much as in
you lies, to promote the welfare of your
brethren, and the advancement of the
Redeemer's kingdom?
A. I will.
Q. 6. Will you contribute of your earthly
substance according to your ability, to the
support of the Gospel, Church and poor,
and the various benevolent enterprises of
the Church?
A. I will.
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 73
Address to the Church.
Then the Minister, addressing the church,
shall say:
Brethren: You have heard the responses
given to our inquiries. Have any of you
any reason to allege why these persons
should not be received into full member¬
ship in the Church?
The Reception.
No objection being alleged, the Minister
shall say to the candidates:
We welcome you to the communion of the
Church of God, and in testimony of our
Christian affection and the cordiality with
which we receive you, I hereby extend to
you the right hand of fellowship; and may
God grant that you may be a faithful and
useful member of the Church militant till
■''ou are called to the fellowship of the
-Church triumphant, which is without fault
before the presence of God.
Then shall the Minister offer an extem¬
pore prayer.
74 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
THE PLEDGE.
Having prayerfully and carefully ex¬
amined the Doctrine, Discipline and Usage
of the African Methodist Episcopal Church,
and the requirements therein made of me to
become a full member, and with the set
purpose of assenting to all and keeping
faithfully all required of me, and with the
fervent prayer that my Heavenly Father
may assist me by His grace to live a true
Christian life, I sign this statement.
Name
Date
Place
City and State.
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 75-
APPENDIX.
THE' TEN COMMANDMENTS IN
VERSE.
1. Thou shalt have no gods but Me;
2. Before no idol bow thy knee;
3. Take not the name of God in vain;
4. Nor dare the Sabbath-day profane;
5. Give both thy parents honor due;
6. Take heed that thou no murder do;
7. Abstain from words and deeds unclean
8. Nor steal tho' thou art poor and mean;.
9. Nor make a willful lie, nor love it;
10. What is thy neighbor's dare not covet.
THE SUM.
With all thy soul, love God above,
And as thyself thy neighbor love.
76 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
THE BEATITUDES.
Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs
is the kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn; for they
-shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek; for they shall in¬
herit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and
"thirst after righteousness; for they shall
be filled.
Blessed are the merciful; for they shall
obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart; for they
shall see God.
Blessed are the peace-makers; for they
shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for
righteousness' sake; for theirs is the king¬
dom of heaven.—Matt. v. 3-10
PROBATIONERS GUIDE. 7T
BAPTISMAL COVENANT.
I renounce the devil and all his works,,
the vain pomp and glory of the world, with
all covetous desires of the same, and the
carnal desires of the flesh, so that I will not
follow nor be led by them.
I believe in God the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus
Christ his only begotten Son our Lord; and
that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost,,
born of the Virgin Mary; that he suffered
under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead,,
and buried; that he rose again the third
day; that he ascended into heaven, and
sitteth at the right hand of God the Father
Almighty, and from thence shall come again
at the end of the world to judge the quick
and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost,
the Holy Catholic Church, the communion
of saints, the remission of sins, the resur¬
rection of the body, and everlasting life-
after death. Amen.
Having been baptized in this faith, I will
'78 PROBATIONERS GUIDE.
•obediently keep God's holy will and com¬
mandments, and walk in the same all the
days of my life, God being my helper. (Dis¬
cipline, 1904, pages 108, 109.)
Each Probationer on being received as¬
sents to this covenant. You should know
-every word of it.
GENERAL CONFESSION.
In the administration of the Lord's Sup¬
per, after the invitation is read, the Ritual
•says:
Then shall this general confession be made
by the Minister in the name of all those
who are minded to receive the holy com¬
munion, both he and all the people de¬
voutly kneeling, and saying, all together:
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus
•Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all
jnen: we acknowledge and bewail our mani¬
fold sins and wickedness, which we from
time to time most grievously have com¬
mitted, by thought, word, and deed, against
thy Divine Majesty, provoking most justly
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 79
thy wrath and indignation against us. We
do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry
for these our misdoings; the remembrance
of them is grievous unto us. Have mercy
upon us, have mercy upon us, most merci¬
ful Father; for Thy Son, our Lord Jesus
Christ's sake, forgive us all that is past;
and- grant that we may ever hereafter serve
and please thee in newness of life, to the
honor and glory of Thy name, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Dis¬
cipline, 1904, page 120.)
Each Probationer and Member should
know every word of this confession by
heart. If you do not know it learn it at
once.
80 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
COVENANT OF CONSECRATION.
"My whole though broken heart, 0 Lord!
From henceforth shall be Thine;
And here I do my vow record,
This hand, these words are mine;
All that I have, without reserve;
I offer here to Thee;
Thy will and honor all shall serve
That Thou bestow'dst on me.
"All that exceptions save I lose;
All that I lose I save;
The treasures of Thy love I choose,
And Thou art all I crave;
My God, Thou hast my heart and hand,
I all to Thee resign;
I'll ever to this covenant stand,
Though flesh here at repine.
"I know that Thou wast willing first,
And then drew my consent:
Having thus loved me at the worst,
Thou wilt not now repent.
Now I have quit all self-pretense,
Take charge of what's Thine own;
My life, my health, and my defense,
Now lie on Thee alone."
—RICHARD BAXTER.