THE DOCTRINES
AIW
DISCIPLINE
OF THE
AFRICAN
SSptacopart ftfutrcfw
FIFTH EDITION.
BROOKLYN, N. Y.
PUBLISHED- BY ORDER OF THltf GENERAL CONFERENCE,
BY GEORGE IIOGARTH,
General Book Steward of the African Methodist Epis¬
copal Church in tho United States of America,
PIERCY & REED, PRINTERS.
1840.
ADDRESS
To the Members of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church in the United States of
America.
Beloved Brethren,
We deem it necessary to annex to our book of
Discipline, a brief statement of our rise and pro¬
gress, which we hope will be satisfactory and con¬
ducive to your growth and edification in the
knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Novem¬
ber, 1787, the colored people belonging to the
Methodist Society in Philadelphia, convened to¬
gether, in order to take into consideration the evils
under which they labored, arising from the unkind
treatment of their white brethren, who considered
them a nuisance in the house of worship, and even
pulled them off their knees, while in the act of
prayer, and ordered them to the back seats. From
these and various other acts of unchristian conduct,
they considered it their duty to devise a plan in
> order to build a house of their own, to worship God
under their own vine and fig-tree; in this under¬
taking they met with great opposition from an elder
of the Methodist Church, (J. M'C.)who threaten¬
ed, that if they did not give up the building, erase
their names from the subscription paper, and make
acknowledgments for having attempted such a
thing, that ia three months they should all be Dub-
vi
ADDRESS.
consenting, they fell to $400; but the people
not willing to give more than $200 per year. Tot
this sum they were to preach for them twice a
week during the year. But it proved to be only
six or seven times a year, and sometimes by such
preachers as were not acceptable to the Bethel
people, and not in much esteem among the Methj
odists, as preachers. The Bethel people being
dissatisfied with such conduct, induced the trus¬
tees to pass a resolution to give but $100 per year
to the Methodist preachers. When a quarterly pay¬
ment of the last sum was tendered, it was refused
and sent back, insisting on the $200,or they would
preach no more for them. At this time they press¬
ed strongly to have the supplement repealed; this
they could not comply with.
They then waited on Bishop Asbury, and pro*-
posed taking a preacher to themselves, and sup¬
porting him in boarding and salary, providing he
would attend to the duties of the church, such as
visiting the sick, burying the dead, baptising, and
administering the sacrament. The Bishop observ¬
ed, " He did not think there was mote than one
preacher belonging to the conference that would
attend to those duties, and that was Richard Al¬
len." The Bishop was then informed that they
would pay a preacher four or five hundred dollars
a year, if he would attend to all the duties of their
church, that they should expect; he replied, "We
will not serve you on such terms."
Shortly after this an elder (S. R.) then in Phila¬
delphia, declared that unless they would repeal the
ADDRESS.
vii
supplement, neither he nor any of the Methodist
preachers, travelling or local, should preach any
more for them ; so they were left to themselves.
At length the preachers and stewards belonging to
the Academy proposed serving them on the same
terms, that they had offered to ihe St. George's
preachers ; and they preached for them better than
twelve months, and then demanded $150 per year;
this not being complied with, they declined preach¬
ing for them, and they were once more left to
themselves, as an edict was passed by the elder,
that if any local preacher served them, he should
be expelled the connection. John Emory, then
elder of the Academy, published a circular letter,
in which they were disowned by the Methodists.
A house was also fitted up, not far from Bethel,
and an invitation given to all who desired to be
Methodists, to resort thither; but, being disap¬
pointed in this plan, Robert R. Roberts, the resi¬
dent elder of St. George's charge, came to Bethel
and insisted on preaching to them, and taking the
spiritual charge, for they were Methodists. He
was told, he should come on some terms with the
trustees ; his answer was, that he did not come to
consult with Richard Allen, nor the trustees, but
to inform the congregation, that on next Sabbath
day he would come and take the charge ; they told
him, he could not preach for them under existing
circumstances. However, at the appointed time
he came ; but, having taken previous advice, they
had their preacher in the pulpit when he came, and
the house 00 fixed that he could not get mor#
viii
ADDRESS.
-than half way to the pulpit; finding himself disap¬
pointed, he appealed to those who came with him
#s witnesses, that, " That man," meaning the
preacher, " had taken his appointment." Several
•respectable white citizens, (who knew the colored
people had been ill used,) were present, and told
them not to fear, for they would see them righted,
end not suffer Roberts to preach in a forcible man¬
ner after which Roberts went away.
The next elder stationed in Philadelphia, was
.Robert Birch, who followed the examples of his
predecessor, came and published a meeting for
thimself; but the beforementioned method was
.adopted, and he had to go away disappointed. In
consequence of this he applied to the Supreme
Court, for a writ of Mandamus, to know why the
pulpit was denied him, being elder ; this brought
on a law suit, which ended in favor of Bethel.
Thus, by.the providence of God, they were deliv¬
ered from a long, distressing and expensive suit,
which could not be resumed, being determined by
the Supreme Court; for this mercy they were un«
feignedly thankful. *
About this time the colored people in Baltimore
and other places were treated in a similar manner
<as those in Philadelphia, who, rather than go to
law, were compelled to seek places of worship for
■themselves; .this induced the people in Philadel¬
phia to call fL general convention in April, 1816, to
■for^xa connexion; delegates appointed to repre¬
sent different churches, met those of Philadelphia;
-taking into consideration their grievances, and
ADDRESS.
in order to secure their privileges and promote
union among themselves, it was resolved, " That
the people of Philadelphia, Baltimore, and all othe?
places who should unite with them, should become1
one body under the name and style of the " Afri¬
can Methodist Episcopal Church."
We believe that it was the design of a gracious'
Providence in thus uniting us to mark out a way by
which the despised African race might have an op¬
portunity of receiving from their own brethren,
that religious instruction from which they have
been kept by persons claiming to be their superiors,
and thereby privileged to sit tinder their own vine'
and fig-tree ; and though opposed by the prejudi¬
ces of the times, persecuted by the tongue of cal¬
umny, and buffetted by the great adversary of God
and man, we have had the happiness of seeing the
pleasure of the Lord prospering in our hands, to
whom we appeal for our good conscience in Christ
Jesus. The work of God has spread, through our
instrumentality, from Philadelphia to various parts
of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, District of
Columbia, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut,
Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Ohio, Indiania, Il¬
linois, Missouri, Canada, the ban en'shores of Af¬
rica, and the Island of Haiti, and it may now truly
be said that Ethiopia is seen stretching out her
hands to God.
We esteem it our duty and privilege, most ear¬
nestly to recommend to our church, our Form of
Discipline, revised and improved, which has been
founded on the experience of a long series of years;
as also on the observations and remarks we have
made on ancient and modern churches.
X
ADDRESS.
We wish to see this little publication in the
houses of all our members; and the more so as it
contains the articles of religion, more or less,
maintained, in part or in the whole, by every re¬
formed church in the world.
Far from wishing you to be ignorant of our
doctrines or any part of our discipline, we desire
you to read, mark, and inwardly digest the whole.
You ought, next to the word of God, to procure
the canons of the church to which you belong.—
This present edition is cheap, and we can assure
you that the profits of the sale of it shall be appli¬
ed to charitable purposes.
We remain your affectionate brethren and pas¬
tors who labor night and day, both in public and
private, for your good.
MORRIS BROWN, Senior Bishop.
EDWARD WATERS, Junior Bishop,
THE DOCTRINES
AND
DISCIPLINE
OF THE
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
CHAPTER I.
OF DOCTRINES, &C.
Section 1.—Of the Origin and Continuation
of the Episcopacy of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church.
The preachers and members of our
church having become a distinct body of
people, by reason of separation from our
white brethren of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, found it necessary at their first
General Conference is April, 1816, to,
elect one from their own body, who was
adequate to be set apart in the holy orders,
to superintend the connexion that was
14
Sec. II—ARTICLES OF RELIGION"!
I.—Of Faith in the Holy Trinity.
There is but one living and true God,
everlasting,without body or parts,of infinite
power, wisdom and goodness : the maker
and preserver of all things, visible and in¬
visible—And in unity of this God-head,
there are three persons, of one substance,
power and eternity—the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Ghost.
II.—Of the Word, or Son of God, who was
made very 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 God-head, and manhood, were joined
together in one person, never to be divided,
whereof is one Christ, very God, and very
man, who truly suffered, was crucified,
dead and buried, to reconcile his Father to
us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for ori¬
ginal guilt, but also for actual sins of men.
15
III.—Of the Resurrection of Christ.
Christ did truly rise again from the dead,
and took again his body,with all things ap¬
pertaining to the perfection of man's na¬
ture, wherewith he ascended into heaven,
and there sitteth until he return to judge
men at the last day.
IV.—Of the Holy Ghost.
The Holy Ghost proceeding from the
Father and the Son, is of one substance,
majesty, power and glory, with the Father
and the Son, very and eternal God.
V.—The Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures
for Salvation.
The Holy Scriptures contain all things
necessary to salvation : so that whatsoever
is not read therein, nor can be proved
thereby, is not to be required of any man
that it should be believed as an article of
faith, or thought requisite or necessary for
salvation. In the name of the Holy Scrip.
ture,we do understand those canonical books
of the Old and New Testament, of whose
authority was never any doubt in the church.
16
The Names of the Canonical Books.
Genesis,
Exodus,
Leviticus,
Numbers,
Deuteronomy,
Joshua,
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 ofNehemiah,
The Book of Esther,
The Book of Job,
The Psalms,
The Proverbs of Solomon,
Ecclesiastes, or the Preacher,
Cantica, or the Songs of Solomon,
Four Prophets the greater,
Twelve Prophets the less.
All the books of the New Testament, as
they are commonly received, we do receive
and account canonical.
17
VI.—Of the Old Testament.
The Old Testament is not contrary to
the New; for both in the Old and New
Testament everlasting life is offered to
mankind by Christ, who is the only media¬
tor between God and man, being both God
and man. Wherefore they are not to be
heard, who feign that the Old Father did
look only for transitory promises. Al¬
though the law given from God by Moses,
as touching ceremonies and rites, doth not
bind Christians, nor ought the civil precepts
thereof of necessity he received in any
commonwealth: yet notwithstanding, no
Christian whatsoever is free from the obe¬
dience of the commandments, which are
called moral.
VII.—-Of Original or Birth Sin.
Original sin standeth not in the following
of Adam, (as the Pelagians do vainly talk)
but it is the corruption of the nature of every
man, that naturally is engendered of
the offspring of Adam, whereby man is
very far gone from original righteousness,
and" of his own nature inclined to evil, and
that continually.
2
18
VIII.—Of Free-Will.
The condition of man is such, afier the
fell of Adam, 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, without the grace of God, by Christ
preventing us, that we may have a good
will, and working in us when we have
that will.
IX.—Of the Justification of Man.
We are accounted righteous before God,
only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ by faith, and not for our own
works or deservings; wherefore that we
are justified by faith only, is a most whole¬
some doctrine, and full of comfort.
X.—Of Good Works.
Although good works, which are the
fruits of faith, and follow after justification,
cannot put away our sins, and endure the
severity of God's judgments, yet are they
pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ,
and spring out of a true and lively faith,
insomuch that by them a lively faith is
19
known as evidently, as a tree is discerned
by its fruit.
XL—Of Works of Supererogation.
Voluntary works, besides, over and
above God's commandments, which are
called works of supererogation, cannot be
taught without arrogance and impiety.
For by them men do declare, that they not
only render unto God as much as they are
bound to do, but that they do more for his
sake than of bounden duty is required :
Whereas Christ saith plainly,when ye have
done all that is commanded you, ye are un¬
profitable servants.
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
20
more sin, as long as they live here; or de¬
ny the place of forgiveness to such as truly
repent.
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 sacra,
ments duly administered according to
Christ's ordinance in all those things that
of necessity are requisite to the same.
XIV.—Of Purgatory.
The Romish doctrine concerning pur¬
gatory, pardon, worshipping, and adora-
tion, as well as of images, and relics, and
also invocation of Saints, is a fond thing
vainly invented and grounded upon no
warrant of Scripture, but repugnant to the
word of God.
XV.—Of Speaking in the Congregation in
such a 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 minister the sacraments in a
tongue not understood by the people,
21
XVI.—Of the Sacraments.
Sacraments ordained of Christ are not
only badges of Christian men's profession,
but rather they are certain signs of grace,
and (God's good will towards us, by the
which he doth work invisibly in us, and
doth not only quicken but also strengthen
and comfort our faith in him.
There are two sacraments ordained of
Christ our Lord, in the Gospel; that is to
say, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper.
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 allowed in the
Scriptures, but yet have not the like na¬
ture of Baptism and the Lord's Supper,
because they have not any visible sign of
the 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
22
operation : but they that receive them un¬
worthily, purchase to themselves condem¬
nation, as Saint Paul saith.—1 Cor. xi.
29th verse.
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
Ghurch.
XVIII.—Of the Lord's Supper.
The Supper of the Lord is not only a
sign that Christians ought to have among
themselves one to another, but rather is a
sacrameht of our redemption by Christ's
death: insomuch that to such as rightly,
worthily, and with faith receive the same,
the bread which we break is a partaking of
the body of Christ; and likewise the cup
of blessing is a partaking of the blood of
Christ.
Transubstantiation, or the change of the
substance of bread and wine in the Supper
of our Lord, cannot be proved by Holy
23
Writ, 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 Scriptural 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 BOt by Christ's ordinance reserved,
carried about, lifted up, or worshipped.
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 administered to
all Christians alike.
XX.—Of the one Oblation of Christ, finished
upon the Cross.
The offering of Christ once made, is
that perfect redemption, propitiation, and
satisfaction, for all the sins of the whole
world, both original and actual; and there
is none other satisfaction for sin but that
aione. Wherefore the sacrifice of masses
24
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.
XXI.—Of the Marriage of Ministers.
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 ai their
own discretion, as they shall judge the
same to be best to godliness,
XXII.—Of the Rites and Ceremonies of
Churches.
It is not necessary that rites and cere¬
monies should in all places be exactly
alike, for they have been always different;
and may be changed according to the di¬
versities of countries, times, and men's
manners,so that nothing may be ordained
against God's word—Whosoever, through
his private judgment willingly and pur¬
posely doth openly break the rites and
ceremonies of the church to which he be¬
longs, which are not repugnant to the
25
word of God, and are ordained and ap*
proved by common authority, ought to be
rebuked openly, that others may fear to do
the like, as one that offendeth against the
common order of the church, and wound-
eth the conscience of weak brethren.
Every particular church may ordain,
change, or abolish rights and ceremonies,so
that all things may be done to edification.
XXIII.—Of the Rulers of the United States
of America.
The president, the congress, the gene-
ral assemblies, the governors, and the
councils of state, as the delegates of the
people, are the rulers of the United States,
according to the division of power made to
them by the Constitution of the United
States of America, and by the constitutions
of their respective states. And the said
states are a sovereign and independent na-
tion, and ought not to be subject to any
foreign jurisdiction.
XXIV.—Of Christian Men's Goods.
The riches and goods of Christians are
not common as touching the right, title,
26
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, accord-
ing to his ability.
XXV.—Of a Christian Man's Oath.
As we confess that vain and rash swear,
ing is forbidden Christian men, by our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ, and James his
apostle; so we judge that the Christian
religion doth not prohibit, but that a man
may swear when the magistrate requireth,
in a cause of faith and charity, so it be done
according to the prophet's teaching, injus¬
tice, judgment, and truth.
SECTION III.
1.—Question 1.—What is it to be jus*
tified ?
Answer—To be pardoned and received
into God's favor, into such a state, that if
we continue therein, we shall be finally
saved.
27
Q. 2.—Is faith the condition of justifica¬
tion?
A.—Yes, for every one that believeth
not is condemned; and every one who be¬
lieves is justified.
Q. 3.—But must not repentance, and
works meet for repentance, go before this
faith ?
A.—Without doubt: if by repentance
you mean conviction of sin, and by works
meet for repentance, obeying God as far
as we can, forgiving our brother, leaving
off from evil, doing good and using his or.
dinances according to the power we have
received.
Q. 4.—What is faith ?
A.—Faith in general is a divine super¬
natural elenchos of things not seen, i. e.
past, future or spiritual things ; it is a
spiritual view of God, and the things of
God.
First, a sinner is convinced by the Holy
Ghost, Christ loved me, and gave himself
for me. This is that faith by which he is
justified or pardoned, the moment he re¬
ceives it. Immediately the same spirit
bears witness, Thou art pardoned, thou
28
hast redemption in his blood ! And tin's is
saving faith, whereby the Jove of God is
shed abroad in his heart.
Q. 5.—Have all Christians this faith ?
May not a man be justified and not know
it?'
A.—That all true Christians have such
a faith as implies assurance of God's love,
appears from Rom. viii. 15. Eph. iv. 32.
2 Cor. xiii. 5. Heb. viii. 10. 1 John iv.
10. v. 19. And that no man can be jus¬
tified and not know it,appears further from
the nature of the thing: For faith, after
repentance, is ease after pain, rest after
toil, light after darkness. It appears also
from the immediate, as well as distant
fruits thereof.
Q. 6.—But may not a man go to heaven
without it ?
A.—It does not appear from holy writ
that a man who has heard the gospel, can :
(Mark xvi. 16,) whatever a heathen may
do. Rom. ii. 14,
Q. 7.—What are the immediate fruits
of justifying faith ?
A.—Peace, joy, love, power over all
29
outward sin, and power to keep down in¬
ward sin.
Q. 8.—Does any one believe who has
not the witness in himself, or any longer
than he sees, loves, and obeys God ?
A.—We apprehend not, seeing God
being the very essence of faith ; love and
obedience, being the inseparable proper*
ties of it.
Q. 9.—What sins are consistent with
justifying faith 1
A.—No wilful sin. If a believer toil,
fully sins, he casts away his faith. Nei¬
ther is it possible he should have justifying
faith again without previously repenting.
Q. 10.—Must every believer-come into
a state of doubt or fear, or darkness ?
Will he do so unless by ignorance or un-
faithfulness? Does God otherwise with-
draw himself?
A.—It is certain a believer need never
come again into condemnation. It seems
he need not come into a state of doubt or
fear, or darkness, and that (ordinarily at
least) he will not unless by ignorance or
unfaithfulness. Yet it is true, that the
first j oy seldom lasts long : that it is fol-
30
lowed by doubts and fears ; and (hat God
frequently permits great heaviness, before
any large manifestation of himself.
Q. 11.—Are works necessary to the
continuance of faith ?
A.—Without doubt; for a man may
forfeit the free gift of God, either by sins
of omission or commission.
Q. 12.—Can faith be lost, but for want
of works?
A.—It cannot but through disobedi¬
ence.
Q. 13.—How ia faith made perfect by
works ?
A.—The more we exert our faith, the
more it is increased. To him that hath
shall be given.
Q. 14.—St. Paul says, Abraham was
not justified by xttorks—St. James, he was
justified by works. Do they not contradict
each other?
A.—No: 1st. Because they do not
speak of the same justification. St. Paul
speaks of that justification which, was
when Abraham was seventy-five years
old, about twenty years before Isaac was
born, St. James of that justification which
31
was when he offered up Isaac on the
altar.
2d : Because they do not speak of the
same works ; St. Paul speaking of works
that precede faith ; SL James, of works
that spring from it.
Q. 15.—In what sense is' Adam's sin
imputed to all mankind 1
A.—In Adam all die, i. e. 1st, Our bo¬
dies there became mortal: 2d, Our souls
died, i. e. were disunited from God. And
hence, 3d, We are all born with a sinful
devilish nature, by reason whereof; 4th,
We are children of wrath, liable to death
eternal. Rom. v. 18. Eph. ii. 3.
Q,. 16.—In what sense is the righteous¬
ness of Christ imputed to all mankind, or
to believers?
A.—We do not find it expressly af¬
firmed in Scripture, that God imputes the
righteousness of Christ to any. Although
we do find, that faith is imputed to us for
righteousness.
That text, as by one man's disobedience
all men were made sinners, so by the obe¬
dience of one, all were made righteous,
we conceive means by the merits of Christ,
32
all men are cleared from the guilt of Adam's
actual transgression.
We conceive further, That through the
obedience and death of Christ, 1st, The
bodies of all men became immortal after
the resurrection; 2d, Their souls receive
a capacity of spiritual life ; and 3d, An ac¬
tual spark or seed thereof; 4th, All be¬
lievers become children of grace, recon¬
ciled to God, and 5th, Made partakers of
the divine nature.
Q. 17.—Have we not then, unawares,
leaned too much towards Calvinisnil
A.—We are afraid we have.
Q. 18.—Have we not also leaned to¬
wards Antinomianism ?
A.—We are afraid we have.
Q. 19.—What is Antinomianism?
A.—The doctrine which makes void
the law through faith.
Q.. 20.—What are the main pillars
hereof?
A. 1st—That Christ abolished the mo-
ral law; 2d, That therefore Christians are
not obliged to observe it; 3d, That one
branch of Christian liberty, is liberty from
obeying the commandments of God ; 4th,
33
That it is a bondage to do a thing, because
it is commanded, or forbear it because it is
forbidden ; 5th, That a believer is not
obliged to use the ordinances of God to do
good works ; 6th, That a preacher ought
not to exhort to good works ; not unbe¬
lievers, because it is hurtful, not believers,
because it is needless.
Q. 21.—What was the occasion of St.
Paul's writing his epistle to the Galatians ?
A.—The coming of certain men amongst
the Galatians, who taught, Except ye be
circumcised and keep the law of Moses,
ye cannot be saved.
Q. 22.—What is his main design here¬
in?
A.—To prove, 1st, That no man can
be saved, or justified by the works of "the
law, either moral or ritual ; 2d, That every
believer in Christ is justified by faith with¬
out the works of the law.
Q,. 23.—What does he mean by the
works of the law? Gal. ii. 16, &c.
A.—All works which do not spring from
faith in Christ.
Q. 24.—What by being under the law ?
Gal. iii. 23.
34
A.—Under the Mosaic dispensation
Q. 25.—What law has -Christ abo¬
lished.
A.—The ritual law of Moses.
Q. 26.—What is meant by liberty ?
Gal. v. 1.
A.—Liberty, 1st, From the law, 2d,
From sin.
If. Q. 1.—How comes what is written
on justification to be so intricate and ob¬
scure ? Is this obscurity from the nature
of the thing itself, or from the fault op
weakness of those who generally treated
about it ?
A.—We apprehend this obscurity does
not arise from the nature of the subject:
but partly from the extreme warmth of
most writers who have treated of it.
Q,. 2.—We affirm faith in Christ is the
sole condition of justification. But does not
repentance go before that faith ? Yea,
and (supposing there be opportunity for
them) fruits or works meet for repentance?
A.—Without doubt they do.
Q. 3.—How then can we deny them to
be conditions of justification? Is not this
a mere strife of words ?
35
A. It seems not, though it has been
grievously abused. But so the; abuse cease,
let the use remain.
Q. 4. Shall we read over together Mr.
Baxter's aphorisms concerning justifica¬
tion ?
A. By all means.
Q. 5. Is an assurance of God's par¬
doning love absolutely necessary to our
being in his favor 1 . Or may thsre possi¬
bly be some exempt cases?
A. We dare not positively say there
are not.
Q. 6. Is such an assurance absolutely
necessary to inward and outward holiness 1
A. To inward we apprehend it is: to
outward holiness we incline to think not.
Q. 7. Is it indispensably necessary to
final salvation?
A. Love hopetH all things. We know
not how far any may fall under the case of
invincible ignorance.
Q. 8. But what can we say of one of
our own society who dies without it, as I.
W. at London.
A. It may possibly be an exempt case
tif the fact was really so.) But we deter-
36
mine nothing: We leave hi* soul in the
hands of him that made it.
Q. 9. Does a man believe any longer
than he sees a reconciled God 1
A. We conceive not. But we allow
there may be infinite degrees in seeing
God ; even as many as there are between
him that sees the sun, when it shines on
his eyelids closed, and him who stands
with his eyes wide open in the full blaze of
his beams. .
Q. 10. Does a man believe any longer
than he loves God ?
A. In no wise. For neither circum-
cision nor uncircumcision avails, without
faith working by love.
Q. 11. Have we duly considered the
case of Cornelius ? Was he not in the fa-
vor of God, when his prayers and alms
came up for a memorial before God—i. e.
before he believed in Christ ?
A. It does seem that- he was, in
some degree. But we speak not of those
who haveheard the gospel.
Q. 12. But were those works of his
splendid sins ?
37
A. No; nor were they done without
the grace of Christ.
Q. 13. How then- can we maintain,
that all works, done before we have a
sense of the pardoning love of God, are
sin? And, as such, an abomination to
him?
A. The works of him who has heard
the gospel, and does not believe, are not
doue as God hath willed or commanded
them to be done. And yet we know not
how to say, that they are an abomination
to the Lord in him who feareth God, and
from that principle does the best he can.
Q. 14. Seeing there is so much diffi¬
culty in this subject, can we deal too ten¬
derly with them that oppose us ?
A. We cannot, unless we were to give
up any part of the truth of God.
Q. 15. Is a believer constrained to
obey God?
A. At first, he often is. The love of
Christ constraineih him. After this he
may obey, or he may not; no constraint
being laid on him.
Q. 16. Can faith be lost but through
disobedience ?
38
A. Itcantiot. A believer first inward
ly disobeys, inclines to sin with- his heart:
then his intercourse with God is cut ofl) i. e.
hia faith is lost. And after this he may
fall into outward sin, being now weak and
like another man.
Q. 17. How can such a one recover
faith ?
A. By repenting, and doing the first
^orks. Rev. ii. c. 5 verse.
Q. 18. Whence is it that so great a
majority of those who believe, fall more or
less into doubt or fear ?
A. Chiefly from their own ignorance
or unfaithfulness: often from their npt
watching unto prayer: perhaps from some
defect or want of the power of God, in the
preaching they hear.
Q. 19. Is there not a defect in us?
Do we preach as we did at first ? Have
we not changed our doctrines ?
A. 1st. At first we preached almost
wholly to unbelievers. To those therefore
we spake almost continually of remission
of sins through the death of Christ arid
the nature of faith in his blood. And so
we do still among those who need to be
39
taught the first elements of the gospel of
Christ.
2d. But those in whom the foundation
is already laid, we exhort to go on to per¬
fection, which we did not see so clearly at
first, although we occasionally spoke of it
from the beginning.
3d. Yet we now preach, and that con¬
tinually, faith in Christ, as our prophet,
priest, and king, at least as clearly, as
strongly, and as fully as we did several
years ago.
Q. 20. Do not some of our preachers
preach too much of the wrath, and too lit¬
tle of the love of God ?
A. We fear that they have leaned to
that extreme, and hence some' of their
hearers have lost the joy of faith.
Q. 21. Need we ever preach the ter¬
rors of the Lord, to those who know they
are accepted of him?
A. No, it is folly so to do; for love is
to them the strongest of all motives.
Q. 22. Do we ordinarily represent a
justified state> so great and happy as it is ?
A. Perhaps not: A believer walking
40
in the light, is inexpressibly great and
happy.
Q. 23. Should we not have a care of
depreciating justification, in order to exalt
the state of full sanctification ?
A. Undoubtedly we should beware of
this ; for one may insensibly slide into it.
Q. 24. How should we avoid it ?
A. When we are going to speak of en¬
tire sanctification, let us first describe the
blessings of a justified state, as strong as
possible.
Q. 25. Does not the truth of the gos¬
pel lie very near both to Calvinism and
Anlinomianism I
A. 'Indeed it does, as it were within a
hair's breadth. So that it is altogether
foolish and sinful, because we do not alto¬
gether agree with one or the other, to run
from them as far as ever we can.
Q. 26. Wherein may we come to the
very verge of Calvinism ?
A. 1st. In ascribing all good to the
free grace of God. 2d. In denying all
natural free wilJ, and all power antecedent
to grace; and 3d. In excluding all merit
41
from man ; even for what he has or does
for the grace of God.
Q. 27. Wherein may we come to the
edge of Antinomianism ?
A. 1st. In exalting the merits and Iov&
of Christ. 2d. In rejoicing evermore.
Q. 28. Does faith supersede (set aside
the necessity of) holiness or good works ?
A. In no wise. So far from it that it
implies both as a cause does its effects.
III. Q. 1. Can an unbeliever (what,
ever he be in other respects) challenge any
thing of God's justice?
A. He cannot, nothing but hell. And
this is a point which we cannot insist too
much on.
Q. 2. Do we exempt men of their
own righteousnessj as we did at first ? Do
we sufficiently labor when they begin to
be convinced of sin, to take away all they
lean upon? Should we not then endeavor
with all our might, to overturn their false
foundations?
A. This was at first one of our princi¬
pal points. And it ought to be so still.
For, till all other foundations are over?
turned, they cannot build on Christ,
42
Q. 3. Did we not then purposely throw
them into convictions ? Into strong sor¬
row and fear ? Nay, did we not strive to
make them inconsolable 1 Refusing to be
comforted ?
A. We did. And so should we do still.
For the stronger the conviction, the speed¬
ier is the deliverance. And none so soon
receive the peace of God, as those who
steadily refuse all other comfort.
Q. 4. What is sincerity 1
A. Willingness to know and to do the
whole will of God. The lowest species
thereof seems to be faithfulness in that
which is little.
Q. 5. Has God any regard for man's
sincerity ?
A. So far, that no man in any state
can possibly please God without it; nei¬
ther in any moment wherein he is not sin¬
cere.
Q. 6. But can it be conceived that God
has any reg ard to the sincerity of an un¬
believer?
A. Yes, so much, that if he perse¬
veres therein, God will infallibly give him
faith.
43
Q. 7. What regard may we conceive
him to have to the sincerity of a believer ?
A. So much, that in every sincere be¬
liever he fulfills all the great and precious
promises.
Q. 8. Whom do you term a sincere
believer ?
A. One that walks in the light, as God
is in the light.
Q. 9. Is sincerity the same with a sin¬
gle eye 1
A. Not altogether, the latter refers to
our intentions, the former to our wills or
desires.
Q. ] 0. Is it not all in all ?
A. All will follow persevering sincer¬
ity. God gives every thing.with it; no-
thing without it.
Q. 11. Are not, then, sincerity and
faith equivalent terms ?
A. By no means. Is it at least as
nearly related to works as it is to faith ?
For example, who is sincere before he be¬
lieves ? He that then does all he can: he
that, according to the power he has re¬
ceived, brings forth fruit meet for repent¬
ance. Who is sincere after he believes?
44
He thatj from a sense of God's love, is
zealous of afl good works.
Q. 12. Is not sincerity what St. Paul
terms a willing mind ? 2 Cor. viii. 12.
A. Yes, if the word be taken in a gen¬
eral sense. For it is a constant disposi¬
tion to use all the grace given.
Q. 13. But do we not then set sincerity
on a level with faith ?
A. No ; for we allow a man may be
sincere and not be justified, as he may be
penitent and not be justified : (not as yet)
but. he cannot have faith, and not be justi¬
fied. The very moment he believes he ia
justified.
Q. 14. But do we not give up faith,and
put sincerity in its place, as the condition
of our acceptance with God ?
A. We believe it is one condition of
our acceptance, as repentance likewise is.
And we believe it a condition of our con¬
tinuing in a state of acceptance with God.
Yet we do not put it in the place pf faith.
It is by faith the merits of Christ are ap¬
plied to my soul. But if I am not sincere
they are not applied.
45
Q.. 15. Is not this that going about to
establish your own righteousness, whereof
St. Paul speaks ?
A. St. Paul there manifestly speaks of
unbelievers, who sought to be accepted for
the sake of their own righteousness. We
do not seek to be accepted for the sake of
our sincerity; but through the merits of
Christ alone. Indeed, so long as any man
believes, he cannot go about (in St. Paul's
sense) to establish his own righteousness.
Q. 16. But do you consider that we
are under the covenant of grace 1 And
that the covenant of works is now abo¬
lished ?
A. All mankind were under the cove¬
nant of grace, from the very hour that the
original promise was made. If by the
covenant of works you mean that of uns/n-
ning obedience made with Adam before the
fall: no man but Adam was ever under
that covenant-^-for it was-abolished before
Cain was born. Yet it is not so abolished,
but that it will stand, in a measure, even
to the end of the world, i. e. if we do this
we shall live ; if not we shall die eternally :
if we do well, we shall live with God in
46
glory—if evil, we shall die the second
death. For every man shall be judged in
that, and rewarded according to his works*
Q. 17. What means, then, to him that
believeth, his faith is counted for righteous¬
ness?
A. That God forgives him that is un¬
righteous as soon as he believes, accepting
his faith instead of perfect righteousness.
But then observe, universal righteousness
follows, though it did not precede faith.
Q. 18. But is faith thus counted to us
for righteousness, at whatsoever time we
believe ?
A. Yes. In whatsoever moment we-
believe, all our past sins vanish away.
They, as though they never had been,and
we stand clear in the sight of God.
Q. 19. Are not the assurance of faith,
the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, and the
revelation of Christ in us, terms of nearly
the same import ?
A. He that denies one of them, must
deny all; they are so closely connected
together.
Q. 20. Are they ordinarily, where the
47
pure gospel is preached, essential to our
acceptance ?
A. Undoubtedly they are; and as such
to be insisted on, in the strongest terms.
Q. 21. Is not the whole dispute of sal¬
vation by faith, or by works, a mere strife
of words 1
A. In asserting salvation by faith, we
mean thi^; ' 1st. That pardon (salvation
begun) is received by faith, producing
works. 2d. That holiness, (salvation con¬
tinued) is faith working by love. 3d. That
Heaven (salvation finished) is the reward
of this faith.
If you assert salvation by works, or by
faith and works, mean the same thing,
(understanding by faith, the revelation of
Christ in us, by salvation, pardon, holi¬
ness, glory) we will not strive with you at
all. If you do not, this is not a strife of
words, but the very vitals, the essence of
Christianity is the thing in question.
Q. 22. Wherein does our doctrine now
differ from that preached by Mr. Wesley,
at Oxford ?
A. Chiefly in these two points : 1st.
He then knew nothing of that righteousness
48
of faith in justification; nor 2d. Of that
nature of faith itself, as implying con¬
sciousness of pardon.
" Q. 23. May not some degree of the
love of God go before a distinct sense of
justification ?
A. We believe it may.
Q,. 24. Can any degree of holiness or
santification ?
A. Many degrees of outward holiness
may ; yea, and some degree of meekness,
and several other tempers which would be
branches of Christian holiness^ but that
they do not spring from Christian princi¬
ples. For the abiding love of God cannot
spring but from faith in a pardoning God.
And no true Christian holiness can exist
without that love of God for its founda-
lion.
Q. 25. Is every man, as soon as he
believes, a new creature, sanctified, pure in
heart? Has he then a new heart? Does
Christ dwell therein ? and is he a temple
of the Holy Ghost ?
A. All these things may be affirmed
of every believer, in a true sense. Let us
not, therefore, contradict those who main-
49
tain it. Why should we contend about
words 1
IV. Q. 1; How much is allowed by
our brethren who differ from us with re¬
gard to sanctification ?
A. They grant, 1st. That every one
must be entirely sanctified, in the article
of death ;
2d. That until then a believer daily
grows in grace, comes nearer and nearer
to perfection.
3d. That we ought to be continually
pressing after this, and exhort all others so
to do.
Q. 2. What do we allow them 1
A. We grant, 1st. That many of those
who have died in the faith, yea, the greater
part of those we have known, were not
sanctified throughout, npt made perfect in
love, till a little before death.
2d. That the term " sanctified" is con-
tinually applied by St. Paul to all that were
justified, were true believers
3d. That by this term alone, he rarely
(if ever) means, saved from all sin.
4th. That, consequently, it is not proper
50
to use it in this sense without adding the
words "entirely, wholly," or the like.
5th. That the inspired writers almost
continually speak of, or to those who were
justified; but very rarely, either of or to
those who were wholly sanctified :
6th. That, consequently, it behooves ua
to speak in public almost continually of the
state of justification; but more rarely, at
least in full and explicit terms, concerning
entire sanctification.
Q. 3. What then is the point wherein
we divide ?
A. It is this: Whether we should ex¬
pect to be saved from all sin, before the
article of death.
Q. 4. Is t.here any clear scripture
promise of this ? That God will save us
from all sin T
A. There is, Psalm exxx. 8. "He
shall redeem Israel from'all his sins."
This is more largely expressed in the
prophecy of Ezekiel : "Then will I sprin¬
kle clean water upon you, and you shall be
clean from all your filthiness, and from all
your idols will I cleanse you—I will also
save you from all your uncleanness"—
51
Cxxxvi. 25,29. No promise can l?e more
clear. And to this the Apostle plainly
refers in that exhortation : Having these
promises, let us cleanse ourselves from all
filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting
holiness in the fear of God. 2 Cor. vii. I.
Equally clear and express is that ancient
promise : The Lord thy God will circum¬
cise thy heart, and the heart of thy seed,to
love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
and with all thy soul. Deut. xxx. 6.
Q. 5. But does any assertion answer,
able to this occur in the New Testament ?
A. There does, and that laid down in
the plainest terms. So 1 John iii. 8 : For
this purpose the Son of God was mani¬
fested, that*he might destroy the works of
the Devil. The works of the Devil, with¬
out any limitation or restriction : but all
sin is the work of the Devil.' Parallel to
which is that assertion of St. Paul, Eph.
xxv. 27: Christ loved the church,and gave
himself for it, that he might present it to
himself a glorious church, not having spot
or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it
should be holy, and without blemish.
And to the same effect is that assertion
in the 8th chanter of the Romans, (3d and
52
4th verses,) God sent his Son, that ' the
righteousness of the law might be fulfilled
in us, walking not after the flesh, but after
the Spirit.
Q. 6. Does the New Testament afford
any further ground for expecting to be
saved from all sin ?
A. Undoubtedly it does, both in those
prayers and commands which are equiva¬
lent to the strongest assertions.
Q. T. What prayers do yon mean ?
A. Prayers for entire sanctification;
-which, were there no such thing, would
be mere mockery'of God. Such, in par¬
ticular, are 1st. Deliver us from evil; of
rather, from the evil one. Now, when
this is done, when we are delivered from
all evil, there can be no sin remaining.
2nd. Neither pray I for these alone, but
for them also which shall believe on me
through their Word, that they may be all
one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in
thee, that they also may be one in us ; I in
them, and thou in me, that they may be
made perfect in one.—John, c. xvii. v. 20,
21, 23.
3. I bow my knees unto the God and
53
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he
would grant you, that ye being rooted and
grounded in love, may be able to compre¬
hend with all saints, what is the length,
breadth and heighth, and to know the iove
of Christ,which passeth knowledge, that ye
might be filled with all the fulness of God.
—Eph., c. iii. v. 14, 16, 19.
4. The very God of peace sanctify you
"wholly. And I pray God, your whole
spirit, soul, and body be preserved blame¬
less unto the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ.—1-Thess., v. c. 23 v.
Q. 8. What command is there to the
same effect 1
A. 1. Be ye perfect as your Father
which is in heaven is perfect.—Math. iv..
2. Thou sl>alt love the Lord thy God
with all thy heart, and with all thy soul,
and with all thy mind.—Math. c. xxii. v.
37. But if the love of Gad fill all the heart,
there can be'no sin there.
Q. 9. But how does it'appear that this-
is to be done before the article of death 1
A. First, from the very nature of a
command, which is not given to the dead,
but to the living.
54
Therefore, Thou shalt Jove the Lord thy
God with all thy heart, cannot mean,
Thou shalt do this when thou diest, but
while thou livest.
Secondly, from express texts of scrip-
ture.
1. The grace of God which bringeth
salvation hath appeared to all men ; teach¬
ing us, that having renounced ungodliness
and worldly lusts, we should live righte¬
ously, soberly., and godly, in the present
world ; looking for the glorious appearing
of our Lord Jesus Christ; who gave him-
self for us, that he might redeem us from
all iniquity, and purify unto himself a pe>
culiar people, zealous of good works.—
Tit. c. ii. v. 11, 14.
2. He hath raised up an horn of salva¬
tion for us, to perform the mercy promised
.to our fathers ; the oath which he swore to
our father Abraham that he would grant
unto us, that we being delivered out of the
hands of all our enemies, should serve him
without fear, in holiness and righteousness
before him all the days of our life.—Luke,
c. i. v. 69, &c.
Q. 10. Does not the harshly preaching
55
perfection tend to bring believers into a
kind of bondage or slavish fear 1
A. It does. Therefore, we should al-
ways place it m the most amiable light, so
that it may excite only hope,, joy, and de¬
sire.
Q. 11. Why may we not continue in the
joy of faith, even till we are made perfect ?
A. Why, indeed! Since holy grief
does not quench this joy; since even while,
we are under the cross, while we deeply
partake of the sufferings of Christ, we may
rejoice with joy unspeakable.
Q. 12. Do we not discourage believers
from rejoicing evermore ?
A. We ought not to do so. Let them
all their time rejoice unto God, so it be
with reverence. And even if lightness or
pride should mix with their joy, let us not
strike at the joy itself, (this is the gift of
God,) but at that lightness or pride, that
the evil may cease and the good remain.
Q. 13. Ought we'to be anxiously care-
ful about perfection, lest we should die be¬
fore we have attained it ?
^L. In no wise. We ought to be thus
56
careful for nothing, neither spiritual nor
temporal.
Q. 14. But ought we not to be troubled
on account of the sinful nature which still
remains in us ?
A. It is good to have a deep sense of
this, and to be much ashamed before the
Lord. But this should'only incite us the
more earnestly to turn unto Christ every
moment, and to draw light, and life,'and
strength from Him, that we may go on con-
quering and to conquer. And therefore,
when the sense of our sin most abounds,
the sense of his love should much more
abound.
Q. 15. Will our joy or our trouble in,
crease as we grow in grace ?
A. Perhaps both. But, without doubt,
-our joy in the Lord will increase as our
love increases.
Q. 16. Is not the teaching believers to
be continually poring aver their inbred sin,
the ready way to make them forget that
they were purged from their former sin ?
A. We find by experience it is ; or tq
make them undervalue, and account it a
little thing; whereas, indeed, (though
'57
there are still greater gifts behind,) this is
inexpressibly great and glorious.
CHAPTER II.
OF SPIRITUAL GOVERNMENT.
Section J.—Of the General Conference.
It is desired that all things be considered
on .these occasions, as in the immediate
presence of God ; that every person speak
freely whatever is in his heart.
Q. 1. How may we best improve our
time at conferences ?
A. 1. While we are conversing, let us
have an especial care to^set God always
before us.
2. In the intermediate hours, let us re¬
deem all the time we can for private exer¬
cises.
3. Therein let us give ourselves to
prayer for one another, and for a blessing
on our laborsf.
Of the General Conference.
Q. 2. Who shall compose the General
58
Conference, and what are the regulations
and powers belonging to it 1
A. 1. The General .Conference shall
be composed of all the travelling preach,
ers, who have travelled two full years at
least, at the time of holding the General
Conference, and whose- character and
standing are fair, and all those of the local
order, who have been regularly appointed
.delegates, by the respective Annual Con¬
ferences, and who have been licensed two
full years. There shall not be more than
one delegate for every five, nor less than
one for every seven members of the An¬
nual Conference.
1. In case of death, resignation, ex¬
pulsion, or removal from the District, the
QuarterlyMe'eting Conference, where such
vacancy happens, shall have power to elect
another upon the nomination of the preach¬
er in charge.
2. The General Conference shall meet
on the first Monday in May, once in four
years perpetually, in such place or places
as shall be fixed on by the General Confer¬
ences from time to time ; but the General
Superintendent or acting Bishop,with or by
59
the advice of all the Arfnual Conferences,
or if there be no General Superintendent,
or-Assistant, all the Annual Conferences
respectively, shall have power to call a
General Conference, if they judge it ne*
cessary, at any time.
3. The General Superintendent shall
request the preachers having the charge
of the different circuits, or stations, to no¬
tify the delegates appointed by the Annual
Conference, to attend at the time and place
appointed, and should there not'be two-
thirds of the members present after such
I notice, those present shall proceed to busi.
ness, and their proceedings shall be lawful.
4. The General Superintendent's duty
shall be to preside in all our Conferences.
But in case no General Superintendent be
present, the Assistant or Junior Bishop,
shali act in his place : but, in their absence
the Conference shall choose a President pro
tempore.
5. The General Conference shall have
full powers to make rules and regulations
:for our Church, under the following limi-
itations and restrictions, viz :
1. The General Conference shall not
60
revoke, alter or change our articles of re-
ligion, nor establish any new standards or
rules of doctrine contrary to our present ex¬
isting and established standards of doctrine.
2. They shall not change or alter any
part or rule of our government, so as to do
away Episcopacy, or destroy the plan of
our itinerant General Superintendency.
3. They shall not do away the privi¬
leges of our ministers or preachers, of trial
by a committee, and of an appeal: Neither
shall they do away the privileges of our
.members of trial before the society, or by
a Committee, and of an appeaL
They shall not revoke or change
the general rules of the United Socie¬
ties.
5. They shall not appropriate the pro¬
duce of the Book concern, to any purpose
other than for the benefit of the travelling
preachers: Provided, nevertheless, that,
upon the joint recommendation of all thei
Annual Conferences, then a majority of
two-thirds of the General Conference suc>
ceeding, shall suffice to alter any of tJi8
above restrictions.
61
Section Il.-r-Of the Annual Conferences.
Q. 1. Who shall attend the Yearly
Conferences 1
A. All the preachers who have been
licensed two years at the time of holding
the Conference. But the Conference shall
act according to their judgment as to the
standing of a preacher, previous to his ob¬
taining a license from the preacher having
the charge, (in behalf of the QuarterlyCon,.
ference,) and the Annual Conference fnay
admit him on trial, if they think proper.
Q,. 2. Who shall appoint the time of
holding the Yearly Conferences ?
A. The General Superintendent or
acting Bishop ; but he shall allow the Con*
ference to sit a week at least.
Q. 3. Who shall appoint the place of
holding the Yearly Conference ?
A. Each Conference shall appoint the
place ofits own sitting.
Q. 4. What is the method wherein we
usually proceed in the yearly Conferences?
A. We inquire :—
1. What preachers are admitted on
trial ?
2. Who remain on trial ?
62
3. Who are admitted into full connex¬
ion ?
4. Who are the Deacons?
5. Who have been elected and ordain¬
ed Elders this year 1
6. Who have located this year ?
7. Who have been elected by the Gen¬
eral Conference to exercise the Episcopal
Office, and superintend the African Meth¬
odist Church in America 7
8. Who are the Supernumeraries ?*
9. Who have been expelled from the
connexion this year ?
10. Who have withdrawn from the
connexion this year ?
11. Are all the preachers blameless in
life and conversation ?
12. Who have died this year ?
13. What numbers are in Society?
14. What has been collected for the
contingent expenses, and making up the
allowances of the preachers, &c. ?
*A Supernumerary is one so worn out in the itin¬
erant service, as to be incapable of preaching con¬
stantly, but at the same time is willing to do any
work in the ministry which the Conference may di¬
rect, and his strength enable him to perform.
63
15. How has this been expended 1
16. Where are the preachers stationed
this year ?
17. Where and when shall our next
Conference be held ?
Q. 18. Is there any other business to
be done in the yearly Conferences ?
A. The electing and ordaining of dea-
eons and elders.
Q. 19. Are there any other directions to
be given concerning the yearlyconferences?
A. There shall be four Conferences in
the year: one in the Baltimore District,
one in Philadelphia District, one in New
York District, and one in the Pittsburgh or
Western District.
An Annual Conference may be estab¬
lished in the Canadas,and one in the States
of Indiana, Illinois, and further west, should
the Bishop see a necessity for them, at any
time when he may travel through those re¬
gions.
A record of the proceedings of each
Annual Conference, shall be kept by a
Secretary, chosen for that purpose, .and
shall be signed by the President and Sec-
64
retary; and let a copy of the said record
be sent to the General Conference.
Section III.—Of the Election and Consecra¬
tion of a General Superintendent or acting
Bishop, and of his duty.
Q. 1. How is a General Superinten¬
dent to be constituted ?
A. By the election of the General Con¬
ference, and the laying on of the hands of
the General Superintendent and two el¬
ders ; or for want of elders, deacons.
Q. 2. If by death, expulsion, or other¬
wise, thfere be no General Superintendent
in our Church, what shall we do 1 .
A. The General Conference shall elect
one, and the elders, or any three of them
who shall be appointed by the General Con¬
ference for that purpose, shall ordain him
according to our form of ordination.
Q. 3. What shall be done, if by death,
expulsion, or otherwise, there be no Assis¬
tant to the General Superintendent ?
A. The General Superintendent shall
choose one to act until the sitting of the
next General Conference. And should
65
it so happen that we have no General Su¬
perintendent or Assistant, then one elder
chosen from each District shall, with their
joint concurrence, through their correspon¬
dence, call a General Conference forthwith
to fiil the vacancy.
Q. 4. What are the duties of the Gen-
eral Superintendent or acting Bishop ?
A. 1. To preside in all our Conferences.
2. To affix all the appointments of the
travelling ministers, in conjunction with the
Assistant, or Junior Bishop, at the Annual
Conferences ; but in the interval of the
Conference he shall exercise his judgment,
in conjunction with one or more of the
preachers having the charge of the neigh¬
boring circuits or stations, and the Quar¬
terly Conference, where he wishes the
preacher removed from. Nevertheless,
that no preacher remain on one circuit or
station longer than two years, unless tha
Bishop, in his godly judgment,sees fit oth¬
erwise.
3. To travel through the connexion at
large.
4. To oversee the spiritual and tem¬
poral business of our Societies.
3
m
5. To ordain General Superintendent®,
EWers and Deacons.
5. To whom is a General Superin¬
tendent amenable for his conduct ?
A* To the General Conference, who
have power to expel hina for improper con¬
duct if they think proper,
Q. What provision shall be made for
the trial of a General Superintendent, in
the interval of a General Conference 1
A. He shall be examined by five EI.
ders, or for the want of one Elder to make
a quorum, one Deacon; they shall have
power to suspend him from the superinten-
dency, and shall give him a copy of the
charge. And the Assistant or Junior Bishop
shall call together the members of an An¬
nual Conference; and the said Annual
Conference shall have power to suspend
him from all official standing until the en.
suing General Conference, where it shall
be finally determined ; but all accusations
shall be given to him at his first trial, by
those who are to prove the crime.
Q. 7. If a General Superintendent cease
from travelling at large among the people,
67
shall he still exercise the Episcopal Office
among us in any degree 1
A. This shall be regulated by the Gen«
eral Conference; and they shall make pro.
vision for his travelling expenses.
Section IV.—Of the duties of Elders having
the charge.
Q. 1. How is an Elder constituted ?
A. By the election of a majority of the
yearly Conference, and by the laying on
of the hands of a General Superintendent,
and some of the Elders present,
Q. 2. What are the duties of an Elder
having the charge ?
A. 1. In the absence of the General
Superintendent, to take charge of all the
Elders and Deacons, travelling and local
preachers and exhorters, in his charge.
2. Tc^.be present at all the Quarterly
Meetings ; to preside in the Quarterly
Conferences, (consisting of all the travel,
ling and local preachers, exhorters, stew¬
ards, and class leaders, belonging to hia
toharge and none else,) to hear complaints
(and try appeals. At which time the follow,
ing.questions may be asked, viz :
68
1. Are there any appeals?
2. Are there any applications for license
to preach or exhort?
3. Are there any licenses to be re¬
newed ?
4. How many members have been re-
ceived into full membership?
5. How many on probation ?
6. How many by certificate?
7. How many have been expelled ?
8. How many laid aside for breach of
our rules ?
9. How many removed without certifi¬
cate?
10. How many removed by certificate?
11. What numbers are in society ?.
12. What is the increase this quarter?
The quarterly conference shall appoint
a secretary to take down the proceedings
of each quarterly conference, in a book
kept by one of the stewards of his charge
for that purpose.
3. To take care that every part of out
Discipline be enforced in his charge.
4. To attend the general superintendent
when present in his charge, and to give
69
him when absent, all necessary informa¬
tion by letter, of the state of his charge.
Q. 2. Shall he have power to employ
a preacher who has been rejected for im¬
moral conduct at the previous annual con¬
ference ?
A. 1. He shall not, without the con-
sertt of a majority of the quarterly con¬
ference, and permission from the said an¬
nual conference so to do.
2. He shall travel and labor through his
charge ; administer Baptism and the Lord's
Supper, perform the office of Matrimony,
and all parts of Divine Woiship.
3. He shall not cease to travel without
the consent of the yearly conference, cer¬
tified under the hand of the President of
the conference, except in case of sickness,
debility, or other unavoidable circumstan¬
ces. Nevertheless, the final determina¬
tion of all such cases is with the annual
conference.
4. To meet the societies, classes, and
general bands.
5. To visit the sick.
6. To ! e diligent; never be unem¬
ployed ; never be triflmgly employed.
70
7. To see that the other preachers in
his circuit behave well and want nothing.
8. To renew the tickets quarterly and
regulate the bands.
9. To meet the stewards and leaders as
often as possible.
10. To appoint all the leaders, and
change them when he sees it necessary ;
(but the stewards shall be appointed in the
way the discipline directs.)
11. To receive, try, and.expel mem.
bers, according to the form of Disci¬
pline.
12. To hold watch nights and love
feasts.
13. To hold quarterly meetings.
14. To take care that every society be
duly supplied with books.
15. To take an exact account of the
numbers in society, in their respective cir¬
cuits or stations, and deliver in such ac¬
count to the annual conference, that they
Wiay be printed in the minutes.
16. To meet the men and women apart
in the larger societies, once a quarter,
wherever it is practicable.
71
17. To overlook the accounts of all the
stewards.
18. To appoint a person to receive the
quarterly collections in the classes, (where
there is no steward.)
19. To see that public collections be
made quarterly if need be.
20. To raise a yearly subscription in
those circuits that can bear it, for the build-,
ing of churches, and paying the debts of
thqse which have been already erected.
21. To choose a committee of lay mem-
bers, to make just applications of the mo¬
ney where it is most wanted, (where there
is no steward.)
Q. 3. What other directions shall we
give him ?
A. Several:
1. To leave his successor a particular*
account of the state of the circuit.
2. To see that every band-leader have
the rules of the bands.
8. To enforce, vigorously, but calmly,
all the rules of the society -
4. As soon as there are four men or
women believers in any place, to put them
in band.
72
5. He may suffer the love feast to last
an hour and a half.
6. To warn ail, from time to time, that
none are to remove from one circuit to
another without a no!e of recommendation
from a preacher of the circuit, in these
words: " The bearer, A. B., has been an
acceptable member of our society in C."
and to inform tiiem, that without such a
certificate, they will not be received into
other societies.
7. To recommend every where decency
and cleanliness.
8. To read the rules of the society,with
the aid of the other preachers on his
charge, once a year in every congregation,
and once a quarter in every society.
9. Me shall take care that a fast be held
in every society in his circuit, on the Fri-
day preceding every quarterly meeting;
and that a memorandum of it be written
on all the class papers.
10. He shall also take care that no un-
ordained local preacher or exhorter in his
circuit shall officiate in public, without
first obtaining a license from the preacher
in charge. Let every such preacher and
73
exhorter take care to have this renewed
yearly; and let him who has the charge
of the circuit insist upon it.
Section V.—Of the Election and Ordination
of Travelling Deacons, and of their Duty.
Q,. 1. How is a travelling deacon con¬
stituted 1
A. By the election of a majority of the
yearly conference, and the laying on of
the hands of a bishop.
Q. 2. What is the duty of a travelliag
deacon ?
A. 1. To baptize, and perform the of-
fice of matrimony in the absence of the
elder.
2. To assist the elder in administering
the Lord's Supper.
3. To do all the duties of a travelling
preacher.
Q 3. What shall be the time of the
probation of a travelling deacon for the of¬
fice of an elder.
A. Every travelling deacon ehall ex¬
ercise that office for two years, before he
be eligible to the office of elder ; except in
74
the case of missions, when the annual
conferences shall have authority to elect
for the eider's office sooner, if" they judge
it expedient.
No deacon who ceases to travel without
the consent of the yearly "conference, cer-
tified under the hand of the President of
the conference, except in case of sickness,
debility, or other unavoidable circum¬
stances, shall on any account exercise the
peculiar functions of his office, or be even
allowed to preach among us. Neverthe¬
less, the final determination in all such
cases is with the annual conference.
Section VI.—Of the Method of Receiving
Travelling Preachers, and their Duty.
Q. 1. How is a travelling preacher to
be received ?
A. 1. By the annual conference.
2. In the interval of the conference by
the bishop, or the minister in charge, until
the sitting of the conference.
Q. 2. What are the directions given
to a preacher ?
A. 1. Be diligent, never be unem¬
ployed; never be triflingly employed j
75
never trifle away any time ; neither spend
any more time at any place than is strictly'
necessary.
2. Be serious. Let your motto be,
Holiness unto the Lord. Avoid all light¬
ness, jesting, and foolish talking.
3. Converse sparingly, and conduct
yourselves prudently with women. 1 Tim.
verse 2.
4. Take no step towards marriage
without consulting your brethren.
5. Believe evil of no one without good
evidence ; unless you see it done, take
heed you credit it not. Put the best con¬
struction on every thing. You know the
judge is always supposed to be on the pri¬
soner's side.
6. Speak evil of no one, because your
word especially doth eat as a canker.
Keep your thoughts within your own breast
till you come to the persons concerned.
7. Tell every one under your care
what you think wrong in his conduct and
temper, and that lovingly and plainly, as
soon as may be, else it will fester in your
heart. Make all haste to cast the fire out
of your bosom.
76
8. Avoid all affectation. A preacher
of the gospel is the servant of all.
9. Be ashamed of nothing but sin.
10. Be punctual. Do every thing ex¬
actly at the time. And do not mend our
rules, but keep them; not for wrath, but
conscience sake.
11. You have nothing to do but to save
souls; therefore spend and be spent in this
work. And go always not only to those
who want you, but to those who want you
most.
Observe: It is not your business only
to preach so many fimes, and to take care
of thi* or that society, but to save as many
as you can; to bring as many sinners to
repentance as you can ; and with all your
power to build them up in that holiness,
without which they cannot see the Lord.
And remember, a Methodist preacher is to
mind every point, great and small, in the
Methodist discipline. Therefore, you will
need to exercise all the sense and grace
you have.
12. Act in all things not according to
your own will, but as a son in the gospel.
As such, it is your duty to employ your
77
time in the manner which we direct; in
preaching and visiting from house to house;
in reading, meditation, and prayer. Above
all, if you labor with us in the vineyard of
the Lord, it is necessary you should do
that part of the work which we advise, at
those times and places which we judge
most for his glory.
Q. 3. What method do we use in re¬
ceiving a travelling preacher ia Confer¬
ence ?
A. After solemn prayer, every person
proposed shall then be asked, before the
Conference, the following questions, (with
any other which may be thought neces¬
sary,) viz: Have you faith in Christ?
Are you going on to perfection ? Do you
expect to be made perfect in love in this
life? Are you groaning after it? Are
you resolved wholly to devote yourself to
God and his work 1 Do you know the
rules of the Society ? Of the bands? Do
you keep them ? Do you constantly at¬
tend the Sacrament ? Have you read the
form of Discipline? Are you willing to
conform to it ? Have you considered the
rules of a preacher, especially the first,
78
tenth, and twelfth ? Will you keep them
for conscience sake ? Are yon determined
to employ all your time in the work of
God 1 Will you endeavor not to speak too
Jong nor too loud 1 Will you instruct the
children in every place 1 Will you visit
from house to house? Will you-recom¬
mend fasting or abstinence both by pre¬
cept and example 1 Are you in debt ?
We may then, if he gives us satisfac¬
tion as to his knowledge of the Discipline
and doctrines of our church ; of the un¬
derstanding he has in the connections ne¬
cessary in a discourse; of his knowledge
©f church history, particularly ours, re¬
ceive him as a probationer, by giving him
the form of discipline, inscribed thus : "To
A. B. You think it your duty to call sin¬
ners to repentance. Make full proof of it,
and we shall rejoice to receive yoa as a
fellow-laborer." Let him then carefully
read and weigh what is contained therein;
and if he has any doubt, it may be re-
moved.
Should he be destitute of the foregoing
necessary qualifications, he shall be re¬
ferred to a committee, who shall examine
79
him occasionally during the ensuing year,
and if they recommend him, his applica¬
tion may be again presented at the next
ensuing Annual Conference.
Observe: Taking on trial is entirely
different from admitting a preacher into
full connexion. One on trial may be either
admitted or rejected without doing him any
wrong ; otherwise, it wodld be no trial at
all. Let every one who has the charge
of a circuit explain this to those who are on
trial, and to those who are to be proposed
in future.
But no one shall be admitted on trial,
unless he Grst procure a recommendation
from the Quarterly Meeting of his circuit.
After two years' probation, which is to
commence from his being received on trial
at the Annual Conference, being approved,
and examined by the Conference, he may
be received into full connexion by giving
him the form of Discipline inscribed thus:
u As long as you freely consent to, and
earnestly endeavor to walk by these rules,
we shall rejoice to acknowledge you as a
fellow-laborer,"
80
If any preacher absent himself from his
circuit withoul the leave of the General Su-
perintendent or the preacher in charge, his
place shall be filled with another preacher,
who shall be paid for his labors out of the
allowance of the absent preacher, in pro-
portion to the usual allowance, according
to the time employed.
SectionVII.—How to provide for the Circuits
in time of Conference, and to preserve and
increase the Word of God.
Q. What can be done to supply the
circuits during the sitting of conferences ?
A. 1. Let all the appointments stand ac¬
cording to the plan of the circuit.
2. Engage as many local preachers,or
exhorters, as will supply them, and let them
be paid for their time in proportion to the
allowance of the travelling preachers.
3. If preachers and exhoriers cannot
attend, let some person of ability be ap¬
pointed in every society, to sing and pray,
and read one of Mr. Wesley's sermons.
4. But if that cannot be done, let there
be prayer-meetings.
81
Section VIII.—Of the method by which im¬
moral travelling Preachers shall be brought
to trial r found guilty, and reproved or sus¬
pended, in the intervals of the Conferences.
Q. 1. What shall be done when a trav¬
elling preacher is under report of being
guilty of some criiije expressly forbidden
in the wordof God, as an unchristian prac¬
tice, sufficient to exclude a person from
the kingdom of grace and glory ?
A. If any of the travelling preachers
should be accused of any crime, breach of
Discipline, or neglect of duty during the
year, and there be no travelling preacher
on his circuit, to bring him to trial, the
neighboring circuit elder, at the request of
the circuit on which the offending preacher
travelled, shall bring him to*"trial before a
committee of travelling preachers ; or, tor
want of travelling, local elders, deacons, or
preachers, the committee to consist of not
less than three. If possible, the accused
and accuser shall be brought face to face.
If the person be clearly convicted, he shall
be suspended from all official standing in
the church until the ensuing annual con/
82
ference, at which time his case shall be
fully considered and determined.
If the accused and accuser cannot be
brought face to face, but the supposed de¬
linquent flees from trial, it shall be received
as a presumptive proof of guilt; and out of
the mouth of two or three witnesses he
shall be condemned. Nevertheless, even
in that case, the annual conference shall
reconsider and determine the whole mat¬
ter.*
Q. 2. What shall be done in cases of
improper tempers, words, or actions?
A. The person so offending shall be
reprehended by his senior in office. Should
a second transgression take place, one, two,
or three preachers, or for the want of
preachers, exhorters or leaders, are to be
taken as witnesses. If he be not then
* If any preacher, deaeon or elder, whether
travelling or local, be accused of immoral conduct,
the preacher having charge of the circuit or sta¬
tion where he resides, shall, if he be proved guilty
on trial, demand and receive from him his creden¬
tials, which shall be retained among the records of
the church. And should he refuse to daliver them
up, his name shall be published by said preacher
in charge, without delay, as a refractory preacher.
83
Cured, he shall bo tried at the next annual
conference, arid if found guilty and impeni¬
tent, he shall be expelled from the connex¬
ion, and his name so returned on the min¬
utes of the Conference.
Q. 3. What shall be done with those
ministers or preachers who hold and dis-i:
seminate, publicly or privately, doctrines
which are contrary to our articles of reli.
gion?
A. Let the same process be observed
as in cases of gross immorality; but if the
minister or preacher so offending, do
solemnly engage not to disseminate such
erroneous doctrines, in public or in private,
he shall be borne with till his case be laid
before the next annual conference, which
shall determine the matter.
Provided, nevertheless, that in all the
above-mentioned cases of trial and convic¬
tion, an appeal to the ensuing General
Conference shall be allowed.
Section IX.—Of the Local Preachers.
Q. 1. What directions shall be given
concerning local preachers ?
84
A. 1. Before any person can be li.
censed to preach as a local preacher
among us, he shall bring a recommenda¬
tion from the society or class of which he
is a member, and be personally examined
before the quarterly meeting conference,
by the elder having the charge, touching
his acquaintance with the doctrines of our
church, (to which he shall declare his as¬
sent,) together with his gifts and grace for
preaching; and if he be approved by the
quarterly meeting conference in these re-
spects, and they believe that he will be
generally useful and acceptable as a
preacher, he shall then receive a license,
signed by the preacher in charge, which
license he shall have annually renewed in
the following form:
" This is to certify, that the bearer, A
B., is licensed to preach in the African
Methodist Episcopal Church. Signed in
behalf of the quarterly conference of said
church, to be renewed once a year, so long
as his life corresponds with the Gospel, and
he submit to the rules of the Discipline of
said church. Given under my hand,
D. Minister."
85
2. A licensed local preacher shall be
eligible to the office of a deacon, Bfter he
has preachfd four years from the time he
received a regular license, and has <.»blain-
ed a testimonial from the quarterly meet¬
ing conference of the circuit to which he
belong?, after proper examination, signed
by the President, and countersigned by the
Secretary, and his character has passed an
examination before, and he has obtained
the approbation of the annual conference.
3. A. local deacon shall be eligible to
the office of an elder, after he has preached
four years from the-time he was ordained
a deacon, and has obtained a recommenda¬
tion from two-thirds of the quarterly meet¬
ing conference, of which1 he is a member,
certifying his qualifications in doctrine,
discipline, talents and usefulness, and the
necessity of his official stirv.ces as an elder
in the circuit where he resides, signed by
the President, and countersigned by the
Secretary. He shall, if he cannot attend,
send to the annual conference such recom¬
mendation, and a note, certifying his be¬
lief in the doctrine and discipline of our
church; the whole being examined by the
86
annual conference, and if approved of, he
may be ordained.
4. Every local elder, deacon, or preach,
er, shall have his name recorded on the
journal of the quarterly meeting conference
of which he is a member. And ev6ry lo¬
cal elder, deacon, and preacher, shall have
his name enrolled on a class paper, and
meet in class, if the distance of his place of
residence be not too great from any class ;
or, in neglect thereof the quarterly meet¬
ing conference, if they judge it proper,
may deprive him of his ministerial office.
Q. 2. What directions shall be given
concerning the trial of local elders, dea¬
cons, or preachers 1
A. If an accusation be brought against
a local elder, deacon, or preacher, the
preacher having the charge shall summon
three or more local preachers of the neigh¬
borhood; or, for want of preachers, as
many exho.rters or leaders. And if they,
or a majority of them, on due examination,
judge that the local elder, deacon, or
preacher, aforesaid, has been guilty of
such a crime, or has publicly or privately
disseminated such false doctrines as require
87
his suspension from all public offices and
privileges in our church, the preacher who
has the oversight of the circuit, shall ac¬
cordingly suspend him till the ensuing
quarterly meeting conference.
And in such a case, the next quarterly
meeting conference shall proceed upon his
trial, and shall have power to clear, cen¬
sure, or suspend him, according to their
judgment. And the preacher who has the
oversight of the circuit, shall, at the com¬
mencement of the trial, appoint a secre¬
tary, who shall take down regular minutes
of the evidence and proceedings of the
trial, which minutes, when read and ap¬
proved, shall be signed by the said preach¬
er having the charge, and also by the
members of the said quarterly meeting
conference, or by a majority of them.
And in case of condemnation, the local
elder, deacon, or preacher condemned,
shall be allowed an appeal to the next an¬
nual conference, provided that he signify
to the said quarterly meeting conference
his determination so to do ; in which case
the said preacher having the charge, shall
lay the minutes of the trial above men-
88
tioned before the annual conference, at
which time the local elder, deacon, or
preacher, so appealing may appear; and
the said annual conference shall judge and
finally determine from the minutes of the
trial so laid before them.
Whenever a local preacher shall re¬
move from one circuit to another, he shall
procure from the preacher having the
charge, a certificate of his official standing
in the church at the time of his removal,
without which he shall rot be received as
a local preacher in other places.
No preacher among us shall distil or
retail spirituous liquors, without forfeiting
his official standing.
All the local elders, deacons, and preach¬
ers, shall be in subjection to the preacher
in charge in receiving their appointments,
and should any of the aforesaid elders,
deacons, or preachers, neglect to fill any
of his appointments, and not give any suf¬
ficient reason for the same, he shall, for the
first offence, be reproved by the preacher
having the charge, and if he persists in so
doing, he shall be summoned to appear be¬
fore a committee,and if proper satisfaction is
89
not given, he shall be silenced until the en-
suing quarterly meeting conference.
But the elder shall not infringe on his
temporal concerns.
Of Extorters.—Ml persons applying
for license to exhort in our society, shall
produce to the quarterly meeting confer¬
ence of his circuit a recommendation from
the class of which he is a member, and if
they believe, on examination, that he will
be useful, the preacher in charge shall
verbally license him for two years, at the
end of which time he shall receive regular
license as an exhorter. After being thus
licensed for two years, he may receive li.
cense as a local preacher by complying
with the rule laid down for local preachers.
Section -ST.—Of the trial of those who think
they are moved by the Holy Ghost to "preach.
Q. 1. How shall we try those who
think they are moved by the Holy Ghost
to preach 1
A. 1. Let them be asked the following
questions, viz: Do they know God as a
pardoning God ? Have they the love of
God abiding in them? Do they desire
90
and seek nothing but God ? Are they
holy in all manner of conversation ?
2. Have they gifts, as well as grace, for
the work ? Have they—in some tolerable
degree—a clear, sound understanding, a
right judgment, in the things of God? A
just conception of salvation by faith? And
has God given them any degree of ut¬
terance? JDo they speak readily, justly,
clearly ?
3. Have they fruit?. Are any truly
convinced of sin, and converted to God
by their preaching 1
A s long as these three marks concur in
any one, we believe he is called of God to
preach. These we receive as a sufficient
proof that he is moved by the Holy Ghost.
Section XI.—Of the matter and manner of
Preaching, and other public exercises.
Q. 1. What is the best general method
of preaching 1
A. 1. To convince. 2. To offer
Christ. 3. To invite. 4. To build up.
And to do this in soq^*measure in every
sermon.
91
Q. 2. What is the most effectual me¬
thod of preaching Christ ?
A. The most effectual way of preach¬
ing Christ, is to preach him in all his of-
fices; and to declare his law as well as his
gospel, both to believers and unbelievers.
Let us strongly and closely insist upon
inward and outward holiness in all its
branches.
Q. 3. Are there any smaller advices
which might be of use to us ?
A. Perhaps these : 1. Be sure never
to disappoint a congregation. 2. Begin at
the time appointed. 3. Let your whole de¬
portment be serious, solemn, and weighty.
4. Always suit your subject to your audi,
ence. 5. Choose the plainest texts you
can. 6. Take care not to ramble, but
keep to your text, and make out what you
take in hand. 7. Take care of any thing
awkward, either in your gesture, phrase, or
pronunciation. 8'. Do not usually pray
extempore above eight or ten minutes—at
most—without intermission. 9. Frequently
read and enlarge upon a portion of scrip¬
ture ; and let young preachers often exhort
without taking' a text. 10. Avail yourself
92
of the great festivals, by preaching on the
occasion.
Section XII.—Of the Duty of Preachers to
God, themselves, and one another.
Q. 1. How shall a preacher be quali-
fied for his charge ?
A. By walking closely with God and
having his work greatly at heart; and by
understanding and loving discipline—ours
in particular.
Q. 2. Do we sufficiently watch over
each other?
A. We do not. Should we not fre¬
quently ask each other, " Do you walk
closely with God ? Have you now fellow¬
ship with the Father and the Son ? At
what hour do you riee? Do you punc-
tually observe the morning and evening
hour of retirement? Do you spend the
day in the manner in which the conference
advises? Do you converse seriously, use¬
fully aqd closely? To be more particular
—Do you use all the means of grace your¬
self, and enforce the use of them on all
persons 1 They are instituted or pruden¬
tial.
93
I. The instituted are,
(1.) Prayer, private, family, public;
consisting or deprecation, petition, inter¬
cession, and thanksgiving. Do you use
each of these? Do you forecast daily
wherever you are, to secure time for pri¬
vate devotion ? Do you practise it every
where ? Do you ask every where ? Have
you.family prayer? Do you ask indi¬
viduals ? Do you use private prayer every
morning and evening in particular ?
II. Searching the Scriptures, by
(1.) Reading constantly some part of
every day: regularly all the Bible in
order : carefully with notes, seriously with
prayer before and after: fruitfully prac¬
tising what you learn there.
(2.) Meditating, at set times, by rule.
(3.) Hearing—every opportunity—with
prayer before, at, and after. Have you a
Bible always about you ?
hi. The Lord's Supper—Do you use
this at every opportunity? With solemn
pra} ef before ? With earnest and deliber¬
ate self devo ion?
iv. Fasting—Do you use as much ab¬
stinence and fasting every week, as
94
your health, strength and labor, will per¬
mit?
v. Christian conference—Are you con-/
vinced how important and how difficult it
is to order your conversation aright ? Is
it always in grace? Seasoned with salt?
Meal to minister grace to the hearers ?
Do you not converse too long at a time ?
Is not an hour commonly enough ? Would
it not be well always to have a determined
end in view, and to pray before and af¬
ter it ?
II. Prudential means we may use either
as Christians, as Methodists, or as preach¬
ers.
(1.) As Christians—What particular
rules have you, in order to grow in grace?
What arts of holy living ?
(2.) As Methodists—Do you never miss
your class or band ? As preachers—
Have you thoroughly considered your
duly ? and do you make a conscience of
executing every part of it ? Do you meet
every society ? Also the leaders and
bands ?
These means may be used without fruit,
but there are others whiah cannot, namely,
95
watching, denying yourself, taking up the
cross, exercise, of the presence of God.
1. Do you steadily watch against the
world 1 yourself, your besetting sin ?
2. Do you deny yourself every useless
pleasure of sense, imagination, or honor 1
Are you temperate in all things, instance,
food ? Do you use only that kind and that
degree, which is best for your body and
«oul ? Do you see the necessity of this 1
Do you eat no more at each meal than ia
necessary ? Are you not heavy or drowsy
after dinner ? Do you use only that kind
of drink which is best for your body and
■soul ? Do you choose and use water for
your common drink, and only take wine
medicinally or sacramentally ?
3. Wherein do you take up your cross
daily ? Do you cheerfully bear your cross,
however grievous to nature as a gift from
God, and to labor to profit thereby 1
4. Do you endeavor to set God always
before.you? To see his eye continually
fixed upon you 1 Never can you use these
means but a blessing will ensue. And
the more you use them, the more will you
grow in grace.
96
Section XIII.—Rules by Ubhich we should
continue, or desist from preaching at any
place.
Q. 1. Is it advisable for us to preach
in aa many places as we can, without
forming any societies ?
A. By no means. We have made the
trial in various places ; and that for a con¬
siderable time.' But all the seed has fallen
by the way side. There is scarce any fruit
remaining.
Q. 3. Where should we endeavor to
preach most ?
A. 1. Where there are the greatest
numbers of quiet and willing heaiers. 2.
Where there is most fruit.
Q. 3. Ought we not diligently to ob¬
serve in what places God is pleased at any
time to pour out his Spirit more abun¬
dantly 1
A. We ought; and at that time to send
more laborers than usual into that part of
the harvest.
97
Section XIV.—Of visiting from house to'
house, guarding against those sins that are
so common to professors, and enforcing
practical religion.
Q. 1. How can we further assist those
under our care ?
A. 1. By instructing them at fheir
own houses. What unspeakable need is
there of this! The world says, " The
Methodists are no better than oifier peo¬
ple." This is not true in tfie general.
But, 1. Personal religion, either toWard
God or man, is too superficial among us.
We can but just touch on a few particu¬
lars : How little f'aitA is there among us ?
How little communion with God? How
little living in Heaven* walking in eternity,
deadness to e^ery creature ? How much
love of the world 1 Desire of pleasure, of
ease, of getting money ? How little bro¬
therly love? What continual judging one
another ? What gossipping, evil speaking,
tale bearing ? What want of moral hon¬
esty ? To instance only one particular:
who does as he would be done by, in buy.
ing and selling ?
2. Family religion is wanting in many
4
98
branches. And what avails public preach¬
ing alone, though we could preach like
angels? We must, yea, every travelling
preacher must instruct the people from
house to house. Till this is done, and that
in good earnest, the Methodists will be no>
better.
Oui religion is not deep, universal, uni¬
form ; but superficial, partial, uneven. It
will be sc» till we spend half as much in
thus visitingi as we do now in talking
uselessly. Can we find a better method of
doing this than Mr. Baxter's? If not, let
us adopt it without delay. His whole
tract, entitled, Gildas Salvianus, is well
worth a careful perusal. Speaking of
visiting, from house v> house, he says, (p.
351,) "We shall find many hindrances,
both in ourselves and the people.
1. In ourselves there is much dulness
and laziness, so that there vull be much
ado to get us to be faithful in the work.
2. We have a base, man-pleasing tem¬
per, so that we let men perish rather than
lose their love; we let them go quietly to
hell, lest we should offend them.
3. Some of us have also a foolish bash-
99
fulness. We know not how to begin, ancF
blush to contradict the devil.
4. But the greatest hindrance is weak¬
ness of faith—our whole motion is weak,
because the spring of it is weak.
5. Lastly,we are unskilful in the work.
How few know how to deal with men, so
as to get within them, and suit all our dis¬
courses to their several conditions and
tempers—to choose the fittest subjects,
and follow them with a holy mixture of
seriousness, terror, love, anil meekness?"
But, undoubtedly, this private applica¬
tion is implied in those words of the apos¬
tle, I charge thee before God and the
Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the
quick and dead at his appearing, preach
the word; be instant in season, out of sea¬
son ; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with' all
long suffering."
O, brethren, if we could but set this
work on foot in all our societies, and pro¬
secute it zealously, what glory would re¬
dound to God! If the common lukewarm-
ness were banished, and every shop and
every house busied in speaking of the word
100
and works ofGod; surely God would dwell
in our habitations, and make us his delight.
But it is objected, 1. " This will take up
so much time, we shall not have leisure to
follow our studies. We answer, 1. Gain¬
ing knowledge is a good thing, but saving
souls is better. 2. By this very thing
you will gain the most excellent know-
iedge of God and eternity. 3. You will
have time for gaining other knowledge too.
Only sleep not more than you need. But,
4. If you can do but one, le.t your studies
alone. We ought to throw by all the li.
braries in the world rather than be guilty
of the loss of one soul.
It is objected, II. The people will not
submit to it.
If some will not, others will; and the
success with them will repay all your la¬
bors. O, let us herein follow the example
of St. Paul. 1. For our general business,
serving the Lord with all humility of mind.
2. Ourspecial work, "Take heed to your¬
selves and to all the flock." 3. Our doc¬
trine, repentance towards God, and faith
towards our Lord Jesus Christ. 4. The
place I have taught you publicly, and from
101
house to house. 5. The object and manner
of teaching, I ceased not to warn every one,
night and day, with tears. 6. His inno¬
cence and self-denial herein, I have cov¬
eted no man's silvter or gold. 7. His pa¬
tience, neither count I my life dear to my¬
self. And among all our motives, let these
be ever before our eyes. 1. The church
of God which he hath purchased with his
own blood. 2. Grievous wolves shall en¬
ter in ; yjea, of yourselves khall men arise,
speaking perverse things.
Write this upon your hearts, and it will
do more good than twenty years' study.
Then you will have no time to spare. You
will have work enough. Then, likewise,
no preacher will stay with us, who is as
salt that has lost its savor. For to such
this employment would be mere drudgery.
And in order to it, you will have need of
all the knowledge you can procure, and
grace you can attain.
Q. 2. Why are we not more holy,why
do we not live in eternity? Walking with
God all the day long 1 Why are we not
all devoted to God, breathing the whole
spirit of missionaries ?
102
A. Chiefly because we are enthusiasts,
looking for the end without using the
means. To touch only upon two or three
instances:—Who of us rises at four, or
even at five, when we do not preach ? Do
we know the obligation and benefit of fast¬
ing or abstinence ? How often do we
practice it ? The neglect of this alone is
sufficient to account for our feebleness and
faintness of spirit. We are continually
grieving the holy spirit of God by the ha¬
bitual neglect of a plain duty. Let us
amend from this .hour.
Q. 3. How shall we guard against
sabbath-breaking, evil speaking, unprofita¬
ble conversation, lightness, expensiveness
or gaiety of apparel, and contracting debts
without due care to discharge them ?
A. Let us preach expressly on these
heads.
Section XV.—Of the instruction of children.
Q. 1. What shall we do for the rising
generation?
A. 1. Let him who is zealous for.God
and the souls of men, begin now.
103
2. Where there are ten children whose
parents will allow it, meet them once a
week, but where this is impracticable,meet
them once in two weeks.
3. Procure instructions or catechisms
for them, and let all who can read commit
them to memory.
4. Explain and impress them upon
their hearts.
5. Talk with them every time you see
any at home.
6. Pray earnestly for them ; and dili¬
gently instruct and exhort all parents at
their own houses.
7. Let the elders, deacons, or preach¬
ers take a list of their names, and if any of
them be truly awakened, let them be ad¬
mitted into society.
8. Preach expressly on education:
" But I have no gift for this." Pray ear¬
nestly for the gift, and use every other
means to attain it.
9. As far as practicable, it shall be the
duty of every preacher of a circuit or sta¬
tion, to form Sabbath schools, to obtain the
names of the children belonging to his
congregation, to form them into classes for
104
the, purpose of giving them religious in-
struction, to instruct them regularlyi him¬
self as much as his other duties will allow.
The course of instruction shall not only
embrace the Dature of experimental reli¬
gion, but also the nature, design, privileges
and obligations of their baptism. To ap¬
point a suitable leader for each class, who
shall instruct them in his absence—recom¬
mend to the preacher such among them as
he may think suitable to be received among
us on trial. The preacher shall leave his
successor a correct account of each class
thus formed, with the name of its leader.
Section XVI.—Of Baptism.
1. Let every adult person, and the pa¬
tents of every child to be baptized, have
their choice either of immersion, sprink¬
ling, or pouring.
2. We will on no account whatever, re -
ceive a present for administering baptism,
or for burying the dead.
105
Section XVII.—Of the Lord's Supper.
Q. Are there any directions to be given
concerning the administration of the Lord's
Supper ?
A. 1. Let those who have scraples
concerning the receiving of it kneeling, be
permitted to receive it either standing or
sitting.
2. Let no person that is not a member
of our society, be admitted to the commu¬
nion without examination, and some tokens
given by an elder or deacon.
3. No person shall be admitted to the
Lord's Supper among us, who is guilty of
any practice for which we would exclude a
member of our church.
Section XVIII.—Of Public Worship.
Q. 1. What directions shall be given for
the establishment of uniformity in public
worship amongst us on the Lord's day ?
A. 1. Let the morning service consist
of singing, prayer j the reading of a chapter
out of the Old Testament, and another out
of the New, and preaching.
106
2. Let the afternoon service consist of
singing, prayer, the reading of one or two
chapters, and preaching.
3. Let the evening service consist of
singing and prayer, and preaching.
4. But on the days of administering the
Lord's Supper, the two chapters in the
morning service may be omitted.
5. Let the society meet wherever it is
practicable.
Section XIX.—Of the Spirit and Truth of
Singing.
Q. 1. How shall we guard against
formality in singing ?
A. 1. By choosing such hymns as are
proper for the congregation.
2. By not singing too much at once;
seldom more than five or six verses.
3* By suiting the tune to the words.
4. By often stopping short, and asking
the people, " Now, do you knott what you
said last ?"
5. t)o not suffer the people to sing too
filow.
This naturally tends to formality, and is
107
brought in by those who have either very
strong or very, weak voices.
6. In every large society let them learn to
sing ; and let them always learn our tunes
first.
7. Let the women constantly sing their
parts alone. Let no man sing with them,
unless he understands the notes and sings
the bass as it is composed in the tune book.
8. Introduce no new tune until they
are perfect in the old.
9. Recommend our tune book : and if
you cannot sing yourself, choose a person
or two at each place to pitch a tutfe for
you.
10. Exhort every person in the congre¬
gation to sing ; not one in ten only.
11. Sing no hymns of your own com¬
posing.
12. If a preacher be present, let him
alone give out the words.
13. When the singers would teach a
tune -to the congregation, they must sing
the tenor only.
14. No person or persons shall be al¬
lowed to sing in our choirs, who will not
be subject to our authority; and let it be
108
recommended to our people not to attend
the schools which are not under our direc¬
tion.
15. The preachers are desired not to
encourage the singing of fuge tunes in our
congregations.
16. We do not think that fuge tunes are
sinful or improper to be used in private
companies ; but we do not approve of their
being used in our public congregations, be¬
cause public singing is a part of divine
worship, in which all the congregation
ought to join.
Section XX.—The nature, design, and gene"
ral rules of the United Societies.
(1.) In the latter end of the year 1739,
eight or ten persons came to Mr. Wesley,
in London, who 'appeared to be deeply
convinced of sin, and earnestly groaning
after redemption. They desired, as did
two or three more the next day, that he
would spend some time with them in prayer,
and advise them how to flee from the wrath
to come, which they saw continually hang¬
ing over their heads. That he might have
more time for this great work, he appointed
109
a day when they might all come together,
which from thenceforward they did every
week, namely, on Thursday in the even¬
ing. To these, and as many more as de¬
sired to join with them, (for their numbers
increased daily,) he gave those advices
from time to time which he judged most
needful for them; and they always con¬
cluded their meetings with prayer suited to
their several necessities.
(2.) This was the rise of the UNITED
SOCIETY, first in Europe, and then in
America; such a society is no other than
a company of men having the form and
seeking the power of godliness, united in
order to pray together, to receive the word
of exhortation, and to watch over one ano¬
ther in love, that they may help each other
to work out their salvation.
(3.) That it may the more easily be
discerned whether they are indeed work-
ing out their salvation, each society is di¬
vided into smaller companies, (called class¬
es) according to their respective places of
abode. There are about twelve persons in
a class; of whom one is styled M 'The
Leader." It is his duty
110
I. To see each person in bis class once
a week at least; in order
1. To inquire how their sools prosper.
2. To advise, reprove, comfort, or ex¬
hort, as occasion may require.
3. To receive what they are willing to
give towards the relief of the preachers,
church and poor.
II. To meet the ministers, and the
stewards of the society once a week, in
order,
1. To inform the ministers 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 in the week
preceding.
3. There is only one condition pre¬
viously required of those who desire ad¬
mission into these societies, a desire to flee
the wrath to come, and to be saved from
their sins. But wherever this is really
fixed in the soul, it will be shown by its
fruits. It is therefore expected of all who
continue therein, that they should continue
to evidence their desire of salvation.
Ill
First. By doing no harm, by avoiding
evil of every kind, especially that which is
the most generally practised, such as
The taking of the name of God in vain.
The profaning the day of the Lord,
either by doing ordinary work therein, or
by buying and selling.
Drunkenness, or drinking spirituous li¬
quors, unless in cases of necessity.
The buying and selling of men, women
and children, with an intention to enslave
them.
Fighting, quarrelling, brawling, brother
going to law with brother; returning evil
for evil, or railing for railing; the using
many words in buying and selling.
The buying and selling goods that have
not paid their duty.
The giving or taking things on usury, i.
e. unlawful interest.
Uncharitable or unprofitable conversa¬
tion, particularly speaking evil of magis¬
trates or ministers.
Doing to others as we would not they
should do unto us.
Doing what we know is not for the glory
of God ; as
112
The putting on of gold and costly ap¬
parel.
The taking such diversions as cannot be
used in the name of the Lord Jesus.
The singing those songs, and reading
those books which do not tend to the know¬
ledge or love of God.
Softness, and needless self-indulgence.
Laying up treasure on earth.
Borrowing without a probability of pay?
ing ; or taking up goods without a proba¬
bility of paying for them.
(5.) It is expected of all those who
continue in these societies, that they shall
continue to evidence their desire of salva¬
tion.
Secondly. By doing good; by being
in every thing mercifid? according to their
power, as they have opportunity; doing
good of every possible sort, and sis far as
is possible, to all men.
To their bodies,' of the 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.
To their souls, by instructing, reproving,
or exhorting all we have any intercourse
113
with; trampling under foot that enthusias¬
tic doctrine, that we are not to do good un¬
less we feel our hearts free to it.
By doing good, especially to them that
are of the household of faith, or groaning
so to be; employing them preferably to
others, buying one of another, helping each
other in business ; and so much the more,
as the world will love its own, and them
only.
By all possible diligence and frugality,
that the gospel may not be blamed.
By running with patience the race which
is aet before them, denying themselves,and
taking up their cross daily, submitting to
bear the reproach of Christ, to be as the
filth and offscouring of the world,and look-
ing that men should say all manner of evil
of them falsely, for the Lord's sake.
(6.) It is expected of &11 who desire to
continue in these societies, that they should
continue to evidence their ,desire of salva¬
tion.
Thirdly. By attending upon all the or.
finances of God, Such are,
f he public worship of God.
114
The ministry of the word, either read or
expounded.
The Supper bf the Lord.
Family and private prayer.
Searching the Scriptures, and fasting or
abstinence.
(7.) These are the general rules of our
societies ; all of 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.
All these we know his Spirit writes on
every truly awakened heart. 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.
We will admonish him of the error of
his ways; we will bear with him for a
season ; but, then, if he repent not, he hath
no more place among us.
We have delivered'our own souls.
Section XXI.—Of Class Meetings.
Q. 1. How may the leaders of classes
be rendered more useful ?
115
A. 1* Let each of them be diligently
examined concerning his method 6f meet¬
ing a class. Let this be done with all pos¬
sible exactness, at least once a quarter. In
order to this, take sufficient time.
2. Let' each leader carefully enquire
how every soul in his class prospers; not
only how each person observes the out¬
ward rules, but how he grows in the know¬
ledge and love of God.
Let the leaders converse with those Who
have the charge of their circuits frequently
and freely.
Q. 2. Can any thing more be done in
order to make class-meetings lively and
profitable ?
A. 1. Change improper leaders.
2. Let the leaders frequently meet each
other's classes.
3. Let us observe which leaders are
most useful; and let these meet the other
classes as often as possible.
4. See that all the leaders be men of
sound judgment, and truly devoted to God.
Q. 3. How shall we prevent improper
persons from insinuating themselves into
the church ?
lie
A. 1. Give tickets to none until they
are recommended by a leader *with whom
they have met at least six months on trial.
2. Give notes to none but those who
are recommended by one you know, or
until they have met three or four times in
a class.
3. Read the rules to them the first time
they meet.
Q. 4. How shall we be more exact in
receiving and excluding members 7
A. The official minister or preacher
shall at every quarterly meeting read the
names of those that are received and ex¬
cluded.
Q. 5. What shall we do with those
members of our church who wilfully and
repeatedly neglect to meet their classes ?
A. 1. Let the elder, deacon, or preach¬
er visit them whenever it is practicable,
and explain to them the consequence if
they continue to neglect—viz. exclusion.
2. If they do not amend, let him who
has the charge of the circuit exclude them,
(in the church) showing that they are laid
aside for a breach of the rules of discipline
and not for immoral conduct.
117
Section XXII. Of the bringing to trial, find¬
ing guilty, and suspending, reproving, or
excluding disorderly persons from society
and church privileges.
Q» How shall an accused member be
brought to trial ?
A. 1. Before the society of which he
is a member, or a select number of them,
in the presence of a general superintendent,
elder, deacon, or preacher, in the follow¬
ing manner:—Let the accused and ac¬
cuser be brought face to face ; but if this
cannot be done, let the next best evidence
be procured. If the accused person be
found guilty by the decision of a majority
of the members before whom he is brought
to trial, and the crime be such as is ex-
pressly forbidden by tlje word of God, suf¬
ficient to exclude a person from the king¬
dom of grace and glory, let the preacher
who has the charge of the circuit expel
him. If the accused person evade a trial
by absenting himself after due notice be¬
ing given him, and the circumstances of
the accusation be strong-and presumptive,
let him be esteemed as guilty, and be ac*
118
cordingly excluded. Witnesses from with¬
out shall not be rejected.
2. But in case of neglect of duties of
any kind, imprudent conduct, indulging
sinful tempers or words, or disobedience
to the order and discipline of the church:
first, let private reproof be given by a
preacher or leader; and if there be an ae.
knowledgment of the truth, and proper hu-
miliation, the person may remain on trial.
On a second offence, the preacher or leader
may take one or two faithful friends. On
a third offence, let the case be brought be-
fore the society, or a select number; and
if there be no sign of real humiliation, the
offender must be cut off.
3. If a member of our church shall be
clearly convicted of endeavoring to sow
dissensions in any of our societies, by in¬
veighing against either our doctrines or
discipline, such person so offending shall
be first reproved by the senior minister or
preacher of his circuit; and, if he after¬
wards persist in such pernicious practices,
he shall be expelled the society.
.4. On any dispute between two or
more members of our society, concerning
119
the payment of debts or otherwise, which
cannot be settled by the parties concerned,
the preacher who has the charge of the cir¬
cuit or station, shall inquire into the cir¬
cumstances of the case, and shall recom¬
mend to the contending parties a reference,
consisting of one arbiter chosen by the
plaintiff, and another chosen by the de¬
fendant ; which two arbiters, so chosen,
shall nominate a third ; the three arbiters
being members of our society.
5. But if one of the parties be dissatis¬
fied with the judgment given, such party
may apply to the ensuing quarterly meet¬
ing of the circuit or station, for permission
to have a second arbitration appointed ;
and if the quarterly meeting see sufficient
reason, they shall grant a,second arbitra¬
tion ; in which case, each party shall
choose two arbiters, and the four arbiters
shall choose a fifth, the judgment of the
majority of whom shall be final; and any
person refusing to abide by such judgment,
shall be excluded from the society.
6. And if any member of our society
shall refuse, in cases of debt, or other dis¬
putes, to refer the matter to arbitration,
120
when recommended by him who has the
charge of the circuit, or shall enter into a
Jaw-suit with another member before these
measures are taken, he shall be expelled,
excepting the case be of such a nature as
to justify a process at law.
7. The preachers who have the over'
sight of circuits are required to execute all
our rules fully and strenuously against all
fraud, and particularly against dishonest
insolvencies, suffering none to remain in
our society, on any account, who are found
guilty of any fraud.
8. To prevent scandal,when any of our
members fail in business, or contract debts
which they are not able to pay, let two or
three judicious members of the society in-
spect the accounts of the supposed delin<
quent; and if he have behaved dishonestly,
or borrowed moneys without a probability
of paying, let him be expelled.
9. Whenever a complaint is made
against anymember of our church, for
non-payment of clebts, when the accounts
are adjusted, and the amount ascertained,
the preacher having the charge shall call
the debtor before a Committee of three at
121
least, to show cause why he does not make
payment. The committee shall determine
what further time shall be granted him for
payment, and what security, if any, shall
be given for payment; and in case the
debtor refuses to comply, he shall be ex*
pelled; but in such case he may appeal to
the quarterly meeting conference, and
their decision shall be final. And in case
the creditor complains that justice ia not
done him, he may lay his grievance before
the quarterly meeting conference, and
their decision shall be final; and if the
creditor refuses to comply he shall be ex¬
pelled.
10. Nevertheless, if in any of the above
mentioned cases the minister or preacher
in charge differ in judgment from the ma-
j ority of the society, or the select number,
concerning the innocence or guilt of the
accused person, the trial, in such case,
may be referred to the ensuing quarterly
meeting by the minister or preacher in
Charge.
11. If any member of our society distil,
give, or traffic in spirituous liquors, and
any thing disorderly be transacted under
122
his roof on that account, the preacher who
has the charge of the circuit, shall proceed
against him, as in other cases of gross im¬
moralities ; and the person accused shall
be cleared, censured, or suspended, accord-
ing to his conduct, as in other charges of
immorality.
13. We will not receive any person
into our society, as a member, who is a
slaveholder, and any that are now mem¬
bers, that have slaves, and refuse to eman¬
cipate them, after due notice being given
by the preacher having the charge, he shall
be excluded.
13. If there be a murmur or complaint
from any. excluded person, in any of the
above-mentioned instances, that justice has
not been done, he shall be allowed to ap.
peal to the next quarterly meeting, except
such as absent themselves from trial, after
sufficient notice is given them, and the ma¬
jority of the travelling and local preachers,
exhorters, stewards, and leaders present,
shall finally determine the case.
After such forms of trial and expulsion,
such persons shall have no privileges of
society or sacrament in our church, with-
123
out contrition, confession, and proper trial
on probation.
Section XXIII.—Of the privileges granted to
serious persons, who are not of our society.
Q. 1. How often shall we permit those
who are not of our society to meet in
class ?
A. At every other meeting of the class,
in every place, let no stranger be admit¬
ted. At the other times they may, but the
same person not more than twice or thrice.
Q. 2. How often shall we permit
strangers to be present at our love feasts ?
A. Let them be admitted with the ut¬
most caution, and the satne person on no
account more than twice or thrice, unless
he become a member.
Section XXIV.—Of Marriage.
Q. 1. Do we observe any evil which
has prevailed in our church with respect
to marriage 1
A. Many of our members have mar-
ried with unawakened persons. This has
124
produced bad effects. They have beeii
either hindered for life, or turned back to
perdition.
Q.. 2. What can be done to discourage
this?
A. r. Let every preacher publicly
.enforce the apostle's caution—" Be not
unequally yoked with unbelievers." 2 Cor.
vi. c. 14 v,
2. Let all be exhorted not to enter into
so weighty a matter without advising with
the most serious of their brethren.
Q. 3. Ought any woman to marry
without the consent of her parents ?
A. In general^ she ought not. Ye!
there maybe exceptions. For if, 1, A
woman believes it to be her duty to marry;
if, 2, her pa'rents absolutely refuse to let
her marry any Christian ; then she may,
nay, ought to marry without their consent.
Yea, even then a Methodist preacher ought
not to be married to her.
We do not prohibit our people from
marrying persons who are not of our
church, providing such persons have the
form, and are seeking the power of godli¬
ness ; but we are determined to discourage
125
their marrying persons who do not come
up to this description.
Section XXV.—Of Dress.
Q. Should (ve insist on the rules con-
cerning dress ?
A. By all means. This is no time to
give any encouragement to superfluity of
apparel. Therefore,-give no tickets to any
till they have left off superfluous orna¬
ments. In order to this, 1, Let every one
who has the charge of a circuit read the
thoughts upon diess, at least once a year,
in every large society. 2. In visiting
the classes be very strict, but very mild.
3. Allow of no exempt case; better one
suffer than many. 4. Give no tickets to
any that wear high heads, enormous bon?
nets, ruffles, or rings.
Section XXVI.—Of the Band Societies.
Two, three, or four true believers, who have
confidence in each other, form a band. Only it is
to be observed, that in one of these bands ail
must be men or all women ; and all married or
unmarried.
126
Rules of the Band Societies, drawn up De¬
cember 2 5th, 1738.
The design of our meeting is to obey
that command of God—" Confess your
faults one to another, and pray one for
another, that ye may be healed."—James
v. c. 16 v.
To this end we agree,
1. To meet once a week at least.
2. To come punctually at the hour ap.
pointed, without some extraordinary rea¬
son prevents.
3. To begin exactly at the hour with
singing or prayer.
4. To speak, each of us in order, freely
and plainly, the true state of our souls, with
the faults we have committed in tempers,
words, or actions, and the temptations we
have felt since our last meeting.
5. To end every meeting with prayer,
suited to the state of each person present.
6. To desire some person among us to
speak his own state first, and then to ask
the rest in order, as many and as search-
127
ing questions as may be, concerning their
state, sins, and temptations.
Some of the questions proposed to every
one before he is admitted among us, may
be to this effect:
1. Have you the forgiveness of sins ?
2. Have you peace with God, through
our Lord Jesus Christ ?
3. Have you the witness of God's
spirit with yours, that you are a child of
God?
4. Is the love of God shed abroad in
your heart?
5. Has no sin, inward or outward, do¬
minion over you ?
6. Do you desire to be told of your
faults ?
7. Do you desire to be told of all your
faults, and that plain and home ?
8. Do you desire that every one of us
should tell you, from time to time, whafso-
ever is in our hearts concerning you ?
9. Consider: Do you desire we should
tell you whatsoever we think, whatsoever
we fear, concerning you ?
10. Do you desire, that in doing this,
we should come as close as possible, that
128
we should cut to the quick, and search
your hearts to the bottom ?
11. Is it your desire and design to be
upon this, and all other occasions, entirely
open, so as to speak without disguise and
without reserve ?
Any of the preceding questions may be
asked as often as occasion requires: the
four following at every meeting :
1. What known sins have you commit,
ed since our last meeting ?
2. What particular temptations have
you met with 1
3. How were you delivered ?
4. What have you thought, said or done,
of which you are in' doubt, whether it be
sin or not 1
Directions given to the Band of Societies,
December 25,1744.
You are supposed to have the faith that
overcometh the world. To you, therefore,
it is not grievous.
I. Carefully to abstain from doing evil/
in particular:
129
1. Neither to buy nor sell any thing on
the Lord's day.
2. To taste no spirituous liquors, no
dram of any kind, unless prescribed by a
physician.
3. To be at a word both in buying and
selling.
4. Not to mention the fault of any be¬
hind his back, and to stop those short who
do so.
5. To wear no needless ornaments,
such as rings, ear-rings, neck-laces, lace,
or ruffles.
6. To use no needless self-indulgence.
II. Zealously to maintain good works,
in particular:
1. To give alms of such things as you
possess, and that according to your abil¬
ity.
2. To reprove those who sin in your-
sight, and that in love and meekness of
wisdom.
3. To be patterns of diligence and fru¬
gality, of self-denial, and taking up the
cross daily.
Ill, Constantly to attend on all the ordi¬
nances; of God, in particular;
5
130
1. To be at church at Jhe Lord's table,
and at every public meeting of the bands
at every opportunity.
2- To use private prayer every day ;
and family prayer, if you are the head of a
family.
3. Frequently to read the scriptures and
meditate thereon. And,
4. To observe as days.of fasting or ab¬
stinence all Fridays in the year.
CHAPTER III.
SACRAMENTAL SERVICES, &C.
Section I*—The order for the Administra¬
tion of the Lord's Supper.
The Elder shall say on6 or more of Ihese sen*
tcnces.
Let your light so shine before men, that
they may see your gOod works, and glorify
131
your Father which is in Heaven. Matt,
v. 16.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures
upon earth, where moih and rust doth cor-
rupt, and where thieves break through and
steal: but lay up for yourselves treasure
in heaven, where moth nor rust doth not
corrupt, and where thieves do not break
through nor steal. Matt. vi. 19, 20.
Whatsoever ye would that men should
do unto you, even so do unto them, for
this is the law and the prophets. Matt,
viii. 12.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord,
Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of
heaven, but he that doeth the will of my
Father which is in heaven. Matt. vi. 21.
Zaceheus stood forth and said ui^o the
Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods
I give to the poor, and if I have done any
wrong to any man, I restore to him four
fold." Luke xix. 8.
He that soweth little, shall reap little;
and he that soweth plenteously, shall reap
plenteousiy. Le^ every man do acccord*
ing as he is disposed in his heart; not
13%
grudgingly, or of necessity; for God
loveth a cheerful giver. 2. Cor. ix. 6, 7.
While we have time, Jet us do good to
all men, and especially to them who are of
the household of faith. Gal. vi. 10.
Godliness, with contentment, is great
gain: for we brought nothing into the
world, and it is certain we can carry noth¬
ing out. 1 Tim. y\. 6, 7.
Charge them who are rich in this world,
that they be ready to give, and glad to dis¬
tribute, laying up in store for themselves a
good foundation against the time to come,
that (hey may have eternal life. 1 Tim. vi.
17, 18, 19.
God is not unrighteous, that he will for¬
get your works and labor of love ; which
ye have showed for his namesake, who
have ministered and yet do minister unto
the saints. Heb. vi. 10.
To do good ajid to distribute, forget not;
for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Heb. xiii. 16.
Whoso hath this world's goods, and
seeth his brother have need, and shutteth
up his bowels of compassion from him,
133
how dwelleth the love of God in him?
1 John iii. 7.
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth
unto the Lord; and look, what he layeth
out, it shall be. paid him again. Prov.
xix. 17.
[While these sentences are in reading, some fit
person, appointed for that purpose, shall receive
the alms for the poor, and-ot-her devotions of the
people, in a decent basin, to be provided for that
purpose, and then bring it to the Elder, who shall
place it upon the table.]
After which the Elder shall say,
Ye that do truly and earnestly repent of
your sins, and are in love and charity with
your neighbors, and intend to lead a new
life, following the commandments of God,
and walking from henceforth in his holy
ways; draw near by faith and take this
holy sacrament to your comfort; and
make your humble confession to Almighty
God, meekly kneeling upon your knees.
Then shall this general confession be made by
the minister in the name of all those that are
minded to receive ihe Holy Communion, both he
and all ihe people kneeling humbly upon their
knees, and saying,
134
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Je¬
sus Christ, maker of all thingss judge of all
men : We acknowledge and bewail our
manifold sins and wickedness, which we
from time to time most grievously have
committed, by thought, word and deed,
against thy Divine Majesty, provoking
most justly thy wtath and indignation
against us. We do earnestly repent and
are heartily sorry for these our misdoings;
the remembrance of them is grievous unto
us. Have mercy upon us, have mercy
upon us, most merciful Father; for thy
Son, our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, forgive
us all that is past, and grant that we may
hereafter serve and please thee in new¬
ness of life, to the honor and glory of thy
name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Then shall the Elder say,
O Almighty God, our Heavenly Father,
who of thy great mercy hast promised for¬
giveness of sins to all them that, with
hearty repentance and true faith, turn unto
thee; have mercy upon us; pardon and
deliver us from all our sins; cob firm and
135
strengthen us in all goodness, and bring us
to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
THE COLLECT.
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts
are 'open, all desires known, and from
whom no secrets are hid; cleanse the
thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of
thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly lov«»
thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall the Elder say,
It is very meet, right, and our bounded
duty, that we should at all times, and in all
places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord,
Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God.
Therefore, with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven, we
laud and magnify thy glorious name ; ever¬
more praising thee and saying, holy, holy,
holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and
earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to
thee, O Lord most high. Amen.
136
Then shall the elder say,
We do not presume to come to this thy
table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our
own Righteousness, but in thy manifold and
great mercies. We are not worthy-so
much as to gather up the crumbs under
thy table. But thou art the same Lord,
whose property is always to have mercy:
Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to
eat the flesh of thy dear Son, Jesus Christ,
and to drink his blood, that our sinful souls
and bodies may be made'clean by his death,
and washed through his blood; and that
m may evermore dwell in him, and he in
as. Amen.
Then the Elder shall say the prayer of conse¬
cration, as followeth:
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father,
wlio of thy tender mercy didst give thine
only Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer death upon
the cross for pur redemption ; who made
thereby (his oblation of himself once of¬
fered,) a full, perfect, and sufficient sacri-
fice, oblation, and satisfaction for the sins
of the whole world; and did constitute,
and in his holy gospel command us to con-
137
tinue a perpetual memory of that his pre-
cious death, until his coming again : Hear
us, O merciful Father, we most humbly
beseech thee, and grant that wej receiving
these thy creatures of bread and wine,
according to thy Son, our Saviour Jesus
Christ's holy institution, in remembrance
of his death and passion, may be par¬
takers of his most blessed- body and
Dlood, who in the sama night that he was
betrayed, took bread ; (1)
and when he had given
thanks, he brake it (2) and
gave it to his disciples,
saying, Take, eat, this (3)
is my body which is given
for you: Do this in re¬
membrance of me : like¬
wise after supper he took
(4) the cup ; and when he
had given thanks, he gave
it to them, saying, Drink
ye all of ihis, for this (5)
is my blood of the New
Testament, which is shed
for you and for many, for
the remission of sins; Do
(1) Here the
elder is to take
the plate of bread
info his hand.
(2) And hereto
break the bread.
(3) And here
to lay his hand
upon all the
brpad.
(4) Here he is
to take the cup in
his hand.
(5) And here
to lay his hand
upon all the ves¬
sels containing
the wine.
138
this as often as ye shall drink it in remem-
brance of me. Amen.
Then shall the minister first receive the com¬
munion in both kinds himself, and then proceed ta
deliver the same to the other ministers in like
maimer (if any be present) and after that to the
people in otder into their hands. And when he
delivereth the bread, he shall say,
The body of our Lord Jesus Christ,
which was given for thee, preserve thy
soul and body unto everlasting life. Take
and eat this in remembrance that Christ
died for thee, and feed on him in thy heart
by faith with thanksgiving.
And the minister that delivereth the cup,
shall say,
The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ,
which was shed for thee* preserve thy soul
and body unto everlasting life. Drink this
in remembrance that Christ's blood was
shed for thee, and be thankful.
[If the consecrated bread and wine be all spent
before all have commemorated,the elder may con¬
secrate more by repeating the prayer of consecra*
tion.J
139
[When all have commemorated, the minister
shall return to the Lord's table, and place upon it
what remaineth of the consecrated elements, cov¬
ering the same with a clean linen cloth.}
Then shall the elder say the Lord's prayer.
Our Father which art in heaven, hal¬
lowed be thy name, thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in hea¬
ven, give us this day our daily bread, and
forgive U9 our trespasses, as we forgive
those that trespass against us: And lead
us not into temptation, but deliver us from
evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power
and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
After which shall be said as follows :
O Lord and Heavenly Father, we thy
humble servants, desire thy fatherly good,
ness, mercifully to accept this our sacrifice
of praise and thanksgiving; most humbly
beseeching thee to grant, that by the merits
and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and
through faith in his blood, we and thy
whole church may obtain remission of our
sins, and all other benefits of his passion.
And here we offer and present unto thee,
140
O Lord, ourselves, our souls, and bodies,
to be a reasonable, holy, and lively sacri¬
fice unto thee; humbly beseeching thee
that all we .who are partakers of this holv
communion, may be filled with thy grace
and heavenly benediction. And although
we be unworthy, through our manifold sins,
to offer unto-thee any sacrifice, yet we be.
seech thee to accept this our bounden duty
and service; not weighing our merits, but
• pardoning our offences, through Jesus
Christ our Lord, by whom, and with whom,
in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all henor
and glory be unto thee, O Father Al¬
mighty, world without end- Amen.
Then shall be said :
Glory be to God on high, and on earth
peace, good will towards men. We praise
thee, we bless thee, we wprship thee, wo
glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy
great glory. O Lord God, Heavenly
King, God the Father Almighty.
O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus
Christ; "O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son
of the Father, that takest away the sin of
the world, have mercy upon us. Thou
141
that takest away the sins of the world, have
mercy upon us. Thou .that takest away
the sins of the world, receive our prayer.
Thou that sitteth at the right hand of God
the Father, have mercy upon us.
For thou only art holy, thou art the Lord,
thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost,
art most high in the glory of God the Fa¬
ther. Amen.
Then the elder, if he see it expedient, may put
up an extempore prayer ; and afterwards shall let
the people depart with this blessing:
May the peace of God, which passeth
all understanding, keep your hearts and
minds in the knowledge and love of God,
and his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord: and
the blessing of God Almighty, the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst
you and remain with you always. Amen.
N. B. If the elder be straitened for time, he
may omit any part of the service, except the
prayer of consecration.
142
Section II.—The Ministration of Baptism
of Infants.
The minister, coming to the font, which is to be
filled with pure water, shall use the following, or
some other exhortation suitable to the sacred
office :
Dearly beloved, forasmuch as all men
are conceived and born in sin, and that our
Saviour Christ saith, none can enter into
the kingdom of God, except he be regene¬
rated and born anew of water and of the
Holy Ghost; I beseech you to call upon
God the Father, through our Lord Jesus
Christ, that of his bounteous mercy he will
grant to this child that thing which by na¬
ture it cannot have, that it may be baptized
with water and the holy Ghost, and re¬
ceived into Christ's holy church, and be
made a lively member of the same.
Then shall the minister say :
Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, who of
thy great mercy didst save Noah and his
143
family in the ark from perishing by water,
and also didst safely lead the children of
Israel, thy people, through the Red Sea,
figuring thereby the holy baptism : and by
the holy baptism of thy well beloved Son,
Jesus Christ, in the river of Jordan, didst
sanctify water for this holy sacrament, we
beseech thee for thine infinite mercies, that
thou wouldst look upon this child, wash
him and sanctify him with the Holy Ghost,
that he being received into the ark of
Christ's church, and being steadfast in faith,
joyful through hope, and rooted fri love,
may so pass the waves of this troublesome
world, that finally he may come to the land
of everlasting life ; there to reign with thee,
world without end, through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
-O merciful God, grant that the old Adam
in this child may be so buried, that the new
man may be raised in him. Amen.
Grant that all carnal affections may die
in him, and that all things belonging to the
spirit may live and grow in him. Amen.
Grant that he may havs power an£
strength to have victory, and to triumph
144
against the devil, the world, and the flesh.
Amen.
Grant that whosoever is dedicated to
thee by our office and ministry, may also
be endued with heavenly virtues, and
everlastingly rewarded through thy mercy.
O blessed Lord God, who dost live and
govern all things, world without end.
Amen.
Almighty, ever-living God, whose most
dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ, for the
forgiveness of our sins, did shed out of his
-most precious side, both water and blood,
and gave commandment to his disciples
that they should go teach all nations, and
baptize them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost;
regard, we beseech thee, the supplications
of thy congregation, sanctify this water
for this holy sacrament, and grant that this
child now to be baptized, may receive the
fulness of thy grace, and ever remain in
the number of thy faithful and elect
children, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
145
Then shall the people stand up, and the minister
shall say :
Hear the words of the Gospel, written by
St. Mark, in the tenth chapter, at the thir*
teenth verse :—
They brought young children to Christ,
that he should touch them ; and his disci¬
ples rebuked those that brought them ; but
when Jesus saw it he was much displeased,
and said unto them, Suffer the little chil¬
dren to come unto me, and forbid them
not, for of such is the kingdom of God.
Verily, I say unto you, whosoever shall
not receive the kingdom of God as a little
child, he shall not enter therein. And he
took them up in his arms, put his hands
upon them, and blessed them.
Then the minister shall take the child into his
hands, and say to the friends of the child,
Name this child.
And then, naming it after them, he shall sprin¬
kle or pour water upon it, or if desired, immerse it
in water, saying,
146
N. I baptize thee in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen.
Then shall be said, all kneeling,
Our Father which art in Heaven, hal-
lowed be thy name ; thy kingdom come ;
thy will be done on earth as it is in Hea-
ven: Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive
those that trespass against us ; and lead us
not into temptation, but deliver us from
evil. Amen.
Then shall the minister conclude with an ex-
te mporary prayer.
Section III.—The Ministration of Baptism
to such as are of riper years.
The minister shall use the following, or some
other exhortation suitable to this holy office:
Dearly beloved, forasmuch as all men
are conceived and born in sin, (and that
which is born of the flesh is flesh, and they
that are in the flesh cannot please God, but
live in sin, committing many actual trans*
147
gressions;) and that our Saviour Christ
saith, None can enter into the kingdom of
God, except he be regenerate and born
anew of water and of the JEIoIy Ghost, and
received into Christ's holy church, and
be made lively members of the same. I
therefore beseech you to call upon God
the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ,
that of his bounteous goctdness he will
grant unto these persons that which by
nature they cannot have, that they may be
baptized with water and the Holy Ghost.
Then shall the minister say :
Almighty and immortal God," the aider
of all that need, the helper of all that flee
to thee for succor, the life of them that be-
live, 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 npw unto those
148
that ask; let us that seek find; open the gate
unfo us that knock; that'these persons may
enjoy the everlasting benediction of thy
heavenly washing, and may come to the
eternal kingdom which thou bast promised
by Christ our Lord. Amen.
After which he shall say:
Alrrtighty and everlasting God, heavenly
Father, we give thee humble thanks, for
that thou hast vouchsafed to call us to the
knowledge of thy grace and faith in thee;
increase this knqwledge and confirm this
faith in us evermore. Give thy Holy Spirit
to these persons, that they may be born
again and made heirs of everlasting salva¬
tion, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who
liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy
Spirit now and forever. Amen.
Then shall the people stand up, and the Minis¬
ter shall say :
Hear the words of the Gospel written by
St. John, in the third chapter, beginning at
the first verse :
There was a man of the Pharisees
named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews j
149
the same came to Jesus by night, and said
unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a
teacher come from God; For no man can
do the miracles that thou hast done except
God be with him. Jesus answered and
said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto
thee, except a man be born again he can¬
not 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 Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom
of God. That which is bom of the flesh
is flush, and that which is born of the Spirit
is Spirit. Marvel not that I said-unto thee,
Ye must be born again. The wind blow-
eth where it listeth, and thou hearest the
sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it
cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every
one that is born of the Spirit.
Then shall the Minister speak to the person to
be baptised, on this wise :
Well beloved, who are come hither de¬
siring to receive holy Baptism, ye have
150
heard how the congregation hath prayed
that our Lord Jesus Christ would vouch,
safe to receive you, and bless you, to re¬
lease you of your sins, to give you the king¬
dom of Heaven and everlasting life. And
our Lord Jesus Christ hath promised in his
holy word, to grant all those things that we
have prayed for, which promise he, for his
part, will most surely keep and perform.
Wherefore, after this promise made by
Christ, you must also faithfully, for your
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 person
to be baptized, severally,
Q. Dost thou renounce the devil and
all his works, the rain 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 or be led by
them ?
A. J renounce them all.
151
Q. Dost thou believe in God, the Fa¬
ther Almighty, Maker of heaven anrl earth?
And in Jesus Christ his only begotten Son
our Lord ? And that he was conceived of
the Holy Ghost, born oflhe 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 sitteih at the right hand of
God the Father Almighty; and from thence
shall come again at the end of the world,
to judge the quick and the dead ?
And dost thou believe in the Holy Ghost,
the Holy Catholic Church; the Commu¬
nion of saints, the remission of sins, the re¬
surrection of the body, and everlasting life
after death 1
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 so to do, God being my
helper.
152
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 lhem, and that all things belonging to the
Spirit may live and grow in them. Amen.
Grant that they may have power and
strength to have victory, and triumph
against the devil, the world, and the flesh.
Amen.
Grant that they, being here dedicated to
thee by our office and ministry, may also
be endued with heavenly virtues, and ever¬
lastingly rewarded, through thy mercy, 0
blessed Lord God, who dost live and gov¬
ern all things, world without end. Amen.
Almighty, everliving God, whose most
dearl}' beloved Son, Jesus Chrfst, for the
forgiveness of our sins, didst shed out of his
most precious side, both water and blood ;
gave commandments to his xlisciples, that
they should go and teach all nations, bap.
tizing them in the name of the Father, and
of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, regard,
we beseech thee, the supplications of this
congregation ; and grant that the persons
153
now to be baptized, may receive the fulness
of thy grace, and ever remain in the num¬
ber of thy faithful and elect children,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall the Minister take each person to be
baptized by the right hand, and placing them con¬
veniently by the font, according to his discretion,
shall ask the name ; and then shall sprinkle or
pour water upon him, (or if they desire, shall im¬
merse them in water,) saying:
N. I baptize thee in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen.
Then shall be said the Lord's Prayer, all kneeling.
Our Father which art in heaven, hal-
lowed be thy name ; thy kingdom come ;
thy will be done on earth as it is in hea¬
ven ; give us this day our daily bread, and
forgive us our trespasses as we forgive
them that trespass against us; and lead us
not into temptation, but deliver us from
evil. Amen.
Then let the Minister conclude with an extem¬
porary prayer.
154
Section IV.—The form of Solemnization of
Matrimony.
First, the Bans of all that are to be married to¬
gether must be published in the congregation three
several Sundays in the time of divine service,
(unless they be otherwise qualified according to
law,) the Minister saying, after the accustomed
manner.
I publish these bans of marriage be¬
tween M. of , and N. of . If"
any of you know just cause or impediment
why these two persons should not be joined
together in holy matrimony, ye are to de¬
clare it. This is the first [second or third]
time of asking.
At the day and time appointed for solemnization
of matrimony, the persons to be married standing
together, the man on the right hand and the wo¬
man on the left, the Minister shall say :
Dearly beloved, we are gathered to-
gether here in the sight of God, and in the
presence of these witnesses, to join together
this man and this woman in holy matri.
mony; which is an honorable estate, in-
stituted by God in the time of man's inno-
cency .signifying unto us the mystical union
155
which is between Christ and his church ;
which holy estate Christ adorned and beau¬
tified with his presence, and first miracle
that he wrought in Canaof Galliiee, and is
recommended of St. Paul to be honorable
among all men, and therefore not by any
to be entered upon or taken in hand un-
advisedly, but reverently, discreetly, ad-
visedly, and in the fear of God.
Into which holy estate these persons
come now to be joined. Therefore if any
can show any just cause why they may not
lawfully be joined together, let him now
speak, or else hereafter forever hold his
peace.
And also speaking to the persons that are to be
mairied, be shall say :
I require and charge you both, (as you
will answer at the dreadful day of judg.
ment, when the secrets of all hearts shaJ!
be disclosed) that if either of you know any
impediment why you may not be lawfully-
joined together in matrimony, you do now
confess it. For be ye well assured, that so
many as are coupled together otherwise
than God's word shall aljow, are not joined
156
together by God, neither is their matrimony
lawful.
If no impediment shall be alleged, then shall the
Minister say unto 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 for¬
saking all others, keep thee only unto her
~as loDg as ye both shall live ?
The man shall answer,
I will.
Then shall the minister say unto the woman,
N. Wilt thou have this man to be thy
wedded husband, to live together after
God's ordinance in the holy estate of mat*
rimony 1 Wilt thou obey him, .serve him,
love, honor and keep him, in sickness and
in health, and forsaking all others, keep
thee only unto him as long as ye both shall
live 1
The woman shall answer,
I will.
157
Then the Minister 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 be 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 do us part, according to
God's holy ordinance ; and thereto I plight
thee my faith.
Then shall they loose their hands, and the wo¬
man with her right hand, taking the man Ity hia
right hand, shall likewise say after the Minister:
I, N, take thee M, to be my wedded hus¬
band, to have and to hold from this day
forward, for better, for worse, for richer,
for poorer, in sickness and in health, to
love cherish, and to obey, till death do us
part, according to God's holy ordinance ;
and thereto 1 give thee my faith.
Then shall the Minister say,
Let us pray.
0 Eternal God, creator, preserver of all
mankind, giver of all spiritual grace, the
158
author of everlasting life, send thy blessings
upon these thy servants, this man and this
woman, whom we bless in thy name; that
as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully to¬
gether, so these persons may surely per¬
form and keep the vow and covenant be-
twixt them made, 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.
Forasmuch as M. andN. have consent,
ed to live together in holy wedlock, and
have witnessed the same before God and
this corhpany, and there to have pledged
their faith either to the other, and have de-
chred the same by joining of hands: I
pronounce, that they are man and wifs to.
gather, 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
Hply Ghost, bless, preserve and keep you?
159
the Lord mercifully with his favor look
upon you, and so fill you with all spiritual
benediction and grace, that you. may so
live together in this life, that in the world
to come, ye may have life everlasting.—
Amen.
Then shall the minister say,
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 for-
give us our trespasses as we forgive them
that trespass against us ; and lead us not
into temptation, bat deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Then shall the Minister siy,*
O God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God
ot .Tacob, bless this man and this woman,
and sow the seeds of eternal life in their
hearts, that whatsoever in thy holy word
they shall profitably learn, they may in
deed fulfil the same. Look, O Lord, mer-
cifully upon them from heaven. -2nd bless
them. And as thou didst send thy b!ess.
sings upon Abraham and Sarah> to their
160
great comfort; so vouchsafe to send thy
blessings upon this man and this woman,
that they,obeying thy will and always being
in safety under thy protection, may abide
in thy love unto their lives end; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, who by thy mighty power hast
made all things of nothing, who also (after
other things set in order,) didst appoint that
out of man, (created aft'ir thine own image
and similitude,) woman should take her be¬
ginning ; and knitting them together, didst
teach, that it should never be lawful to put
asunder those whom thou, by matrimony,
hadst made one ; O God, who feast conse-
crated the state of matrimony to- such an
excellent mystery, that in it is signified and
represented the spiritual marriage and
union betwixt Christ and hisChurqh: Look
mercifully upon this man, and this wo¬
man : that both this man may love his wife
according to thy word, (as Christ didst love
his spouse the Church, who gave himself
for it, loving and cherishing it even as his
own flesh,) arid also that this woman may
be loving and obedient to her husband;
and in all quietness, sobriety, and peace,
161
be a follower of holy and godly matrons.
0 Lord, bless them both, and grant them
to inherit thy everlasting kingdom, through
Jesus Christ our Lord.. Amen.
Then shall the Minister §ay,
Almighty God, who at the beginning
did create our first parents, Adam and
Eve, and did sanctify and join them togeth¬
er in marriage, pour- upon you the riches
of his grace, sanctify and bless you, that
ye may please him both in body and soul,
and live together in holy lovS unto; your
lives end. Amen.
SectionV.-The Order of the burial of the dead.
N- B. The following, or some other solemn
service, shall be used.
The Minister, meeting the corpse, and going before
it, shall say :
I am the resurrection and the life, saith
the Lord; he that believeth in me, though
he were dead, yet shall he live : and who-
soever liveth and believeth in me shall
never die.—John xi. 25, 2d.
6
162
I know that my Redeemer Iiveth, and
that he shall stand at the latter day upors
th§ earth. And though after my skin,)
worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh
shall 1 see God; whom 1 shall see for my¬
self and mine eyes shall behold, and not
another.—Job xis. 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.
At the grave, wftea the corpse is laid in th®
earth, the minister shall say:
Man that is born of a woman hath but a
short time to live, and is full of misery.—
He cometh up and is cat down like a flow¬
er ; he fleeth as it were ashadow, and nev¬
er continueth in one stay.
In the midst of life we are in death ; of
whom may we seek for succor, but of
thee, O Lord, who for our sins are justly
displeased ?
Yet, OLord God most holy, O Lord
most mighty, O holy and merciful Saviour*
deliver us not into the bitter pains of eter¬
nal death.
163
Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our
hearts, shut not thy merciful ears to our
prayers, but spare us, Lord most holy. O
God most mighty, O holy and merciful
Saviour, thou most worthy Judge eternal,
suffer us not, at our last hour, for any pains
of death to fall from thee.
Then, while the earth shall be cast upon the
body by some standing 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, we therefore commit his body to
the ground; earth to earth, ashes to
ashes, dust to dust; looking for the gene¬
ral resurrection in the last day, and the
life of the world to come, through our
Lord Jesus Ghrist; at whose second com-
ing 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.
164
Then shall be said :
I heard a voice from Heaven, saying
unto me, write—From henceforth, blessed
are the dead who die in the Lord; even so
saith the Spirit; for they rest from their1
labors.
Then shall the Minister say :
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us»
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father who art in Heaven, hallow¬
ed be thy name ; thy kingdom come; thy
will be done on earth, as it is done in Hea¬
ven, give us this day our daily bread, and
forgive us our trespasses as we forgive
them that trespass against us : And lead
us not into temptation, but deliver us from
evil. Amen.
THE COLLteCT.
O merciful God, the Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and
the life, in whom, whosoever believeth shall
live, though he die; and whosoever liveth
and believeth in him shall not die eternal¬
ly. We meekly beseech thee, O Father,
to raise us from the death of sin unto the
165
life of righteousness, that when we shall
depart this life, we may rest in him ; and
at the general resurrection at the last day,
may be found acceptable in thy sight, and
receive that blessing which thy well-be.
loved Son shall then pronounce to all that
love and fear thee, saying,Come, ye bless¬
ed children of my Father, receive the
kingdom prepared for you from the be-
ginning of the world. Grant this, we be¬
seech 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 the fellowship of
the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore.
Amen.
166
CHAPTER IV.
THE FORM AND MANNER OF ORDAINING
BISHOPS, ELDERS AND DEACONS.
Section I.—The form and manner of Ordain'
ing Deacons.
[When the day appointed by the Bishop is
come, there shall be a sermon or exhortation, de¬
claring the duty and office of such as come to be
admitted Deacons.]
After which, one of the Elders shall present
■unto the Bishop, the persons to be ordained Dea'
cons, saying these words:
Reverend Father in God, I present
unto you these persons present, to be ad¬
mitted Deacons.
The Bishop.—Take heed that the per*
sons whom ye present unto us, be apt and
meet for their godly conversation, to exer¬
cise their Ministry duly to the honor of
<?od, and the edifying of his church.
The Elder shall answer:
I have inquired concerning them, and
also examined them, and think them so
to be.
167
Their names being read aloud, the Bishop shall
£ ay unto the people :
Brethren, if there be any of you who
knoweth any impediment or crime in any
of these persons presented to be ordained
Deacons, for the which he ought not to be
admitted to that office, let him come forth
in the name of God, and show what the
crime or impediment is.
[If any crime or impediment be objected, the
jBishop shall surcease from ordaining that perspn,
until such time as the party accused shall be found
clear of that crime.]
Then shall be read the following Collect and
[Epistle :
THE COLLECT.
Almighty God, who by thy Divine Pro¬
vidence has appointed divers orders of
ministers of thy church, and didst inspire
thy apostles to choose into the orders of
deacon, the first martyr, St. Stephen, with
others : Mercifully behold these thy ser¬
vants now called to the like office and ad¬
ministration : replenish them so with the
truth of thy doctrines, and adorn them with
innocency of life, that both by word and
good example, they may faithfully serve thee
168
in this office, to the glory of thy holy name,
and the edification of thy church, through
the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who liveth and reigneth with thee, and the
Holy Ghost, now and forever. Amen.
The Epistle, 1 Tim. iii. 8, 13.
Likewise must the Deacons be grave,
not' double tongued, not given to much
wine, not greedy of filthy lucre ; holding
the mystery of the faith in a pure con¬
science. And let these also first be proved,
then let them use the office of a Deacon,
being found blameless. Even so must
their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober,
faithful in all things. Let the Deacons be
the husband of one wife, ruling their chil¬
dren and their own houses well. For they
that have used the office of a Deacon well,
purchase to themselves a good degree and
great boldness in the faith which is in
Christ Jesus,
Then shall the Bishop examine every one of
them that is to be ordained in the presence of the
people, in the following manner:
The Bishop.—Do you trust that you are
inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost, to
take upon you the office of the ministry in
169
the church of Christ, to serve God for the
promoting of his glory, and the edifying
of his people ?
A. I trust so.
The Bishop.—'Do you unfeignedly be¬
lieve all the canonical Scriptures of the
Old and New Testament ?
A. I do believe them.
The Bishop.—Will you diligently read
or expound the same unto the people
whom you shall be appointed to serve ?
A. I will.
The Bishop.—It appertaineth to the of¬
fice of a Deacon to assist the Elder in divine
service. And especially when he admin,
istereth the holy communion, to help him
in the distribution thereof, and to read and
expound the holy scriptures ; to instruct
the youth, and in the absence of the elder,
to baptize. And, furthermore, it is hia
office to search for the sick, poor and im¬
potent, that they may be visited and re.
lieved. Will you do this gladly and will*
iugly 1
ji, I will do so, by the help of God,
170
The Bishop.—Will you apply all your1
diligence to frame and fashion your own
lives (and the lives of your families,) ac¬
cording to the doctrine of Christ; and to
make both yourselves and them, as much
as in you lieth, wholesome examples of the
flock of Christ ?
A. I will do so, the Lord being my helper.
The Bishop.—Will you reverently obey
them to whom the charge and govern,
ment over you is committed, following
with a glad mind and will, their godly ad¬
monitions ?
A. I will endeavor so to do, the Lord being my
helper-
Then the Bishop laying his hands severally up¬
on the head of every one of them, shall say,
Take thou authority to execute the office
of a Deacon in the church of God, in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then shall the Bishop deliver to every one of
them, the Holy Bible, saying,
Take thou authority to read the Holy
Scriptures, and to preach the same in the
church of God.
171
Then one of them appointed by the Bishop
shall read the Gospel. Luke xiii. 35, 3S.
Let your loins be girded about and your
lights burning, and ye yourselves like unto
men that wait for their Lord when he will
return from the wedding, that when he
cometh and knocketh, they may open unto
him immediately. Blessed are those ser¬
vants whom the Lord when he cometh
shall find watching. Verily-1 say unto you,
that he shall gird himself, and make them
to sit down to meat, and will come forth to
serve them. And if he shall come in
the second watch, or in the third watch,
and find them so, blessed are those ser¬
vants.
[Then shall the Bishop proceed in the commu-t
nion, and all that are ordained shall receive the
holy communion.]
The communion ended, immediately before the
benediction, shall be said these Collects, follow¬
ing:
Almigh'y God, giver of all good things,
who, of thy great goodness, hast vouchsafed
to accept and take these thy servants into
the office of Deacons in thy church : make
thpm, we beseech thee, Q Lord, to be
172
modest, humble, and constant in thelf
ministration, and to have a ready will to
observe all spiritual discipline ; that they
having always the testimony of a good
conscience, and continuing ever stable and
strong in thy Son Christ, may so well be¬
have themselves in this inferior office, that
they may be found worthy to be called
unto the higher ministeries in thy church,
through the same thy Son our Saviour Je¬
sus Christ, to whom be glory and honor,
world without end. Amen.
Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings,
with thy most gracious favor, and further
us with thy continual help, that in all our
works begun, continued and ended in thee,
we may glorify thy holy name, and finally,
by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life,
though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The peace of God, which passeth ail un¬
derstanding, keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God, and
of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord ; and
the blessing of God Almighty, the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst
you and remain with you always. Amea,
173
Section II.—The Form and Manner of Ojv
daining Elders.
[When the day appointed by the Bishop is come,
there shall be a sermon or exhortation, declaring
the duty and office of such as come to be admitted
elders ; how necessary that order is in the church
of Christ, and also how the people ought to esteem,
them in their office.]
After which, one of the Elders shall present unto
the Bishop all them that are to be ordained, an<l
say,
Reverend Father in God, I present unto
you these persons present to be ordained
Elders,
The Bishop.—Take heed that the per¬
sons whom you present unto us, be apt
and meet for their godly conversation, to
exercise their ministry duly to the honor of
God, and the edifying of the church.
The Elder shall answer :
I have enquired concerning them, and
also examined them,and think them so to be.
Thea their names being read aloud, the Bishop
shall say unto the people, >
Brethren, these are they whom we pur¬
pose, God willing, this day to ordain El¬
ders. For, after due examination, we find
tn the contrary, but they are lawfully
174
called to this function and ministry, and
that they are persons meet for the same.
But if there be any of you, who knoweth
any impediment or crime in any of them,
for the which he ought not to be received
into this holy ministry, let him come forth
in the name of God and show what the
crime or impediment is.
flf any crime or impediment be objected, the
Bishop shall surcease from ordaining that person,
until such time as the party accused shall be found
claar of the crime.]
Then shall be said the Collect, Epistle, and
Gospel.
THE COLLECT.
Almighty God, giver of all good things,
who by thy Holy Spirit hast appointed di¬
vers orders of ministers in thy church;
mercifully behold these thy servants now
called to the office of Elders, and replen-
ish them so with the truth of thy doctrine,
and adorn them with innocency of life,
that both by word and good example they
may faithfully serve thee in this office, to
the glory of thy name, and the edification
of thy church, through the. merits of our
175
Saviour Jesus Christ, who liveth and reign,
eth with thee and the Holy Ghost, world
without end. Amen.
The Epistle, Eph. iy„ 7.
Unto every one of us is given gtface ac¬
cording to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Wherefore he saith, when he ascended
up on high he led captivity captive, and
gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascend-
ed, what is it but that he also descended
first, into the lower parts of the earth ? He
that descended is the same that also as¬
cended up far above all heavens, that he
might fill all things.) And he gave some
apostles, and some prophets, and some
evangelists, and some pastors, and some
teachers, for the perfecting of the saints,
for the work of the ministry, for the edify¬
ing of the body of Christ, till we all come
into the unity of the faith, and of the
knowledge of the Son of God, unto a per¬
fect man, unto the measure of the stature
of the fulness of Christ.
After this shall be read for the Gospel, part of
the tenth chapter of St. John.—St. John i. 1, 16;
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that
entereth not by the door into the sheep-
176
fold, but climbeth up some other way, the
same is a thief and a robber. But he that
entereth in by the door, is the shepherd of
the sheep, to him the porter openeth, and
the sheep hear his voice* and he calleth his
own sheep by name and leadeth them out.
And when he putteth forth his own sheep
he goeth before them and the sheep follow
him, for they know his voice. And a stran.
ger will they not follow, but flee from him,
for they know not the voice of strangers.
This parable spake Jesus unto them, but
they understood not what things they were
which he spake unto them. Then said
Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily I say
unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All
that ever came before me are thieves and
robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I
am the door, by me if any man will enter in,
he shall go in and out and find pasture. The
thief cometh not but to steal, and to kill
and destroy 5 I am come that they might
have life, and that they might have it more
abundantly* I am the good shepherd : the
good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep*
But he that is an hireling, and not the shep.
herd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth
177
the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep*
and fleeth, and the wolf calcheth them*
and sealtereth the sheep. The hireling
fleeth because he is an hireling, and careth
not for the sheep. I am the good shep¬
herd, and know my sheep, and am known
of mine. As the Father knoweth me#
even so know I the Father: and I lay-
down my life for the sheep. And other
sheep I have, which are not of this fold ;
them also I must bring, and they shall
hear my voice, and there shall be one fold
and one Shepherd.
And that done, the Bishop shall say unto them
Ss hereafter folioweth:
You have heard, brethren, asjjwell in
your private examination, as in the exhor¬
tation which was now made to you, and in
the holy lessons taken out of the gospel,
and the writings of the apostles, of what
dignity, and of how great importance this
office is, whereunto you are now called.
And now again we exhort you in the name
of our Lord Jesus .Christ, that you have in
remembrance, into how high a dignity, and
to how weighty an office ye are called ;
178
That is to say, to be messengers, watch¬
men, and stewards of the Lord, to teach, and
to premonish, to feed and provide for the
Lord's family, to seek for Christ's sheep
that are dispersed abroad, and for his chil¬
dren who are in the midst of this evil world,
that they may be saved through Christ for-
ever.
Have always therefore printed in your
remembrance, how great a treasure is
committed to your charge. For they are
the sheep of Christ which he bought with
his death, and for whom he shed his blood.
The church and congregation whom you
must serve, is his spouse, and his body.
And if it .shall happen the same church,
or any member thereof, to take any hurt
or hindrance by reason of your negligence,
ye know the greatness of the fault, and
also the horrible punishment that will en¬
sue. Wherefore consider with yourselves
the end of the ministry towards the chil¬
dren of God, towards the spouse and body
of Christ, and see that you never cease
your labor, your care and diligence, until
you have done all that lieth in you, accord¬
ing to your bounden duty, to bring all
179
such as are or shall be committed to vow*
charge, unto that agreement in the faith,
and to that ripeness and perfectness of age
in Christ, that there be no place left among
you, either for error in religion or for vi-
ciousness in life.
Forasmuch then as your office is both
of so great excellency, and of so great dif*
ficulty; ye see with how great care and
study ye ought to apply yourselves as well
that ye may show yourselves dutiful and
thankful to that Lord, who hath placed
you in so high a dignity, as also to beware
that neither you yourselves offend, nor be>
occasion that others offend. Howbeit ye
cannot have a mind and will thereunta
of yourselves; for that will and ability
is given of God alone; therefore ye ought
and have need to pray earnestly for his.
Holy Spirit. And seeing that ye cannot
by any other means compass the doing of
so weighty a work, pertaining to the sal¬
vation of man, but with doctrine and ex¬
hortation taken out of the Holy Scriptures,
and with a life agreeable to the same:
consider how studious you ought to be in
reading and learning the Scriptures, and
180
in framing the manners both of yourselves
and of them that specially pertain unto
you, according to the rules of the same
Scriptures; and this self-same clause, how
ye ought to forsake and set aside (as much
as you may) all worldly studies.
We have good hope that you have all
Weighed and pondered these things with
yourselves long before this time ; and that
you have clearly determined by God's
grace to give yourselves wholly to this
office, whereunto it hath pleased God to
call you: so that as much as in you lieth,
you will apply yourselves wholly to this
one thing, and draw all your cares and
studies this way, and that you will contin¬
ually pray to God the Father by the me¬
diation of our only Saviour Jesus Christ,
for the heavenly assistance of the Holy
Ghost; that by daily reading and weighing
of the Scriptures, ye may wax riper and
stronger in your ministry; and that ye
may so endeavor yourselves from time to
time to sanctify the lives of you and yours,
and to fashion them after the rule and doc-
trine of Christ, that ye may be wholesome
181
and godly examples and patterns for the
people to follow.
And now that this present congregation
of Christ here assembled, may also under-
stand your minds and wills in these things,
and that this your promise may the more
move you to do your duties, ye shall an-
swer plainly to these things, which we, in
the name of God and his church, shall de¬
mand of you touching the same.
Do you think in your heart, that you
are truly called, according to the will of
our Lord Jesus Christ, to the o?der of
Elders T
A- I think so.
The Bishop.—Are you persuaded that
the Holy Scriptures contain sufficiently all
doctrine required of necessity, for eternal
salvation, through faith in Jesus Christ?
And are you determined, out of the said
Scriptures, to instruct the people committed
to your charge, and to teach nothing as
required of necessity to eternal salvation,
but that which you shall be persuaded,
may be concluded and proved by Scrips
{ure.
182
A. I am so persuaded, and have so determined*
by God's grace.
The Bishop.—Will you then give your'
faithful diligence, always so to minister
the doctrine and sacraments and disci¬
pline of Christ, as the Lord hath com4
manded ?
A. I will do so by the help of the Lord.
The Bishop.—Will you be ready with
all faithful diligence to banish and drive
away all erroneous and strange doctrines
contrary to God's word; and to use both
public and private monitions and exhorta¬
tions, as well to the sick as to the whole
within your charge as need shall require,
and occasion shall be given ?
A. I will, the Lord being my helper.
The Bishop.—Will you be diligent in
prayers, and in reading of the Holy Scrip,
tures, and in such studies as help to the
knowledge of the same, laying aside th®
study of the world and the flesh ?
A. 1 will endeavor so to do, the Lord being my
helper.
The Bishop.—Will you be diligent ta
frame and fashion yourselves, and yom
183
families, according to the doctrine of
Christ; and to make both yourselves and
them, as much as in you lieth, wholesome
examples and patterns to the flock of
Christ 1
A. I shall apply myself thereto, the Lord being
my helper.
The Bishop.—Will you maintain and
set forth as much as lieth in you, quietness,
peace and love among all Christian people,
and especially among them that are, or
shall be committed to your charge ?
A. I will do so, the Lord being my helper.
The Bishop.—Will you reverently obey
your chief ministers, unto whom is com¬
mitted the charge and government over
you ; following with a glad mind and will
their godly admonitions, submitting your¬
selves to their godly judgments?
A. I will do so, the Lord being my helper.
Then shall the Bishop, standing up, say,
Almighty God, who hath given you this
will to do all these things, grant also unto
you strength and power, to perform the
game, that he may accomplish his work
184
fthich he hath begun in you, through Je*
sus Christ our Lord. Amen.
[After this the congregation shall be desired,
secretly in their prayers, to make their humble
supplications to God for all these things, for the
which prayers there shall be silence kept for a
space.]
After which shall be said by the Bishop, (the
persons to be ordained elders, all kneeling) Veni,
Creator, Spiritus, the Bishop beginning, and the
elders and others that are present, answering by
verse, as followeth :—
Come, Iloly Ghost, our souls inspire,
And lighten with celestial fire.
Thou the anointing Spirit art,
Who dost thy sevenfold gifts iikpart.
Thy blessed unction from above
Is comfort, light, and fire of love.
Enable with perpetual light,
The dulness of our blinded sight—
Anoint and cheer our soiled face
With the abundance of thy grace,—
Keep far our foes, give peace at home,
Where thou art guide no ill can come.
Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And thee of both, to be hut one,—
That through the ages all along,
This may be our endless song—•
Praise to thy eternal merit,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
185
That done, the Bishop shall pray in this wise,
' End say,
Let ug pray.
Almighty God, and Heavenly Father,
who of thine infinite love and goodness
towards us, has given to thy only and most
dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be our
Redeemer, and the author of everlasting
life, who, after he had made perfect our
redemption by his death, and was ascended
into heaven, sent abroad into the world his
apostles, prophets, evangelists, doctors and
pastors ; by whose labor and ministry he
gathered together a great flock in all parts
of the world, to set forth the praise of thy
holy name: for these so great benefits of
thy eternal goodness, and for that thou
hast vouchsafed to call these thy servants
here present to the same office and minis¬
try appointed for the salvation of mankind,
we render unto thee most hearty thanks,
we praise and worship thee ; and we hum¬
bly beseech thee by the same thy blessed
son, to grant unto all, who either here or
elsewhere call upon thy name, that we
may continue to show ourselves thankful
unto thee for these and all thy other bene-
186
fits, and that we may daily increase and
go forward in the knowledge and faith of
thee and thy Son, by the Holy Spirit. So
that as well by these thy ministers, as by
them over whom they shall be appointed
thy ministers, thy holy name may be for.
ever glorified, and thy blessed kingdom
enlarged, through the same thy Son Jesus
Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth
with thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
world without end. Amen.
[When this prayer is done, the Biehop.with the
Elders present, shall lay their hands severally upon
the head of every one that receiveth the order of
elders, the receivers humbly kneeling upon their
knees, and the Bishop saying,]
The Lord pour upon thee the Holy
Ghost for the office and work of an Elder
in the church of God, now committed unto
thee by the imposition of our hands. And
be thou a faithful dispenser of the word of
God, and of his holy sacraments; In the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen,
[Then the Bishop shall deliver to every one of
them kneeling, the Bible into his hands, saying,]
187
Take thou authority to preach the word
t)f God, and to administer the holy sacra-
ments in the congregation.
When this is done, the Bishop shall go on in the
service of the communion, which all they who re¬
ceive orders shall take together, and remain in the
same place where hands were laid upon them,
until such time as they have received the commu*
nion.
The communion being done, after the last col¬
lect, and immediately before the benediction, shall
be said this collect:
Most merciful Father, we beseech thee to
send upon these thy servants thy heavenly
blessing, that they may be clothed with
righteousness, and the word spoken by
their mouths, may have such success, that
it may never be spoken in vain. Grant
also, that we may have grace to hear and
receive what they shall deliver out of thy
most holy word or agreeable to the same,
as the means of our salvation ; and that in
all our words and deeds we may seek thy
glory, and the increase of thy kingdom,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings,
with thy most gracious favor, and further
us with thy continual help, that in all our
188
frorks begun, continued and ended in thfee,
we may glorify thy holy name, and finally
by thy mercy,obtain everlasting life through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The peace of God which passeth all un*
derstanding, keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God, and of
his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, and the
blessings of God Almighty, the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Ghost, be among youj
and remain with you always. Amen.
iCI?* If on the same day the order of Deacons
be given to some, and that of Elders to others, the
Deacons shall be first presented, and then the El¬
ders. The Collects shall be both used ; first, that
for Deacons, then that for Elders. The Epistle
shall be Ephs. iv. 7 to 13, as before in this office.
Immediately after which, they that are to be or¬
dained Deacons shall be examined and ordained
as above prescribed.
Then one of the Elders having read the Gospel,
which shall be St. John, x. 1, as before in this of*
fice, that are to be ordained Elders, shall likewise
be examined and ordained as in this office before
'appointed.
189
Section III.—The form of Ordaining a
Bishop.
THE COLLECT!
Almighty God, who by thy Son Je*
bus Christ, didst give to thy holy apos¬
tles many excellent gifts, and didst charge
them to feed thy flock : give grace, we
beseech thee, to all the ministers and pas¬
tors of thy church-, that they may diligently
preach thy word, and duly administer the
godly discipline thereofand grant unto
the people that they may obediently fol¬
low the same : that all may receive the
crown of everlasting glory, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall be read, by one of the Elders, the
Epistle. Acts xx. 17, 35.
From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus, and
called the elders of the church. And
when they were come to him, he said unto
them, ye know, From the first day that I
came into Asia, aftet what manner I have
been with you at all seasons, serving the
Lord with all humility of mind, and with
190
many tears and temptations which befel
me by the lying in wait of the Jews; and
how I kept back nothing that was profita¬
ble unto you, but have showed you and
have taught you publicly, and from house
to house, testifying both to the Jews, and
also to the Greeks, repentance toward
God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
And now, behold I go bound in the Spirit
unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things
which shall befall me there, save that the
Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, say¬
ing bonds and affliction abide me. But
none of these things move me, neither
count I my life dear unto myself, so that I
might finish my course with joy, and the
ministry which I have received of the Lord
Jesus to testify the gospel of the grace of
God. And now, behold, I know that ye
all, among whom I have gone preaching
the kingdom of God, shall see my face no
more. Wherefore I take you to record
this day, that I am pure from the blood of
all men: for I have not shunned to de-
clare unto you all the counsel of God.
Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves,and
o all the flock, over which the Holy
191
Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed
the church of God, which he hath pur.
chased with his own blood. For I know
this, that after my departure, shall grievous
wolves enter in among you, not sparing
the flock. Also of your own selves shall
men arise, speaking perverse things, to
draw away disciples after them. There¬
fore watch, and remember, that by the
space of three years, I ceased not to warn
every one night and day with tears. And
now, brethren, I commend you to God,
and to the word of his grace, which is
able to build you up, and to give you an
inheritance among them which are sane*
tified.
I have coveted no man's silver, or gold,
or apparel; yea, ye yourselves know, that
these hands have ministered unto my ne¬
cessities, and to them that were with me.
I have showed you all things, how that so
laboring ye ought to support the weak;
and to remember the words of the Lord
Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to
give than to receive.
Then another shall read the Gospel. St. John
xxi. 15,17.
192
Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son
of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these 1
He saith unto him, yea, Lord ; thou know
est that I love thee. He saith unto him,
feed my lambs. He saith unto him again,
the second time, Simon, son of Jonas,
lovest thou me ? He saith unto him, yea,
Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He
saith unto him, feed my sheep. He saith
unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jo^
nas, lovest thou me 1 Peter was grieved,
because he said unto him the third time,
lovest thou me ? And he said unto him,
Lord, thou knowest all things, thou know¬
est that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him,
feed my sheep.
Of this : St. Matthew xxviii. 18—2Q.
Jesus came and spake unto them, say¬
ing, All power is given unto me, in heaven
and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach
all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father, and. of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all
things whatsoever I have commanded you }
^nd lo, I am with you alway, even yntQ
the end of the world.
193
After the Gospel and the sermon are ended, the
elected persons shall be presented by the two El¬
ders unto the Bishop, saying,
Reverend Father in God, we present
unto you this holy man to be ordained a
Bishop.
Then the Bishop shall move the congregation
present to pray, saying thus to them :
Brethren, it is written in the Gospel of
St. Luke, that our Saviour Christ contin¬
ued the whole night in prayer, before he
chose and sent forth his twelve apostles :
It is written also in the Acts of the Apos¬
tles, that the disciples who were at Antioch
did fast and pray before they laid hands on
Paul and Barnabas, and sent them forth.
Let us, therefore, following the examples
of our Saviour Christ and his Apostles,
first fall to prayer before we admit andsend
forth this person presented us, to the work
whereunto we trust the Holy Ghost hath
called him.
Then shall be said this prayer, following:
Almighty God, giver of all good things,
who by the Holy Spirit hast appointed di¬
vers orders of ministers in thy church j
7
194
mercifully behold this thy servant, now
called to the work and ministry of a Bishop,
and replenish him so with the truth of thy
doctrine, and adorn him so with innocency
of life, that both by word and deed, he may
faithfully serve thee in this office, to the
glory of thy name, and the edifying and
the well.governing of thy church, through
the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who liveth and reigneth with thee and the
Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.
Then the Bishop shall say to him that is to be
Ordained,
Brother, forasmuch as the Holy Scrip,
tures command, that we should not be
hasty in laying on hands, and admitting any
person to government in the church of
Christ, which he hath purchased with no
leas price than the effusion of his own
blood; before I admit you to this adminis¬
tration, I will examine you in certain arti¬
cles to the end that the congregation pre¬
sent may have a fair trial, anjd bear wit-
ness how you are minded to behave your¬
self in the church of God.
The Bjshopi-r-Are you persuaded that
you are ' truly ijalled to the ministration
195
according to the will of our Lord Jesus
Christ?
I am so persuaded.
The Bishop.—Are you persuaded that
the Holy Scriptures contain sufficiently all
doctrine required of necessity to eternal
salvation, through faith in Jesus Christ?—
And are you determined, out of .the same
Holy Scriptures, to instruct the people
committed to your charge, and to teach
and maintain nothing as required of ne¬
cessity to eternal salvation, but that which
you shall be persuaded may be concluded
and proved by the same ?
A. I am so persuaded, and determined by
God's grace.
The Bishop.—Will you then faithfully
exercise yourself in the same Holy Scrip¬
tures, and call upon God, by prayer, lor
the true understanding of the same, so as
you may be able, by them, to teach and
exhort with wholesome doctrine, and to
withstand and convince gainsayers ?
A. I will so do, by the help of God'
196
The Bishop.—Are you ready with faith*
ful diligence to banish and drive away all
erroneous and strange doctrines contrary
to God's word, and both privately and
openly to call upon and encourage others
to do the same ?
A. I am ready, the Lord being my helper.
The Bishop.—Will you deny all ungod«
liness and worldly lusts, and live right¬
eously, soberly and godly in this present
world, that you may show yourself in
all things an example of good works
unto others, that the adversary may be
ashamed, having nothing to say against
you?
A- I will do so, the Lord being my helper.
The Bishop—Will you maintain and
set forward as much as shall lie in you,
quietness, love and peace, among all men;
and such as shall be unquiet, disobedient,
and criminal within your district, correct
and punish according to such authority as
>ou have by God's word, and as shall be
committed unto you ?
197
A. I will so do, by the help of God.
The Bishop.—Will you be faithful in
ordaining, sending, or laying hands upon
cithers ?
A. I will so do, by the help of God.
The Bishop.—Will you show yourself
gentle and merciful, for Christ's sake, to
poor and needy people, and to all strangers
-destitute of help ?
A. I will so show myself, by God's help.
Then the Bishop shall say:
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father,
Who hath given you a good will ]Lo do all
these things, grant also unto you strength
and power to perform the same; that he
accomplishing in you the good work which
he hath begun, you may be found perfect
and irreprehensible at the last day, through
our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth, and
reigneth for ever. Amen.
198
Then shall Yeni, Creator, Spiritus be said.
'Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,
And lighten with celestial fire.
Thou the anointing Spirit art,
Who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart.
Thy blessed unction from above
Is comfort, light, and fire of love.
Enable with perpetual light.,
The dulness of our blinded sight—
Anoint and cheer our soiled face
With the abundance of thy grace,—
Keep far our foes, give peace at home*
Where thou art guide no ill can come.
Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And thee of both, to be but one,—
That through the ages all along,
This may be our endless song—
Praise to thy eternal merit,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
That ended, the Bishop shall say,
Lord, hear our prayer,
A. And let our cry come unto thee.
Bishop—Let us pray.
Almighty God and most merciful Fa¬
ther, who of thine infinite goodness hast
given thine only and dearly beloved Son
Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemed, and the
author of everlasting life; who after that
199
he had made perfect our redemption by
his death, and was ascended into heaven,
poured down his gifts abundantly upon
men, making some apostles, some pro¬
phets, some evangelists, some pastors, and
doctors, to the edifying and making perfect
his church : grant, we beseech thee, to this
thy servant such grace that he may ever¬
more be ready to spread abroad thy gos¬
pel, the glad tidings of reconciliation with
thee, and use the authority given him, not
to destruction but to salvation ; not to hurt
but to help; so that as a wise and faithful
servant, giving to thy family their portion
in due season, he may at last be received
into everlasting joy, through Jesus Christ
our Lord, who with thee and the Holy
Ghost, liveth and reigneth, one God, world
without end. Amen.
Then the Bishops and Elders present, shall lay
their hands upon the head of the elected person,
kneeling before them upon his knees, the Bishop
saying,
Receive the Holy Ghost for the office
and work of a Bishop in the church of
God, now committed unto thee, by the
imnosition of our hands, in the name of
200
the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost. Amen.—And remember that
thou stir up the grace of God, which is
given thee by this imposition of our hands ;
for God hath not given us the spirit of fear,
but of power and love and soberness.
Then the Bishop shall deliver him the Bible,
saying,
Give heed unto reading, exhortation and
doctrine. Think upon those things con¬
tained in this book. Be diligent in them,
that the increase coming thereby may be
manifest unto all men. Take heed unto
thyself, and to thy doctrine; for by so
doing thou shalt both save thyself and
them that hear thee. Be to the flock of
Christ a shepherd, not a wolf; feed them,
■devour them not. Hold up the weak, heal
the sick, bind up the broken, bring again
the outcasts, seek the lost, be so merciful
that you may not be too remiss; so minis-
ter discipline that you forget not mercy;
that when the Chief Shepherd shall ap¬
pear, you may receive the never-fading
crown of glory, through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
201
[Then the Bishop shall administer the Lord's
Supper, with whom the newly ordained Bishop,
and all others present, shall communicate.]
Immediately before the benediction, shall b.e
said the following prayers :
Most merciful Father, we beseech thee
to send down upon this thy servant thy
heavenly blessing, and so endue him with
thy Holy Spirit, that he preaching thy
word, may not only be earnest to reprove,
beseech, and rebuke with all patience and
doctrine, but also may be to such as be¬
lieve, a wholesome example in word, in
conversation, in love, in failh, in chastity,
and in purity; that faithfully fulfilling his
course, at the latter day he may receive
the crown of righteousness laid up by the
Lord, the righteous Judge, who liveth and
reigneth, one God with the Father and the
Holy Ghost, world without end.
Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings
with thy most gracious favor, and further
us with thy continual help, that in all our
works begun, continued, and ended in
thee, we may glorify thy holy name, and
finally by thy mercy, obtain everlasting
life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
202
The peace of God which passeth all un¬
derstanding, keep your hearts and mindsi
in the knowledge and love of God, and his
Son Jesus Christ our Lord, and the bless-
ing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you and
remain with you always. Amen.
END OP THE SPIRITUAL PART,
PART SECOm
CHAPTER V.
THE TEMPORAL ECONOMY OF THE AFRICA!?
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Section I.—Of the Boundaries of the Annual
Conferences.
Question—What are the boundaries of
the annual conferences 1
Answer 1. The Baltimore Conference
shall include Baltimore City, Eastern
Shore of Maryland, Harrisburg circuit,
Washington City, and Piscataway, and all
places that may hereafter be brought into
the connection south of that latitude.
2.The Philadelphia Conference will include
Philadelphia City, Bucks County, Delaware
State, East and West Jersey.
3. The New York Conference shall in¬
clude New York City, Long Island, New
York State, and all places that may hereaf¬
ter be brought into the connection west of
that longitude and north of that latitude.
The Bishop or Bishops may any time,
if he or they deem it necessary when trav.
204
elling through the Canadas, establish an
annual conference for those Provinces.
4. The Ohio or Western Conference
shall include all that part of Pennsylvania
west of the Alleghany mountains, the State
of Ohio, and all places that may hereafter
be brought into the connection west of that
longitude. The Bishop or Bishops may
at any time, if he or they deem it necessary
when travelling through the States of In¬
diana, Illinois, and farther west, establish an
annual conference for that section of the
country.
Section II.—Of the building Churches, and
the order to be observed therein.
Q. 1. Is any thing advisable in regard
to building?
A. 1. Let all our churches be built
plain and decent; but not more expensive
than is absolutely unavoidable.
2. No person shall be hereafter eligible
as a trustee to any of our houses, churches
or schools, who is not a regular member of
our church.
3. No person who is a trustee shall be
ejected while he is a joint security for mo*
205
ney, unless such relief be given him as is
demanded, or the creditor will accept.
Q. 2. Is there any exception to the
rule, "Let the men and women sit apart?"
A. There is none—let them sit apart
in all our churches.
Q. 3. Is there not a great indecency
sometimes practised among us, viz. talking
in the congregation before and after ser¬
vice ? How shall this be cured ]
A. Let all the ministers, preachers,
&c., join as one man, and enlarge on the
impropriety of talking before or after
service; and strongly exhort those that
are concerned to do it no more. In three
months, this vile practice, if we are in
earnest, will be banished put of our con¬
gregations. Let none stop till he has car¬
ried his point.
Q. 4. What shall be done for the se¬
curity of our meeting houses and the pre¬
mises as belonging thereto 1
A. Let the following plan of a deed of
settlement be brought into effect in all pos¬
sible cases, and as far as the law will ad¬
mit in the respective states. But, each
annual conference is authorised to maka
206
such modification in the deeds, as they may
find the different usages , and customs of
laws require in the different States, so as
to secure the premises firmly by deed ; and
permanently to the African Methodist
Episcopal Church, according to the true
intent and meaning of the following form
of a deed of settlement, any thing in the
said form to the contrary, notwithstanding:
33ceb.
THIS INDENTURE, made this
day of in the year of our Lord, one
thousand hundred and be¬
tween of the in the State
of [if the grantor be married, insert
the name of his wife,] of the one part,
and trustees in trust for the use
and purposes hereinafter mentioned, all of
the in the State of aforesaid,
of the other part, Witnesseth, that the
said [if married, insert the name
of his wife,] for and in consideration of the
sum of specie to in hand paid, at and
upon the sealing and delivery of these pre¬
sents, the receipt whereof is hereby ac-
207
knowledged, hath (or have) given,granted,
bargained, sold, released, confirmed and
conveyed, and by these presents, doth (or
do) give, grant, bargain, sell, release, con¬
firm and convey unto them the said
and their successors (trustees in trust for
the uses and purposes hereinafter men¬
tioned and declared,) all the estate, right,
title, interest, property, claim and demand
whatsoever, either in law or equity, which
he the said [if married, here insert
his wife's name,] hath (or have) in, to, or
upon all and singular, a certain lot or piece
of land, situate, lying and being in the
and State aforesaid, bounded as follows, to
wit: [here insert the several courses and
distances of the land to the place of begin¬
ning,] containing and laid out for acres
of land, together with all and singular the
houses, woods, waters, ways, privileges,
and appurtenances, thereto belonging or in
any wise pertaining: To have and to hold
all and singular the above-mentioned and
described lot or piece of land, situate, lying,
and being, as aforesaid ; together with all
and singular the houses, woods, waters,
ways and privileges thereto belonging, or
208
in any wise appertaining unto the said
and their successors in office for¬
ever in trust, that they shall erect or cause
to be built thereon a house or place of wor¬
ship for the use of the members of the Afri¬
can Methodist Episcopal Church in the
United States of America, according to the
rules and discipline of said church, which
from time to time may be adopted and
agreed upon by the ministers and preach¬
ers of the said church, at their General
Conferences in the United States of Ame¬
rica ; and in further trust and confidence,
that they shall at all times forever hereaf¬
ter permit such ministers and preachers
belonging to said church, as shall from
time to time be duly authorized by the
General Conferences of the ministers and
preachers, of the said African Methodist
Episcopal Church, or by the annual con-
ferences authorized by the said General
Conference, to preach and expound God's
holy word therein ; and in further trtist and
confidence, that as often as any one or
more of trustees herein be/ore mentioned,
shall die or cease to be a member or mem¬
bers of said church, according to the rules
209
and discipline aforesaid, then and in such
case it shall be the duty of the stationed
minister or preacher, (authorized as afore¬
said,) who shall have the pastoral charge
of the members of said church, to call a
meeting of the remaining trustees as soon
as conveniently may be; and when so met,
the said minister or preacher shall proceed
to nominate one or more persons to fill the
place or places of him or them whose of-
fice or offices has (or have) been vacated
as aforesaid : provided the person or per¬
sons so nominated, shall have been one
year a member or members of the said
church, immediately preceding such nomi¬
nation. and be at least twenty-one years of
age ; and the said trustees, so assembled,
shall proceed to elect, and by a majority
of votes, appoint the person or persons so
nominated, to fill such vacancy or vacan-
cies, in order to keep up the number of
trustees for ever; and in case of an equal
number of votes, for and against the said
nomination, the stationed minister or
preacher shall have the casting vote.
Provided, nevertheless, that the said
trustees, or any of them or their succes*
210
st>rs, have advanced, or shall advance, any
sum or sums of money, or are or shall be
responsible for any sum or sums of money,
on account of said premises, and they the
said trustees or their successors, be obliged
to pay the said sums of money, they, or a
majority of them, shall be authorized to
raise the said sum or sums of money by
mortgage on the said premises, or by sell¬
ing the said premises, after notice given
to pastor or preacher that has the over¬
sight of the congregation attending divine
service on the said premises, if the money
due be not paid to the said trustees, or their
successors within one year after such no¬
tice given : And if such sale take place, the
said trustees or their successors, after pay¬
ing the debt and other expenses which are
due, from the money arising from such sale,
shall deposit the remainder of the money
produced by the said sale, in the hands of
the steward or stewards of the society be¬
longing to, or attending divine service on
said premises, which surplus of the pro*
duce of such sale, so deposited in the hands
of the said steward or stewards, shall be at
the disposal of the next annual conference,
211
authorized as aforesaid; which said annual
conference shall dispose of the said money,
according to the best of their judgment,
for the use of the said society. And the
said doth, by these presents war¬
rant, and for ever defend all and singular
the above-mentioned and described lot or
piece of ground, with the appurtenances
thereto belonging, unto them the said
and their successors chosen and appointed
as beforesaid, from the claim or claims of
him the said his heirs and assigns, and
from the claim or claims of all persons what¬
ever.
In testimony whereof, the said [if
married, insert the name of his wife,] have
hereto set their hands and seals, the day and
year aforesaid.
Sealed and delivered:
the presence of us.
Two Witnesses.
Grantor's, (L. S.)
His wife's, (L. S.)
Received the day of the date of the above
written Indenture, the consideration
therein mentioned in full-
Witness, }
$ Grantor's, (L. S.)
d in 1
" s
312
County, ss.
Be it remembered, that on the day
of in the year of our Lord, one thou¬
sand personally appeared before
me, one of the justices of the peace, in the
County of and State of the within
named [the grantor, if married, insert
the name of his wife,] and acknowledged
the within deed of trust, to be their act and
deed, for the uses and purposes therein
mentioned and declared ; and she the said
wife of the said being separate
and apart from her, the said husband
by me examined, declared that she had
made the same acknowledgment, freely,
and with her own consent, without being
induced thereto through fear or threats of
her said husband. In testimony whereof
I have hereto set my hand and seal, the
day and year first above written.
Here the Justice's name. (l.s.)
N. B. 1. It is necessary that all our
deeds should be recorded for legal as welt
as prudential reasons. And the incorpo¬
ration of all our Churches, (where the law
will admit of it,) should be attended to as
soon as possible.
213
2. Let nine trustees be appointed far
meeting-houses, where proper persons can
be procured, otherwise 7, 5, or 3.
3. Any Church or Congregation among
us, that will not submit wholly to the spir¬
itual government of our General and An.
nual Conferences, shall be disowned.
Section III.-—Of the Qualifications, Appoint¬
ment, and Duty of the Stewards of Circuits,
Q,. 1. What are the qualifications ne¬
cessary for Stewards ?
A. Let them be men of solid piety,
who both know and love the Methodist
doctrine and discipline, and of good natural
and acquired abilities, to transact the tem¬
poral business.
Q. 2. How are the Stewards to be ap¬
pointed 1
A. The preacher having the charge of
the circuit, shall have the right of nomina¬
tion; but the Quarterly Meeting Conference
shall confirm or reject such nomination.
Q. 3. What are the duties of Stewards 1
A. To take an exact account of all
the money or other provision collected for
the support of the preachers in the circuit j
to make an accurate return of every expen-
214
diture of money, whether to the preachers,
sick or poor; to seek the needy and dis¬
tressed, in order to relieve and comfort
them ; to inform the preachers, of any sick
or disorderly persons ; to tell the preach¬
ers what they think wrong in them ; to
attend the quarterly meeting of their cir-
cuit; to give advice, if asked, in planning
the circuit; to attend committees for the
application of money to churches ; to give
counsel in matters of arbitration ; provide
elements for the Lord's Supper ; to write
circular letters to the societies in the cir¬
cuit, to be more liberal, if need be ; as also
to let them know, when occasion requires,
the state of the temporal concerns at the
last quarterly meeting; to register the
marriages and baptisms, and be subject to
the bishop, elder, deacon, and travelling
preachers of their circuit.
Q. 4. To whom are the stewards ac¬
countable for the faithful performance of
their duties 7
A. To the Quarterly Meeting Confer¬
ence of the circuit or station.
Q. 5. What number of Stewards is
pecessary in each circuit and station ?
A. Not less than two,nor more than four.
215
Section IV.—Of the allowance of the 'Travel¬
ling Preachers.
1. The annual allowance of the un¬
married travelling preachers shall be one
hundred and twenty-five dollars per year,
and his board and travelling expenses.
2. The annual allowance of the mar¬
ried travelling preacher shall be two hun¬
dred dollars per year, his travelling ex¬
penses and.board, and also fuel, when his
family is on the circuit or station with him.
Section V.—Of the allowance of the acting
Superintendent or Senior Bishop.
1. The General Superintendent shall
receive twenty-five dollars from each An.
nual Conference that he attends, and his
travelling expenses.
2. He shall receive when he travels,
in the interval of the Conference, five
hundred dollars per year, clear of all his-
travelling expenses, which allowance shall
be made up on all the circuits and stations
through the conjunction of the preachers
having the charge, and the stewards of all
the circuits or stations.
216
3. When the junior bishop attends the
Conferences, at the request of the General
Superintendent, and travels through the
connection at large, (if unmarried) he shall
be allowed three hundred dollars per year,
and his travelling expenses paid ; but in his
absence, the Superintendent, at the Con¬
ference, shall choose an assistant pro tem.
4. The General Book Steward shall be
allowed one hundred and fifty dollars per
year, and 6 per cent, on the general sale of
all books. The District Book Stewards, &c.
shall be allowed an additional 6 per cent,
on all books sold by them.
Section VI.—Of the Printing and Circula¬
ting books, and the profits arising therefrom.
1. The book business shall be carried
on in whatever district the general book
steward is located; and at each Annual
Conference of said district, he shall make
a plain report of all his transactions.
2. The Annual Conference having ju¬
risdiction over the book concern, shall an¬
nually appoint a committee, joint with the
general book steward, to superintend its
business; and a general book treasurer,
217
who shall, previous to his entering upon
the duties of his office, give an approved
bond to said Annual Conference, or the
Committee appointed by them, in such an
amount as said Annual Conference may
from time to time decide upon, for the
faithful performance of his trust; and each
Annual Conference of the other districts
shall appoint one book steward or more,
as they, in their judgment, may think pro¬
per, who shall act under the direction of
the general book steward appointed by the
General Conference. They shall be re¬
sponsible to the Annual Conference of their
district for their conduct; and the Annual
Conference having jurisdiction over the
book concern, in the interval of the General
Conference, shall have power, if they deem
it necessary, by the advice and consent of
the superintendent and the committee, to
remove any of said officers thus appointed
by the General Conference, or otherwise,
and in case of removal or resignation, to
appoint a successor until the next General
Conference 1 The general book steward
shall have authority, with the advice and by
the consent of the Superintendent, the book
218
treasurer, and the book concern, to regu¬
late the publications and all other parts of
the business belonging to the concern.
Every Annual Conference shall appoint a
committee to examine the account of the
book stewards, so that an accurate know¬
ledge of the concern may be ascertained.
Should any of the committee appointed by
the Annual Conference to superintend the
general business of the book concern,
neglect or refuse to do their duty, or be
removed by death, expulsion, &c.f the
elder having charge of the circuit or sta¬
tion wherever the book concern is located,
shall, upon the call of the general book
steward, and concurrence of the remaining
committee, appoint others in their place
during the interval of the Annual Confer¬
ence.
3. It shall be the duty of every travel-
ling preacher belonging to the connec¬
tion to recover all debts belonging to the
concern, and also books that may remain
unsold in the hands of any person in their
circuits or stations.
If any preacher or member be in debt
to the book concern, and refuse to make
219
pftyment, or come to a just settlement, let
him be dealt with for a breach of trust,
and such effectual measures be adopted for
the recovery of such debts as the Annual
Conference may direct, and every person
receiving books shall make their returns
to the Annual Conference.
4. It shall be the duty of every preacher
having the charge, where no book steward
is appointed, to see that his circuit or sta-
tion be well supplied with books. He shall
order such books as are wanted, and give
direction to whose care the same are to be
sent; and shall take the oversight of all
our books sentinto his charge, and account
with the general book steward for the same*
He shall have the books distributed among
the several appointments in his circuit,
keep an account with each person who re»
ceives or sells them, receive the money,
and forward it to the general book steward*
When a preacher is removed, he shall
make a full settlement for all the books
under his direction, sold or remaining in hia
charge; and also make a transfer to his
successor of all the books and accounts
left ia his charge.
220
5. The book concern shall pay all the
expenses of the conveyance of books.
6. The profits arising from the book
concern, after a sufficient capital to carry
on the business is retained, shall be regu¬
larly applied to the support of the dis¬
tressed travelling preachers.
7. No preacher is permitted to publish
any book or pamphlet, touching any doc-
trine or connection, without the approba¬
tion of the Annual Conference to which he
belongs, or a committee chosen by them;
and the committee who may be employed
to inspect the work, shall be allowed such
compensation as the Annual Conference
may think proper. It is recommended to
the Annual Conferences to caution and re¬
strict our preachers from improper publica.
lions.
221
Section VII.—Of raising a General Fund/of
the propagation of the Gospel.
1. Every preacher who has the charge
of a circuit, shall make a yearly collection,
and if expedient, a quarterly one, in every
congregation where there is a probability
that the people will be willing to contribute:
and the money so collected shall be lodged
in the hands of the steward or stewards,
and brought or sent to the ensuing Annual
Conference. To this end, he may read
and enlarge in the following hints :—
" How shall we send laborers into those
parts where they are most of all wanted t
Many are willing to hear but not to bear
the expenses. Nor can it be as yet ex-
pected of them—stay till the word of God
has touched their hearts, and then they
will gladly provide for them that preach it.
Does it not lie upon us in the mean time
to supply their lack of service ? To raise
money out of which, from time to time,
that expense may be defrayed ? By these
means those who willingly offer themselves,
may travel through every part, whether
222
ihel'e be societies or not, and stay wherev*
'er there is a call, without being burden,
some to any. Thus may the gospel in
the life and power thereof, be spread from
sea to sea. Which of you will not rejoice
to throw in your mites, to promote this
glorious work 1
" Besides this, in carrying on so large a
work through the continent, there are calls
for money in various ways, and we must
be frequently at considerable expense or
the work must be at a full atop.
u The money contributed will be brought
or sent to the ensuing Annual Conference."
2. A public collection shall be made
at every Annual and General Conference,
for the above purposes.
3. Upon the issuing of this publication
there shall be taken up immediately, a col¬
lection throughout our connection at large,
in all our churches and preaching places,
for the purpose of raising an outfit for the
Bishop's immediate supply, to enable him
to employ all his time in travelling through¬
out the connection, unencumbered. And
that the preachers having the charge of
their circuits or stations, shall see that the
223
stewards under their charge, forward the
money* if possible, immediately, by Bills
of Exchange, or otherwise, through the
mail, to the general book steward.
And every preacher, having charge of a
circuit or station, shall hereafter, (for car¬
rying out the above objects,) earnestly re¬
commend to every class or society under
his charge, monthly collections by volun¬
tary contributions, or in such other way as
may be thought the most expedient, from
time to time; and the money so collected
shall be lodged with the stewards of the
circuit or station and forwarded as afore¬
said.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Section 1.
Section 2.
Section 3,
Of the Origin of the Episcopacy
of the African Methodist Epis¬
copal Church,
Articles of Religion,
Of Justification, and other Doc¬
trines, in Questions and An¬
il
14
26
CHAPTER II.
Section 1. Of the General Conference, 57
Section 2. Of the Annual Conference, 61
Section 3. Of the Election and Consecra¬
tion of a Superintendent, 64
Section 4. Of the duties of Elders having
the charge, 67
Section 5. Of the Election and Ordination
of travelling Deacons and
their duty, 78
CONTENTS.
Section 6. Of the method of receiving tra¬
velling Preachers, and their
duty,
Section 7. How to provide for the Circuits
during the sitting of the Con¬
ference,
Section 8. Of the method by which immoral
travelling Preachers shall be
brought to trial, found guilty,
and suspended in the intervals
of the Conferences,
Section 9. Of the local preachers and Ex-
horters,
Section 10. Of the trial of those who think
they are moved by the Holy
Ghost to preach,
Section 11. Of the matter and manner of
preaching and other public ex¬
ercises,
Sectioil 12. Of the duty of Preachers to
God, themselves, and one
another,
Section 13. Rules by which we should con¬
tinue, or desist from preach¬
ing at any place,
Section 14. Of visiting from house to house,
guarding against those sins
that are so common to profes¬
sors, and enforcing practical
religion,
Section 15. Of the instruction of Children,
Section 16. Of Baptism,.
Section 17. Of the Lord's Suppfer,
Section 18, Of Public Worship,
74
80
81
83
89
90
92,
96
97
102
104
105'
ioa
Section 19.
Section 20.
Section 21.
Section 22.
Section 23.
Section 24.
Section 25.
Section 26.
Section 1.
Section 2.
Section 3.
Section 4.
Section 6.
The Form
^Section 1.
CONTENTS.
Of the Spirit and Truth of Sing¬
ing*
The nature, design, and general
rules of the United Societies,
Of Class Meetings,
Of the bringing to trial, finding
guilty, suspending, reproving,
or excluding disoiderly mem¬
bers from Society and Church
privileges,
Of the privilege granted to seri¬
ous persons not of our So¬
ciety.
Of Marriage,
Of Dress,
Of the Band Societies,
CHAPTER III.
The order for the administration
of the Lord's Supper, 130
The ministration of Baptism of
Infants, 142
The ministration of Baptism to
those of riper years, 146
The form of Solemnization of
Matrimony, 154
The order for the Burial of the
Dead, 161
CHAPTER IV.
and Manner of Ordaining Bishops,
Elders, and Deacons.
The form and manner of ordain¬
ing Deatons, 166
106
108
114
117
123
123
125
12S"
CONTENTS.
Section 2. The form and manner of ordain¬
ing Elders, 173
Section 3. The form of ordaining Bishops, 189
PART II
CHAPTER V.
The Temporal Economy of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church.
Section I. Of the boundaries of the Annual
Conferences, 203
Section 2. Of the building of Churches,
and the order to be observed
therein, 204
Section 3. Of the qualifications and appoint¬
ment of Stewards, 213
Section 4. Of the allowance of travelling
Preachers, 215
Section 5. Of the allowance of the Superin¬
tendent, 215
SectionG. Of the Printing of Books, <fcc. 216
Section 7, Of raising a fuod for the propa¬
gation of the Gospel, 221,
Robert W. Woodruff
Library
Special Collections
emory university