n
FOURTH EDITION—Revised
=Jt=3
Tlie
P robationers'
Guide . . .
L-
REV. C. M. TANNER. D. D,
Author of
"A Manuel of tlie African M. E. Lhurcli'
J
TWENTY-THIRD THOUSAND
Robert W. Woodruff
Library
Special Collections
emory university
THE
Probationers' Guide
Designed also for the use of
Members and Sunday School Pupils
BY
REV. C. M. TANNER, D. D.
Author of
A Manuel of tlie African Methodist
Episcopal Church
FOURTH EDITION—REVISED
Twenty-Third Thousand
COPYRIGHT 1901-1917
By C. M. Tanner
RICHARD ALLEN
Founder and First Bishop of the A. M. E. Church
"Let us lay aside every weight and the sin
which doth so easily beset us, and let us run
with patience the race that is set before us."
Heb. 12:1
j=H ^ r-irg= ir=»ni ini—^11 if== j
CERTIFICATE OF PROBATION
THIS CERTIFIES, That
Was Received on Probation in the
African Methodist Episcopal Church
In Conference 19
Pastor
Assigned to Class No Leader
Meets o'clock
im m>
CERTIFICATE OF MEMBERSHIP w
This Certifies, That
of was received a full member into the African
Methodist Episcopal Church, according to the usage of said Church, and |j
that the same is entitled to all the rights and privileges enjoyed by any other
member in the world, so long ^5 conduct is in keeping with the dis¬
cipline of said Church. We, therefore, commend the bearer to the Bishops,
Ministers and members of the same everywhere.
Membeisof Conference, African
Methodist Episcopal Church,
Date 19
IDE
INDEX
Page
Preface-. 9
A Word with the Probationers 12
A General Instruction 18
Doctrine of the Church 28
The Discipline of Church 30
Articles of Religion 35
General Rules of Adults 49
Forms of Baptism 51
Reception of Members 65
Probationers' Pledge__ 69
Commandment in Verse 70
The Beatitudes 71
Baptismal Covenant 71
General Confession 72
Covenant of Consecration 74
PREFACE TO REVISED EDITION.
When this little Guide was first pub¬
lished some years ago, no idea was en¬
tertained that its circulation would ever
be beyond a few thousand copies. But
already over twenty thousand copies have
been distributed in all parts of the Church,
including the foreign fields. For some
months it has been out of print, but so
frequent and urgent have been the calls
for it, that it was decided to send out
another edition revised to date. One or
two minor corrections have been made;
otherwise it stands substantially as it was
when first issued. We are grateful to sev¬
eral friends for helpful suggestions, and
crave for this issue the consideration ac¬
corded the other three editions.
Atlanta, Ga., March, 1917.
PREFACE.
Upon many occasions, since the appear¬
ance of the "Manual for Probationers and
Members," it has been suggested that
there was still the need of some complete,
yet brief and simple, treatise that could
be sold for a pittance, to be placed in the
hands of each Probationer upon his recep¬
tion and used also in our Sabbath Schools.
The question has often been asked: "Why
do you not give something brief?" This
shall be our effort. Prepared in cate¬
chetical form, it shall include all of Doc¬
trine, Discipline and History that it is
absolutely necessary for a Probationer to
know. We shall aim to be direct and
simple in all our statements. We advise
those who are interested and desire more
light to read the "Manual," to which the
present work will serve as an introduction.
We fear the matter of the instruction
Ol our Probations has, in the past, been
all but ignored. The period of probation
should be diligently improved by the
10 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
Church in filling the heart and the head
with essential truths. As has been wise¬
ly said, the time of probation is the time
of preparation. Our discipline requires
the pastor to instruct the children of his
charge and that all persons, before being
admitted to full membership, shall pass a
satisfactory examination before the pastor
and the Church as to the correctness of
their faith and willingness to observe the
rules (p. 186, Discipline, 1916). In each
Quarterly Conference the question is now
asked whether the Probationers are being
duly instructed. How many members
would be saved to God and our Church if
pastors and leaders were only more dili¬
gent in this matter.
And now a suggestion as to the use of
the Guide. Do not fail to place one in
the hands of the Probationer upon the very
moment of his admission. A free-will
offering or an after collection will pay for
the books needed; or let each Probationer
pay for his own. Upon presenting the
Guide instruct him to read it or have it
read to him. Let him be encouraged to
commit to memory at least the Catechism
at the opening of the book. This Cate¬
chism has been adapted to our use from
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 11
that employed in the Protestant Episcopal
Church. We do not see that such a step
can be objected to, as that Catechism has
seen service in all parts of the world for
nearly 350 years; and since, moreover, our
entire liturgy and articles of religion are
from the same source. By learning this
Catechism the Probationer fulfills the
pledge made in the baptismal covenant.
.For in this short Catechism we have the
Apostles' Creed, Ten Commandments and
the Lord's Prayer, with an explanation of
each and the number, nature and end of
the Sacraments defined. If possible let
regular instruction be given by pastor or
leader. Form a class in the Church and
urge the older members to attend. Few
oi them, likely, have had any training.
Let certain chapters be assigned for each
night. Urge the use of the Discipline.
Much given here is mere suggestion and
needs to be developed to be most profitable.
In the Sabbath School the Guide may
be used in the classes and so aim to bring
our children from the school right into the
Church. On the day of reception into full
membership let the candidates be together
on the front seats and let a special sermon
be preached to them, explaining their new
12 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
relation to Christ and His Church. Let
every effort be made to impress upon them
the importance of the occasion. If they
cannot remember the answers let them
have the Guide in their hands and
answer from it. If the pastor or leader
will fill out the blank forms in the front
01 the book, the person will retain the book
as a souvenir.
In the preparation of this work we have
sought help wherever it could be found.
We have examined all the works on the
subject that we could secure—possibly a
dozen—.and have received some suggestion
or help from each. Our desire has been
to make the work practical and helpful
rather than entirely original. That it may
aid in strengthening and extending the
borders of our beloved Zion, is our earnest
prayer.
A WORD WITH THE PROBATIONER.
—o—
Dear Friend: We meet to-day at the
threshold of your Christian experience.
You made the wisest step of all your
life when you resolved to come within the
Church. May God bless you, is my prayer.
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 13
As you will admit, the way is untried;
accept then a word of friendly counsel.
First, you will need to Guard against the
Approach of Evil. Do not be misled and
suppose that Satan will not try to lure you
again into the way of sin. If you do not
feel the old temptations now, he has only
withdrawn, but will return again and use
his every art and persuasion to take you
captive (I Peter 5:8). But of one thing
you can be assured, he cannot take you
captive unless you yield to him.
You will have trouble on your way. Not
everything will be pleasant. At times you
may be much cast down (I Peter 1:6), but
whatever trouble you have do not give up
and go back into the world. The Lord has
promised to put no more upon you than he
will give you grace to bear, and will with
every trial make a way of escape (I Cor.
10:13).
There are certain well tried and well
known agencies to help us to be Christians.
Let us call your attention to three:
First. Do not fail to pray and read your
Bible every day. Make this the set rule of
your life. There may come a time when
you will think that you are too busy to
stop for these. You can never be too busy
14 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
to pray and read a verse at least. Are
soldiers ever too busy, when called to bat¬
tle, to carry their weapons? Without
weapons they are no use. Without your
weapons you are no use. Then read other
good books as, Bunyan's Pilgrim's Prog¬
ress, or Drummond's Addresses. Secure
also a Discipline and a Hymn Book of your
Church. Remember: Well begun is half
won.
Secondly: Attend your Church service on
Sabbath, also the Class and Prayer Meet¬
ing. We receive great instruction and help
from the regular Church service; hence be
a regular attendant. Next to the preach¬
ing service, is the Class Meeting. You are
to meet your Class each week to tell how
you are progressing in the Christian life,
to receive instruction and encouragement,
and to pay your weekly assessment for the
support of the Gospel. The Methodist
Church was born in a Class Meeting. Great
good has come from these meetings and
you will grow in grace by attending your
Class. The more you attend the greater
will be your love for the Class, the less you
attend the less you will love to attend. Sus¬
pect your heart just as soon as you do not
desire to meet your companions in the
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 15
Class. Do not neglect the Prayer Meeting,
either. Attend as often as possible. When
the opportunity comes, do not fail or be
opportunity comes, do not fail or be
ashamed to take some active part.
Thirdly: Begin at once to work for the
Master. An idle mind is the devil's work¬
shop and idle hands are his tools. Be a
working Christian. Start right out to help
some one else. You will grow strong by aid¬
ing others. The best Christians the world
has ever seen have always been the busiest
ones. Be enthusiastic for the Master's
cause. What use is there in forever pray¬
ing "Thy Kingdom come,'' if we do nothing
to help it to come? This world is to be
saved by the Gospel and Christians are to
carry the word. Do not sit and dream of
great achievements, but begin and do
something, though it may appear to be
small. One little deed of kindness done is
worth a thousand great deeds about which
we dream.
We conclude with a word as to the rights
and privileges of Probationers. "There is
only one condition previously required of
those who desire admission" into our
Church, "a desire to flee from the wrath
to come, and be saved from their sins."
16 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
Such persons are put on probation for 3
months at least. The time may be longer,
but never shorter. During this period in¬
struction is given. The Church tries the
Probationer and the Probationer tries the
Church. As a Probationer if you have not
been baptized, seek the first opportunity to
receive baptism. Often persons who have
been baptized in infancy wish to be re-bap¬
tized when entering the Church. This can¬
not be. Sprinkling, pouring and immersion
are three different names for the same act.
Infant baptism is as old as the Church and
to be re-baptized would be a confession
that the first act was not a true baptism.
However, we must understand that the
person received into full membership dis¬
tinctly and publicly assumes for himsel:'
the obligations of the Baptismal Covenant.
Some pastors wisely require members to
commit and repeat the covenant when re¬
ceived into full membership (See page 77).
On this see "Manual," page 144, where the
whole matter is explained in full. A Pro¬
bationer is entitled and expected to com¬
munion at every opportunity. Though, of
course, he does not communion until he is
baptized. But no Probationer should be
received into full membership until he is
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 17
regenerated. The question is asked
when being received into full membership,
"Have you saving faith in the Lord Jesus
Christ?" to which the answer is expected,
"I trust I have." A Probationer can not
be tried as a member is; he is simply
dropped from the rolls if his conduct is not
satisfactory to the Church. He is made a
full member upon the recommendation of
kis leader and the consent of the Church.
18 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
CHAPTER I.
A GENERAL INSTRUCTION.
Question. Have you been Baptized?
Answer. I have.*
Q. What promises were then made
either for you or by you?
A. Three things were vowed and
promised: First, that I renounce the
devil and all his works, the pomp and
vanity of this world and all the sinful lusts
of the flesh; secondly, that I believe all
the articles of the Christian faith; and
thirdly, that I keep God's holy will and
commandments, and walk in the same all
the days of my life.
Q. Dost thou not think that thou art
bound to believe, and to do, as has been
promised ?
A. Yes, verily; and by God's help so I
will. And I pray unto God to give me His
grace, that I may be faithful to my life's
end.
*Foot Note. All unbaptized persons uniting- with the
Church, should seize the first opportunity to be baptized.
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 19
Q. How can a sinner be saved?
A. By repenting and forsaking his sin
and believing on the Lord Jesus Christ;
for by grace we are saved.
Q. Rehearse the articles of thy belief.
A. I believe in God. the Father Al¬
mighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and
in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son our
Lord, who was conceived^ by the Holy
Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered
under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead
and buried: He descended into hell: the
third day He arose again from the dead:
He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on
the right hand of God the Father Al¬
mighty. From thence He shall come to
judge the quick and the dead. I believe in
the Holy Ghost: the Holy Catholic Church:
the communion of Saints: the forgiveness
of sins: the resurrection of the body: and
the life everlasting. Amen.
Q. What dost thou chiefly learn in the
articles of thy belief?
A. First, I learn to believe in God the
Father, who hath made me, and all the
world. Secondly, in God the Son who hath
redeemed me and all mankind. Thirdly,
in God the Holy Ghost, who sanctifieth me,
and all the people of God.
20 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
Q. It was promised that you keep God s
Commandments. Tell me how many there
are.
A. Ten.
Q. Which are they ?
A. The same which God spake in the
twentieth chapter of Exodus, saying, I am
the Lord thy God Who brought thee out of
the land of Egypt, out of the house of
bondage.
I. Thou shalt have no other gods before
me.
II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any
graven image, or the likekness of anything
that is in heaven above, or that is in the
earth beneath, or that is in the water
under the earth: thou shalt not bow down
thyself to them nor serve them: for I the
Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting
the iniquity of the fathers upon the chil¬
dren unto the third and fourth generation
of them that hate me; and showing mercy
unto thousands of them that love me, and
keep my commandments.
III. Thou shalt not take the name of
the Lord thy God in vain, for the Lord
will not hold him guiltless that taketh His
name in vain.
IV. Remember the Sabbath day to keep
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 21
it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do
all thy work: but the seventh day is the
Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou
shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son,
nor thy daughter, thy man servant, nor
thy maid servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy
stranger that is within thy gates: for in
six days the Lord made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that in them is, and rested
the seventh day: wherefore the Lord
blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
V. Honor thy father and thy mother,
that thy days may be long upon the land
which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
VI. Thou shalt not kill.
VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
VIII. Thou shalt not steal.
IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness
against thy neighbor.
X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's
house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's
wife, nor his man servant, nor his maid
servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any¬
thing that is thy neighbor's.
Q. What dost thou chiefly learn by these
commandments ?
A. I learn two things: my duty towards
God, and my duty towards my neighbor.
Q. What is thy duty towards God?
22 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. ;
A. My duty towards God is to believe in
Him, to fear Him and to love Him with all
my heart, with all my mind, with all my
souland with all my strength: to worship
Him: to give Him thanks: to honor His
holy name and word, and to serve Him
truly all the days of my life.
Q. Who is thy neighbor?
A. My neighbor is every human being in
this world, no matter of what country or
race he may be.
Q. What is thy duty towards thy neigh¬
bor?
A. My duty towards my neighbor is to
love him as myself, and to do to all men as
I would that they should do even to me: to
love, honor, and succor my father and
mother: to honor and obey all civil rulers
in authority over me: to submit myself to
all my teachers, and spiritual pastors: to
order myself lowly and reverently to all
my betters: to hurt nobody by word or
deed: to be true and just in all my deal¬
ings: to bear no malice or hatred in my
heart: to keep my hands from stealing and
my tongue from speaking evil, lying' and
slandering: to keep my body in temper¬
ance, soberness and chastity: not to covet
other men's goods; but to learn and labor
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 23
truly to get mine own living, and to do my
duty in that state of life unto which it
shall please God to call me.
Catechist. Know this, that thou are not
able to* do these things of thyself nor to
walk in the commandments of God, and
to serve Him, without His special grace;
which thou must learn at all times to call
for by diligent prayer. Let me hear, there¬
fore, if thou canst say the Lord's prayer.
Answer. Our father, which art in heav¬
en, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom
come thy will be done on earth as it is in
heaven, give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses as we for¬
give those who trespass against us, and
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us
from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the
power and the glory forever, amen.
Q. What desirest thou of God in this
prayer?
A. I desire my Lord God our heavenly
Father, who is the giver of all goodness,
to send His grace unto me, and to all peo¬
ple ; that we may worship Him, and obey
Him, as we ought to do. And I pray unto
God that He will send us all things that
are needful both for our souls and bodies;
and that He will be merciful unto us and
24 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
forgive us our sins; and that it will please
Him to save and defend us in all dangers,
both of soul and body; and that He will
keep us from all sin and wickedness, and
from our spiritual enemy, and from ever¬
lasting death. And this I trust He will do
of His mercy and goodness, through our
Lord Jesus Christ. And therefore I say,
Amen, so be it.
Q. How many sacraments hath Christ
ordained in His Church?
A. Two only, that is to say, Baptism
and the Supper of the Lord.
Q. What meanest thou by this word
Sacrament ?
A. Sacraments are not only badges or
tokens of Christian men's professions, but
rather they are certain signs of grace and
God's will towards us, and do not only
quicken, but also strengthen and confirm
our faith in Him.
Q. How many parts are there in a Sac¬
rament ?
A. Two; the outward visible sign, and
the inward spiritual grace.
Q. What is the outward visible sign or
form of baptism?
A. Water, wherewith the person is bap¬
tized in the name of the Father, and of the
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 25
Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Q. What is the inward and spiritual
grace ?
A. A death unto sin and a new birth
unto righteousness.
Q. What is required of persons to be
baptized ?
A. Repentance, whereby they forsake
sin; and Faith, whereby they steadfastly
believe the promise of God made to them
in that Sacrament.
Q. Why, then, are infants baptized,
when by reason of their tender age they
cannot perform them?
A. Because they promise them both by
their sureties; which promise when they
come to age, themselves are bound to per¬
form.
Q. Why was the Sacrament of the
Lord's Supper ordained?
A. For the continual remembrance of
the sacrifice oi' the death of Christ, and of
the benefits which we receive thereby.
Q. What is the outward sign or part of
the Lord's Supper?
A. Bread and wine which the Lord hath
commanded to be received.
Q. What is?$ie_ inward part, or the thing
signified ?
2(3 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
A. The Body and Blood of Christ, which
are spiritually taken and received by the
faithful in the Lord's Supper.
Q-. What are the benefits whereof we are
partakers thereby ?
A. The strengthening and refreshing of
our souls by the Body and Blood of Christ,
as our bodies are by the Bread and Wine.
Q. What is required of those who come
to the Lord's Supper?
A. To examine themselves whether they
repent them truly of their former sins,
steadfastly purposing to lead a new life;
have a lively faith in God's mercy through
Christ, with a thankful remembrance of
His death; and be in charity with all men.
CHAPTER II .
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
1. Who organized the African Methodist
Episcopal Church?
Richard Allen, formerly a preacher in
the Methodist Episcopal Church, followed
by fifteen others.
2. Why did Richard Allen leave the
Methodist Episcopal Church?
Because of cruel treatment.
3. What was done to him?
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 27
He and his companions were ordered to
sit in the church gallery, and even there
one of his brethren was pulled from his
knees while at prayer.
4. When did this happen?
In the year 1787.
5. When and where was our Church or¬
ganized ?
The first meetings were held in 1787 in
Philadelphia, Pa.
The Charter was granted September
15th, 1796. The first General Conference
was held in the same city, April, 1816.
6. Why did Richard Allen organize an¬
other Church ?
That his ill treated brethren and all
others might have a place, free from race
prejudice, to worship God.
7. What further do you know of Rich¬
ard Allen?
Richard Allen was born February 14,
1760, a slave to Benjamin Chew, of Phila¬
delphia. He was elected Bishop in 1816.
He died in the same city March 26, 1831,
and is buried under the tower of "Mother
Bethel," where his tomb can now be seen.
8. What is the principle of your
Church ?
28 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
"God our Father, Christ our Redeemer,
Man our brother."
9. What does this mean?
It means three things: First, God who
made us loves us as a Father; secondly,
Christ has come to save all men; and,
thirdly, every person is our brother and is
to be treated as such.
10. How many Bishops have there been
in the Church?
There have been forty-one Bishops, of
which number sixteen are now alive.
(March, 1917).
CHAPTER III.
THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH.
1. How many articles of religion are
there ?
There are twenty-five.
2. Where did we get them?
They were taken by John Wesley, who
established the Methodist Societies, from
the thirty-nine Articles of the Church of
England.
(For the Articles, with Scriptural Proof
for the same, see Chapter V. Let the Ar¬
ticles be, at least, carefully read over and
the references sought out in your Bible).
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
3. Name the seven special doctrines of
your Church ? L j
Repentance, Justification, Regenera^tij
Witness of the Spirit, Holiness, XJniief ~
Atonement, Final Apostasy Possib^/
4. Please define each. a <
Repentance. Godly sorrow for sin, shown
by turning from sin. Ezek. 33:15^ Mafefc.
3:8; Acts 26:20.
Justification. The forgiveness of sins to
all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ
and repent of their sins. Is.
5:1; Gal. 2:16. ^od yA*'&
Regeneration. Being made^a-*"M^ 'cult¬
ure" in Christ through the -foferfeft^Vofr
sin. Ezek. 36:26, 27; Johi*'S*3iTitW^,
Witness of the Spirit: .'te§^
timony of the Holy Spirit assiif'
our acceptance with G<J&l:n^om?I8]/i6*yj2
Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13, 14 r
Holiness, or Entir¥IOSarlgfflfl^rioMMs
that state of grace iiirWhifeh°w& M Gfed
with all our heart and ^§OfegH^r6r
selves. This work <$r£f$ce
taneous or gra dualiD£S£ii.B 1442'^?8'^
1 Cor. 3:17; 1 Pet#1 916,oriw n9f«
Universal Ato«fei¥MlPr
Bsa^noDsyG
30 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
Final Apostasy Possible. A person once
saved may by neglect fall back into sin
and, dying in that state be finally lost.
1 Chr. 28:9; Luke 9:62; John 15:6; 1 Cor.
9:27; 2 Peter 2:20, 22.
CHAPTER IV.
THE DISCIPLINE OF THE CHURCH.
SECTION A.
1. How is your Church governed?
By six bodies called Conferences.
2. Name these bodies?
The General, Annual, District, Quarter¬
ly, Church Conference and Official Board.
(See the Discipline for the work of each
Conference).
3. Which Conference has the right to
make laws?
The General Conference only.
4. How is our ministry divided?
Into four classes, Bishops, Presiding
Elders, Elders, Deacons. There are also
Local Elders, Local Deacons, Local Preach¬
ers, men who are not in the Itinerancy or
traveling work. Other officers are Class
Leaders, Stewards, Stewardesses, Trus¬
tees, Sunday School Superintendents and
Deaconesses.
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 31
5. What is meant by the Itinerancy ?
This is an agreement by which the ap¬
pointment of pastors is decided upon each
year by the Bishop and the Presiding
Elders. The Bishop can make any change
he may deem best for the work, but may
not return the same Pastor to a charge
more than five years in succession. (See
Discipline, 1916, pages 198, 206).
6. How is the work of the Church car¬
ried on?
By several Departments with a secre¬
tary at the head of each. These Depart¬
ments are the Publishing, Missionary, the
Educational, the Financial, the Sabbath
School, the Church Extension, and the
Allen C. E. Society. (Let the Probation¬
ers examine the Discipline for information
as to the scope of each Department).
7. What is the object of Love Feast and
Watch Night services?
The Love Feast aims to unite the Church
in bonds of love (for ancient custom see
Acts 2:42, 46; 20:7; Jude 12), and at the
Watch Night services we urge saints and
sinners to resolve to mend their lives with
the opening year.
8. How are the expenses of the Church
met?
32 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
By the contributions of the probationers
and members.
9. When you fail to give what is the
result?
I break my pledge and the work of the
Church must suffer or someone else must
give my part.
DISCIPLINE OF THE CHURCH.
SECTION B.
10. What is the law of our Church re¬
garding Temperance?
^j'^No member of our society shall give,
O^jOt^rink or traffic in spirituous liquors;
o^rjaaLjeasefiDr permit his house or other
such purpose Who-
soever W|^hall be dealt with
he would be
dealt with m other gg^^gOifj^oss im-
J WfM?? £° *£ off
m jwtu&'W s?a.
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men
those songs ana tne reading of those BoakSt
which do not tend to the knowledge or love
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 33
of God," also "dealing in lotteries or
policies, attending dances and horse-races;
engaging in playing cards, and the pursuit
of such other games and diversions as can¬
not be carried on in the name of our Lord
Jesus." (Discipline, 1916, pages 50, 264).
12. What is the law regarding Mar¬
riage ?
"An evil has prevailed in our Church by
many of our members marrying un-
awakened persons. By so doing they have
been either hindered for life or turned
back to perdition. But our members are
not prohibited from marrying persons who
are not of our Church, provided those per¬
sons have the form and are seeking the
power of godliness. Every preacher shall
publicly enforce the Apostle's mandate—
'Re ye not unequally yoked together with
unbelievers,' 2 Cor. vi. 14 ver., and shall
exhort all concerned not to take such a
course without seeking counsel from the
.most serious of their brethren. A woman
ought not to marry without the consent of
her parents. But if she believe it to be her
duty to marry and her parents absolutely
refuse to let her marry any Christian, she
then ought to marry without their consent.
If any minister, preacher, exhorter or lay-
34 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
member, male or female, who has been
legally married, shall leave his wife or her
husband, save for the cause of adultery,
and marry again (which we believe to be a
crime expressly forbidden by the word oi
God), while the former wife or husband is
living, he or she shall be expelled and shall
not be admitted to any of our churches
during the natural life of the forsaken
party. Any lay-member, male or femaic,
who shall legally separate from his wife
or her husband and marry again while the
former wife or husband is living, he or she
shall be required to file with the Quarterly
Conference to which he or she is amenable,
a transcript of the records in the case or
the Court which granted said bill of sep¬
aration, showing that it was granted on
Scriptural grounds, and upon failure to do
so, when requested by the Official Board,
he or she shall be expelled. If any of our
ministers knowingly perform the marriage
ceremony for any person who has thus
violated his or her previous marriage obli¬
gation, said minister shall forfeit hi3
standing in the connection." (See Dis¬
cipline, 1916, pages 61, 62).
13. What is the law regarding Dress ?
The preacher shall, once a quarter, read
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 35
the "General Rules" upon dress, "exhort¬
ing the people to conform to the spirit of
the Apostolic precepts concerning gold,
pearls and costly array—1 Tim. ii. chap.
9th verse; 1 Peter ii. chap. 3d verse. (See
Discipline, 1916, page 185).
14. What is the law regarding Fasting?
A fast is to be held on the Friday pre¬
ceding each Quarterly Meeting. (See Dis¬
cipline, 1916, pages 52, 186).
15. What is the law regarding Class
Meetings ?
Probationers and members are required
to be in attendance each week and for will¬
ful failure to attend a member may be exr
pelled or a probationer dropped. (See Dis¬
cipline, 1916, page 263).
CHAPTER V.
ARTICLES OF RELIGION.*
Each Probationer, upon being received
into full membership, is asked, "Do you be¬
lieve in the doctrines of Holy Scripture as
set forth in the Articles of Religion?"
Though it is not expected that you will
know the Articles by heart, yet if you will
*The Bible references here quoted are taken from the
excellent work of Rev. J. O. Peck, D.D.
36 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
read them over carefully and search out
the Bible references you will be able to say
truthfully that you accept them.
I. OF FAITH IN THE HOLY TRINITY.
There is but one living and true God,
everlasting, without body or parts, of in¬
finite power, wisdom, and goodness; the
maker and preserver of all things, visible
and invisible. And in unity of this God¬
head there are three persons, of one sub¬
stance, power, and eternity—the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Isa. 45:22;
Psalm 90:2; John 4:24; Mark 10:27;
Psalm 147:5; 52:1; Isa. 44:24; Neh. 9:6;
2 Cor. 13:14; Matt. 28:19.
II. OF THE WORD, OR SON OF GOD,
WHO WAS MADE 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 Godhead and manhood, were joined
together in one person, never to be divid¬
ed; whereof is one Christ, very God and
very man, who truly suffered, was cruci¬
fied, dead and buried, to reconcile his
Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 37
for original guilt, but also for the actual
sins of men. Rev. 19:13; John 1:1; 10:30;
1:14; Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:23; Acts 2:36;
Heb. 10:12; Matt. 27:35; John 19:33;
Mark 15:46; 1 John 2:2; Isa. 53:6; Heb.
2:17.
III. OF THE RESURECTION OF
CHRIST.
Christ did truly rise again from the
dead, and took again his body, with all
things appertaining to the perfection of
man's nature, wherewith he ascended into
heaven, and there sitteth until he return
to judge all men at the last day. Luke 24:
39; Mark 16:19; Matt. 16:27.
IV. OF THE HOLY GHOST.
The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the
Father and the Son, is of one substance,
majesty, and glory with the Father and
the Son, very and eternal God. John 15:
26; 14:16, 23; Acts 5:3, 4.
V. THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE HOLY
SCRIPTURES FOR SALVATION.
The Holy Scriptures contain all things
recessary to salvation; so that whatsoever
is not read therein, nor may be proved
38 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
thereby, is not to be required of any man
that it should be believed as an article of
faith, or be thought requisite or necessary
to salvation. In the name of the Holy
Scriptures we do understand those canoni¬
cal books of the Old and New Testament of
whose authority was never any doubt in
the Church.
THE NAMES OF THE CANONICAL
BOOKS.
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers,
Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, The
First Book of Samuel, The Second Book of
Samuel, The First Book of Kings, The
Second Book of Kings, The First Book of
Chronicles, The Second Book of Chronicles,
The Book of Ezra, The Book of
Nehemiah, The Book of Esther, The Book
of Job, The Psalms, The Proverbs, Ec-
clesiastes, or The Preacher, Cantica, or
Song of Solomon, Four Prophets, the
greater; Twelve Prophets, the less.
All the books of the New Testament, as
they are commonly received, we do receive
and account canonical. 2 Tim. 3:16, 15;
John 5:39; Deut. 12:32; Mark 7:7.
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 39
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 Medi¬
ator between God and man, being both
God and man. Wherefore they are not to
be heard who feign that the old fathers
did look only for transitory promises.
Although the law given from God by
Moses as touching ceremonies and rites
doth not bind Christians, nor ought the
civil precepts thereof of necessity be re¬
ceived in any commonwealth; yet, notwith¬
standing, no Christian whatsoever is free
from the obedience of the commandments
which are called moral. Acts 24:14; Luke
24:44; Acts 16:31; Isa. 55:7; John 11:26;
Matt. 5:17.
VII. OF ORIGINAL OR BIRTH SIN.
Original sin standeth not in the follow¬
ing 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 Auam, whereby man is
very far gone from original righteousness,
40 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
and of his own nature inclined to evil, and
that continually. Job 25:4; Rom. 8:7.
VIII. OF FREE WILL.
The condition of man after the fall of
Adam is such that he cannot turn and pre¬
pare himself, by his own natural strength
and works, to faith, and calling upon God;
wherefore we have no power to do good
works, pleasant and acceptable to God,
without the grace of God by Christ pre¬
venting us, that we may have a good will,
and working with us, that we may have
that good will. Rom. 8:8; 7:18; I Cor.
15:10; Phil. 2:13.
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 very full of comfort.
Acts 13:39; Rom. 3:28.
X. OF GOOD WORKS.
Although good works, which are the
fruits of faith, and follow after justifica¬
tion, cannot put away our sins, and endure
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 41
the severity of God's judgments; yet are
they pleasing and acceptable to God in
Christ, and spring out of a true and lively
faith, insomuch that by them a lively faith
may be as evidently known as a tree is dis¬
cerned by its fruit. James 2:18, 22; Matt.
5:16; 7:16-20; John 15:8; Phil. 1:11; 1
Peter 2:12.
XI. OF WORKS OF SUPEREROGATION.
Voluntary works—besides, over and
above God's commandments—which are
called works of supererogation, cannot be
taught without arrogancy and impiety.
For by them men do declare that they do
not only render unto God as much as they
are bound to do, but that they do more for
his sake than of bounden duty is required.
Whereas Christ saith plainly, When ye
have done all that is commanded you, say,
We are unprofitable servants. Luke 17:10.
XII. OF SIN AFTER JUSTIFICATION.
Not every sin willingly committed after
justification is the sin against the Holy
Ghost, and unpardonable. Wherefore, the
grant of repentance is not to be denied to
such as fall into sin after justification;
42 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
after we have received the Holy Ghost, wo
may depart from grace given, and fall into
sin, and, by the grace of God, rise again
and amend our lives. And therefore they
are to be condemned who say they can no
more sin as long as they live here; or deny
the place of forgiveness to such as truly
repent. Mark 3:29; Gal. 6:1; Jer. 3:22;
Rev. 2:5.
XIII. OF THE CHURCH.
The visible Church of Christ is a congre¬
gation of faithful men in which the pure
word of God is preached, and the sacra¬
ments duly administered according to
Christ's ordinance, in all those things that
of necessity are requisite to the same. 1
Cor. 1:2; 2:1; Acts 2:41, 47.
XIV. OF PURGATORY.
The Romish doctrine concerning purga¬
tory, pardon, worshiping and adoration, as
well of images as of relics, and also invoca¬
tion of saints, is a fond thing, vainly in¬
vented, and grounded upon no warrant of
Scripture, but repugnant to the word of
God. John 8:21; Luke 5:21; Lev. 26:1;
John 14:6; I Tim. 2:5.
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 43
XV. OF SPEAKING IN THE CONGRE¬
GATION IN SUCH A TONGUE AS
THE PEOPLE UNDERSTAND.
It is a thing plainly repugnant to the
word of God, and the custom of the primi¬
tive Church, to have public prayer in the
Church, or to administer the. sacraments,
in a tongue not understood by the people.
1 Cor. 14:9, 19.
XVI. OF THE SACRAMENTS.
Sacraments ordained of Christ are not
only badges or tokens of Christian men's
profession, but rather they are certain
signs of grace, and God's good will toward
us, by the which he doth woik invisibly in
us, and doth not only quicken, but also
strengthen and confirm, our faith in Him.
There are two sacraments ordained of
Christ our Lord in the Gospel; that is to
say, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord,
Those five commonly called sacraments
—that is to say, "confirmation, penance, or¬
ders, matrimony and extreme unction—-
are not to be counted for sacraments of the
Gospel; being such as have partly grown
out of the corrupt following of the
apostles, and partly are states of life al-
44 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
lowed in the Scriptures, but yet have not
the like nature of Baptism and the Lord's
Supper, because they have not any visible
sign or ceremony ordained of God.
The sacraments were not ordained of
Christ to be gazed upon, or to be carried
about; but that we should duly use them.
And in such only as worthily receive the
same they have a wholesome effect or op¬
eration; but they that receive them un¬
worthily, purchase to themselves condem¬
nation, as St. Paul saith. I Cor. 11:2!);
Matt. 28:19; 26:^6, 23; Luke 22:19.
XVII. OF BAPTISM.
Baptism is not only a sign of profession
and mark of difference whereby Christians
are distinguished from others that are not
baptized; but it is also a sign of regenera¬
tion or the new birth. The baptism of
young children is to be retained in th3
Church. Acts 22:16; 10:47; 2:38, 39.
XVIII. OF THE LORD'S SUPPER.
The Supper of the Lord is not only a
sign of the love that Christians ought to
have among themselves one to another,
but rather is a sacrament of our redemp¬
tion by Christ's death; insomuch that, to
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 45
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 par¬
taking of the blood of Christ.
Transubstantiation, or the change of the
substance of bread and wine in the Supper
01 our Lord, cannot be proved by Holy
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 spiritual manner. And the means
whereby the body of Christ is received and
eaten in the Supper is faith.
The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was
not by Christ's ordinance reserved, carried
about, lifted up, or worshiped. I Cor. 10:
16, 17; 11:26.
XIX. OF BOTH KINDS.
The cup of the Lord is not to be denied
to the lay people; for both the parts of
the Lord's Supper, by Christ's ordinance
and commandment, ought to be adminis¬
tered to all Christians alike. Matt. 26:27.
46 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
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
alone. Wherefore the sacrifice of masses,
in the which it is commonly said that the
priest doth offer Christ for the quick and
the dead, to have remission of pain or
guilt, is a blasphemous fable, and danger-
our deceit. Heb. 10:14; 1 Peter 2:24; Heb.
9:28.
XXI. OF THE MARRIAGE OF MINIS¬
TERS.
The ministers of Christ are not com¬
manded by God's law either to vow the
estate of single life, or to abstain from
marriage; therefore it is lawful for them,
as for all other Christians, to marry at
their own discretion, as they shall judgo
the same to serve best to godliness. 1
Tim. 3:2; 1 Cor. 9:5.
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 47
XXII. OF THE RITES AND CERE¬
MONIES OF CHURCHES.
It is not necessary that rites and cere¬
monies should in all places be the same, or
exactly alike; for they have been always
different, and may be changed accordingly
to the diversity of countries, times and
men's manners, so that nothing be or¬
dained against God's word. Whosoever,
through his private judgment, willingly
and purposely doth openly break the rites
and ceremonies of the Church to which he
belongs, which are not repugnant to the
word of God, and are ordained and 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
woundeth the consciences of weak breth¬
ren.
Every particular Church may ordain,
change, or abolish rites and ceremonies, so
that all things may be done to edification.
1 Cor. 14:26, 40; Acts 15:28, 29; 2 Thess.
3:6.
48 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
XXIII. OF THE RULERS OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
The President, the Congress, the Gen¬
eral Assemblies, the Governors, and the
Councils of State, as the delegates of the
people, are the rulers of the United States
of America, according to the division of
power made to them by the Constitution
of the United States, and by the Constitu¬
tions of their respective States. And the
said States are a sovereign and independ¬
ent nation, and ought not to be subject to
any foreign jurisdiction. *Rom. 13:1-3.
XXIV. OF CHRISTIAN MEN'S GOODS.
The riches and goods of Christians are
not common, as touching the right, title,
and possession of the same, as some do
falsely boast. Notwithstanding, every
man ought, of such things as he possess-
eth, liberally to give alms to the poor, ac¬
cording to his ability. Acts 5:4; 1 John
3:17.
■"Obedience to civil government, however, is one of the
principal duties of all men, and was dignified and honored
by our Lord and His Apostles. Though differing in form
and polity, all righteous governments rightfully command
the obedience, loyalty, support and defense of all Chris«
tin.ns, whom they control and protect.
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 49
XXV. OF A CHRISTIAN MAN'S OATH.
As we confess that vain and rash swear¬
ing is forbidden Christian men by our Lord
Jesus Christ and James His apostle; so we
judge that the Christian religion doth not
prohibit, but that a man may swear when
the magistrate requireth, in a cause of
faith and charity, so it be done according
to the prophet's teaching, in justice,
judgment and truth. Exod. 20:7; Matt.
5:34; 26:63, 64.
CHAPTER VI.
THE GENERAL RULES.
The following are the General Rules
which our Discipline orders "should be
read by the pastors at every Love Feast":
1. In the latter end of the year 1739
eight or ten persons came to Mr. Wesley in
London, who appeared to be deeply con¬
vinced of sin, and earnestly groaning for
redemption. They desired (as did two or
three more the next day) that he would
spend some time with them in prayer, and
advise them how to flee from the wrath to
come, which they saw continually hanging
over their heads. That he might have
50 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
more time for this great work, he appoint¬
ed a day when they might all come to¬
gether; which from thenceforward, they
did every week, namely on Thursday, in
the evening. To these, and as many more
as desired to join them (for their number
increased daily), he gave those advices
from time to time which he judged most
needful for them; and they always con¬
cluded their meeting with prayer suited to
their several necessities.
2. This was the rise of the United So¬
cieties, first in Europe, and then in Ameri¬
ca. Such a society is no other than "a
company of men having the form and seek¬
ing the power of godliness, united in order
to pray together, to receive the word of
exhortation, and to watch over one another
in love that they may help each other to
work out their salvation."
3. That it may be more easily discerned
whether they are indeed working out their
own salvation, each society is divided into
smaller companies, called classes, accord¬
ing to their respective places of abode.
There are about twelve persons in a
class, one of whom is styled the "Leader."
It is his duty,
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 51
I. To see each person in his class once
a week at least; in order
(1.) To inquire how their souls prosper.
(2 Pet. 3:18).
(2.) To advise, reprove, comfort, or ex¬
hort, as occasion may require. (2 Tim.
3:16, 17).
(3.) To receive what they are willing to
give toward the support of the preacher,
Church, and the relief of the poor. (I Cor.
9:9-14; Prov. 11:25; 19:17).
II. To meet the minister and the stew¬
ards of the society once a week; in order
(1.) To inform the minister of any that
are sick, or of any that walk disorderly,
and will not be reproved. (Heb. 13:17).
(2.) To pay the stewards what they
have received of their several classes the
week preceding.
(3.) There is only one condition pre¬
viously required of those who desire ad¬
mission into these societies: "A desire to
flee from the wrath to come, and to be
saved from their sins." But wherever this
is really fixed in the soul it will be shown
by its fruits. It is therefore expected of
all who continue therein, that they should
52 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
continue to evidence their desire of salva¬
tion by observing the following rules:
Firstly. Doing no harm. (Matthew 10:
16 ; 1 Thess. 5:22), avoiding evil of every
kind, (Proverbs 1:10, 61; 2 Sam. 3:39;
John 3:20; 1 Cor. 15:33), especially that
which is most generally practiced, such as,
The taking of the name of God in vain.
(Exodus 20:7; Lev. 19:12; Matt. 5:34-37;
23:16-22).
The profaning of the day of the Lord,
either by doing ordinary work therein or
buying or selling. (Exod. 20:8-11; 31:13-
17; Matt. 28:1, 5, 6; Acts 15:13; 20:7;
Rev. 1:10).
Drunkenness, (Prov. 23:20-32; 20:1;
Luke 21:34; 1 Cor. 6:10; Gal. 5:21), buy¬
ing or selling spirituous liquors, (Heb.
2:15), or drinking them, unless in cases of
necessity. (Prov. 20:1; Eph. 5:18).
The buying and selling of men, women
and children, with an intention to enslave
them. (Exod. 21:6; Deut. 24:7; Isa. 58:
6; Matt. 22:39; Col. 4:1; 1 Tim. 1:10).
Fighting, quarreling, brawling, (Jas. 4:
1; Heb. 12:14; Mark 9:50; Rom. 12:17;
18:21; Eph. 4:31; Titus 3:2); brother go¬
ing to law with brother, (1 Cor. 6:1, 6, 7),
PROBATIONERS* GUIDE. 53
returing evil for evil, or railing for rail¬
ing, (1 Peter 3:9; Rom. 12:17, 21; Eph.
4:32), the using of many words in buying
and selling. (Heb. 13 :15; Jafries 1, 19).
The buying or selling goods that have
not paid the duty. (Matt. 22:17, 21; Matt.
17:25, 27; Rom. 12:17; 1 Cor. 7:5).
The giving or taking things on usury,
that is, unlawful interest. (Psalm 15:1, 5;
1 Thess. 4:6).
Uncharitable or unprofitable conversa¬
tion, (Psalm 15:3; Eph. 4:29; Matt. 12:36;
Eph. 5:4), particularly speaking evil of
magistrates or of ministers. (Eph. 4:31;
1 Tim. 5:13; Titus 3:2; 1 Peter 2:1,13,14,
17).
Doing to others as we would not they
should do unto us. (Matt. 7:12).
Doing what we know is not for the glory
of God; as
The putting on of gold and costly ap¬
parel. (1 Peter 3:3; 1 Tim. 2:9).
The taking of such diversions as cannot
be used in the name of the Lord Jesus.
(1 John 2:15,16; Rom. 6:20-22; 1 Cor. 10:
31). ■
ThP sinking of those songs or reading
those books which do not tend to the
54 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
knowledge or love of God. (1 Cor. 15:33;
Eph. 5:15-19; Col. 3:17).
Softness and needless self-indulgence.
(Matt. 16:24; Rom. 8:13; Col. 3:5; Gal.
5:24).
Laying up treasure upon earth. (Matt.
6:19-21; Mark 10:25).
Borrowing without a probability of pay¬
ing ; or taking up goods without a probabil¬
ity of paying for them. (Psalm 37:21;
Rom. 12:17; 13:8; 2 Cor. 8:21).
It is expected of all who continue in
these societies, that they should continue
to evidence their desire of salvation:
Secondly. By doing good. (Psalm 37:3;
Heb. 13:16); by being in every kind merci¬
ful after their power as they have oppor¬
tunity, (Matt. 5:7; Luke 4:36, 38); doing
good of every possible sort, and, as far as
possible, to all men. (James 4:17; Gal.
6:4; Matt. 5:16).
To their bodies, of their ability which
God giveth, by giving food to the hungry,
by clothing the naked, by visiting or help¬
ing them that are sick, or in prison. (1
John 3:17, 18; Matthew 25:35-40; 1 Tim.
6:17-19; James 1:27; Prov. 19:17).
To their souls by instructing, reproving,
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 55
or exhorting all we have any intercourse
with; trampling under foot that enthusias¬
tic doctrine, that we are not to do good
unless our hearts be free to do it. (2 Tim.
4:2; Isa. 43:10; Matt. 5:13-16; Heb. 3:13;
Isa. 58:1; 62:1).
By doing good, especially to them that
are of the household of faith, (Gal. 6:10),"
or groaning so to be; employing them pre¬
ferably to others, buying one of another;
helping each other in business, (Rom. 12:
10-13), and so much the more because the
world will love its own, and them only.
(John 15:19; 1 John 4:7).
By all possible diligence and frugality,
that the gospel be not blamed. (Rom. 12:
11; 1 Tim. 5:8; 1 Cor. 4:12; Prov. 20:4;
22:29).
By running with patience the race which
is set before them, (Heb. 12:1; 1 Cor. 9:
24), denying themselves, and taking up
their cross daily, (Matt. 14:24; Mark 8:
34), submitting to bear the reproach of
Christ, to be as the filth and offscouring of
the world, (1 Cor. 4:13), and looking that
men should say all manner of evil of them
falsely for the Lord's sake. (Matt. 5:11).
5. It is expected of all who desire to con¬
tinue in these societies that they should
56 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
continue to evidence their desire for salva¬
tion by attending upon all the ordinances
of God; such are,
Thirdly, The public worship of God.
(Psalm 27:4; 63:4; 84 :l-4, 10; Isaiah 2:3;
I Cor. 11:2; Heb. 10:25).
The ministry of the word, either, read or
expounded. ("The ministry instituted."
Matt. 28:16; Mark 16:15; 2 Tim. 4:2. "The
ministry should be attended." Rom. 10:
14, 15, 17; Acts 13:44; James 1:25; Rev.
2:7; Isa. 62:6).
The Supper of the Lord. (Matt. 26:26-
28; Acts 18:21; I Cor. 11:23-26).
Family, (Josh. 24:15; Deut. 6:6, 7; Jer.
10:25) and private prayer. (Matt. 9:6;
I Thess. 5:17, 18; I Tim. 2:8; Psa. 55:17;
Dan. 6:10).
Searching the Scriptures. (Psa. 119:
15, 16; 1:2; John 5:39; 17:17).
Fasting or abstinence. (Matt. 6:16-18;
17:21; Acts 14:23).
6. These are the General Rules of our
societies, all which we are taught of God to
observe, even in His written word, which
is the only rule, and the sufficient rule,
both of our faith and practice. (2 Tim.
3:16, 17). And all these we know his
Spirit writes on truly awakened hearts.
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 57
(John 14:26; 16:13). tf 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 accdunt:
(Ezek. 33:1-20; Matt. 18:15-17; James 5:
19, 20). We will admonish him ' of the
error of his ways, we will bear with him
for a season; (Rom. 15:14; 2 Thess. 3:15;
1 Cor. 13:4). But if then he repent not, he
hath no more place among us. We have
delivered our own souls. (1 Cor. 5:5; 2
Thess. 3:6; 1 Tim. 6:3-5; Matt. 18:15-17).
CHAPTER VII.
FORM OF BAPTISM OF ADULTS.
The minister shall use the following, or
some other suitable exhortation:
Dearly beloved, forasmuch as all men
are conceived and born in sin, (and that
which is born of the flesh is flesh, and they
that are in the flesh cannot please God,
but live in sin, committing many actual
transgressions), and that our Saviour
Christ saith, None, can enter into the king¬
dom of God, except he be regenerated and
born anew of water and of the Holy Ghost,
and received into Christ's holy Church, and
58 'PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
be made lively members of the same: I be¬
seech you to call upon God the Father,
through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of
His bounteous goodness He will grant unto
these persons that which by nature they
cannot have, and that they may be bap¬
tized with water and the Holy < ttiost.
First Prayer.
Then the minister shall 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¬
lieve, and the resurrection of the dead, we
call upon thee for these persons, that they,
coming to thy holy baptism, may receive
the remission of their sins by spiritual re¬
generation. Receive them, O Lord, as
thou hast promised by thy well-beloved
Son, saying, Ask, and ye shall receive;
seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall
be opened unto you: So give now unto
those that ask; let us that seek find; open
the gate unto us that knock; that these
persons may enjoy the everlasting bene¬
diction of thy heavenly washing, and may
come to the eternal kingdom which thou
hast promised by Christ our Lord. Amen.
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE- 59
Second Prayer.
After which he shall say:
Almighty and Everlasting God, heaven¬
ly 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 knowledge 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 sal¬
vation, through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who liveth and reigneth with thee and the
Holy Spirit now and forever. Amen.
Scripture Lesson.
Then shall the people stand up, and the
minister shall say:
Hear the words of the gospel written by
St. John in the third chapter, beginning
at the first verse:
"There was a man of the Pharisees,
named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 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 doest, except God
be with him. Jesus answered and said
unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
60 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
except a man be born again, he cannot see
the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith un¬
to 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 canot enter into the kingdom
of God. That which is born of the flesh is
flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit,
is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee,
Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth
where it listeth, and thou hearest the
sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it
cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every
one that is born of the Spirit."
Address to the Candidate.
Then shall the minister speak to the per¬
son to be baptized, on this wise:
Well beloved, who are come hither desir¬
ing to receive holy baptism, ye have heard
how the congregation hath prayed that
our Lord Jesus Christ would vouchsafe to
receive you, and bless you, to release jpou
of your sins, to give you the kingdom of
heaven and everlasting life. And our Lord
Jesus Christ hath promised in his holy
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 61
word, to grant all those things we have
prayed for, which promise he, for his
part, will most surely keep and perform.
Wherefore, after this promise made by
Christ, you must also faithfully, on your
part, promise, in the presence of this whole
congregation, that you will renounce the
devil and all his works, and constantly be¬
lieve God's word, and obediently keep his
commandments.
Then shall the minister demand of each
of the persons to be baptized :
Q. Dost thou renounce the devil and all
his works, the vain pomp and glory of the
world, with all covetous desires of the
same, and the carnal desires of the flesh,
and that thou wilt not follow, nor be led
by them ?
A. I renounce them all.
Q. Dost thou believe in God the Father
Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth ?
And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten
Son, our Lord ? And that he was conceived
of the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin
Mary? That he suffered under Pontius
Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; that
he arose again the third day; that he as¬
cended into heaven, and sitteth at the right
hand of God, the Father Almighty; and
62 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
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 commun¬
ion of saints, the remission of sins, the res¬
urrection of the body, and everlasting life
after death?
A. All this I steadfastly believe.
Q. Wilt thou be baptized in this faith?
A. This is my desire.
Q. Wilt thou then obediently keep God's
holy will and commandments, and walk in
the same all the days of thy life?
A. I will endeavor to do so, God being
my helper.
The Collects.
Then shall the minister say:
0 merciful God, grant that the old Adam
in these persons may be so buried, that the
new man may be raised in them. Amen.
Grant that all carnal affections may die
in them, and that all things belonging to
the Spirit may live and grow in them.
Amen.
*The Church universal, and not the Papal Church of
Rome.
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 63
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 govern
all things, world without end. Amen.
Almighty, ever living God, whose most
dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ, for the
forgiveness of our sins, didst shed out of
his most precious side both water and
blood; and gave commandment to his dis¬
ciples, that they should go teach all na¬
tions, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost, regard, we beseech thee, the suppli¬
cations of this congregation; sanctify this
water to thee this holy sacrament; and
grant that the persons now to be baptized,
may receive the fullness of thy grace, and
ever remain in the number of thy faithful
and elect children, through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
64 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
The Ceremony.
Then shall the minister take each per¬
son to be baptized by the right hand, and
placing them conveniently by the font, ac¬
cording to his discretion, shall ask the
name: and then shall sprinkle or pour
water upon him, (or, if they desire, shall
immerse them in water), saying:
N, I baptize thee in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer.
Then shall be said the Lord's Prayer, all
kneeling.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed
by thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will
be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us
this day our daily bread, and forgive us
our trespasses as we forgive them that
trespass against us; and lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Then let the minister conclude with an
extemporary prayer.
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 65
CHAPTER VIII.
FORM FOR RECEIVING MEMBERS
INTO FULL CONNECTION.
Address to the Congregation.
Upon the day appointed, all that are to
be received shall be called forward, and the
minister addressing the congregation shall
say:
Dearly Beloved Brethren: The Scrip¬
tures teach us that- the Church is the
household of God; the body, pf which
Christ is the Head, and that it is the de¬
sign of the Gospel to bring together in one,
all who are Christ's. The fellowship of the
Church is the communion that its mem¬
bers enjoy one with another. The ends of
this fellowship are the maintenance of
sound doctrine, and of the ordinances of
Christian worship, and the exercise of that
power of godly admonition and discipline
which Christ has committed to His Church
for the promotion of holiness. It is the
duty of all men to unite in this fellowship,
for it is only those that "be planted in the
house of the Lord, that shall flourish in
the courts of our God." Its more particu¬
lar duties are to promote peace and unity;
66 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
to bear one another's burdens; to prevent
each other's stumbling; to seek the in¬
timacy of friendly society among them¬
selves; to continue steadfast in the faith
and worship of the gospel; and to pray
and sympathize with each other. Among
its privileges are—peculiar incitements to
holiness from the hearing of God's Word,
and sharing Christ's ordinances; the being
placed under the watchful care of Pastors,
and the enjoyment of the blessings which
are promised only to those which are of
the household of faith. Into this holy fel¬
lowship the persons before you, who have
already received the sacrament of Baptism
and have been under the care of proper
leaders for three months on trial, come
seeking admission.
We now propose, in the fear of God, to
question them as to their faith and pur¬
poses, that you may know that they are
proper persons to be admitted into the
Church.
Address to the Applicants.
Then addressing the applicants for ad¬
mission, the minister shall say:
Dearly Beloved: You are come hither
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 67
Seeking the great privilege of union with
the Church our Saviour has purchased
with his own blood. We rejoice in the
grace of God vouchsafed unto you, in that
he has called you to be his followers, and
that thus far you have run well. You have
heard how blessed are the privileges and
how solemn are the duties of membership
in Christ's Church, arid before you are
fully admitted thereto, it is proper that
you do here publicly renew your vows, con¬
fess your faith, and declare your purpose
by answering the following questions:
Q. 1. Do you, here in the presence of
God and of this congregation, renew the
solemn promise contained in the Baptismal
Covenant ratifying and confirming the
same, and acknowledging yourselves bound
faithfully to observe and keep that coven¬
ant, and all things contained therein?
A. I do.
Q. 2. Have you saving faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ?
A. I trust I have.
Q. 3. Do you entertain friendly feelings
towards all the members of this Church ?
A. I do. *
Q 4. Do you believe in the doctrines ot
68 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
Holy Scripture as set forth in the articles
of religion of the African Methodist Epis¬
copal Church?
A. I do.
Q. 5. Will you cheerfully be governed
by the Discipline of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church, hold sacred the ordi¬
nances of God, and endeavor, as much as
in you lies, to promote the welfare of your
brethren, and the advancement of the Re¬
deemer's kingdom?
A. I will.
Q. 6. Will you contribute of your earth¬
ly substance according to your ability, to
the support of the Gospel, Church and
poor, and the various benevolent enter¬
prises of the Church?
A. I will.
Address to the Church.
Then the Minister, addressing the
church, shall say:
Brethren: You have heard the responses
given to our inquiries. Have any of you
any reason to allege why these persons
should not be received into full member¬
ship in the Church?
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 69
The Reception.
No objection being alleged, the Minister
shall say to the candidates:
We welcome you to the communion of
the Church of God, and in testimony of our
Christian affection and the cordiality with
which we receive you, I hereby extend to
you the right hand of fellowship; and may
God grant that you may be a faithful and
useful number of the Church militant till
you are called to the fellowship of the
Church triumphant, which is without fault
before the presence of God.
Then shall the Minister offer an extem¬
pore prayer.
THE PLEDGE.
Having prayerfully and carefully ex¬
amined the Doctrine, Discipline and Usage
of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church, and the requirements therein
made of me to become a full member, and
with the set purpose of assenting to all and
keeping faithfully all required of me, and
with the fervent prayer that my Heavenly
Father may assist me by His grace to live
70 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE,
a true Christian life, I sign this statement.
Name
Date — -
Place >
City and State.
APPENDIX.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS IN
VERSE.
1. Thou shalt have no gods but Me;
2. Before no idol bow thy knee;
3. Take not the name of God in vain;
4. Nor dare the Sabbath-day profane;
5. Give both thy parents honor due;
6. Take heed that thou no murder do;
7. Abstain from words and deeds unclean;
8. Nor steal tho' thou art poor and mean;
9. Nor make a willful lie, nor love it;
10. What is thy neighbor's dare not covet.
THE SUM.
With all thy soul, love God above,
And as thyself thy neighbor love.
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 71
THE BEATITUDES.
Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs
is the kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn; for they
shall be comforted.
Blessed aire the meek; for they shall in¬
herit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and
thirst after righteousness; for they shall
be filled.
Blessed are the merciful; for they shall
obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart; for they
shall see God.
Blessed are the peace-makers; for they
shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted
for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven.:—Matt. 5:3-10.
BAPTISMAL COVENANT.
Each Probntioner on being received assents to this cove¬
nant, You should know every word of it
I renounce the devil and all his works,
the vain pomp and glory of the world, with
all covetous desires of the same, and the
carnal desires of the flesh, so that I will
not follow nor be led by them.
72 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
I believe in God the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus*
Christ his only begotten Son our Lord;
and that he was conceived by the Holy
Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; that he
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was cruci¬
fied, dead and buried; that he rose again
the third day; that he ascended into
heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of
God the Father Almighty, and from thence
shall come again at the end of the world
to judge the quick and the dead. I believe
in the Holy Ghost> the Holy Catholic
Church, the communion of saints, the re¬
mission of sins, the resurrection of the
body, and everlasting life after death.
Amen.
Having been baptized in this faith, I will
obediently keep God's holy will and com¬
mandments ,and walk in the same all the
days of my life, God being my helper. (Dis¬
cipline, 1916, pages 107, 108).
GENERAL CONFESSION.
In the administration of the Lord's Sup¬
per, after the invitation is read, the Ritual
says:
PROBATIONERS' GUIDE. 73
Then shall this general confession be madp
by the Minister in the name of all those
who are minded to receive the holy com¬
munion, both he and all the people de¬
voutly kneeling, and saying, all to¬
gether:
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all
men: we acknowledge and bewail our man¬
ifold sins and wickedness, which we from
time to time most grievously have com¬
mitted, by thought, word, and deed,
against thy Divine Majesty, provoking
most justly thy wrath and indignation
against us. We do earnestly repent, and
are heartily sorry for these our misdoings;
the remembrance of them is grievous unto
us. Have mercy upon us, have mercy
upon us, most merciful Father; for Thy
Son, our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, forgive
us all that is past; and grant that we may
ever hereafter serve and please thee in
newness of life, to the honor and glory of
Thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. (Discipline, 1916, pages 119, 120).
74 PROBATIONERS' GUIDE.
COVENANT OF CONSECRATION.
"My whole thought broken heart, O Lord!
From henceforth shall be Thine;
And here I do my vow record,
This hand, these words are mine;
All that I have, without reserve;
I offer here to Thee;
Thy will and honor all shall serve
That Thou bestow'dst on me.
"All that exceptions save I lose;
All that I lose I save;
The treasures of Thy love I choose,
And Thou art all I crave;
My God, Thou hast my heart and hand,
I all to Thee resign;
I'll ever to this covenant stand,
Though flesh here at repine.
"I know that Thou wast willing first,
And then di'ew my consent:
Having thus loved me at the worst,
Thou wilt not now repent.
Now I have quit all self-pretense,
Take charge of what's Thine own;
My life, my health, and my defense,
Now lie on Thee alone."
—RICHARD BAXTER.
A Manual of the African
Methodist Episcpal Church
Beirig a course of 12 lectures for Probationers and Members.
by c. m. TANNER. a Chatechism Added.
INTRODUCTION BY BISHOP a. grant, D. D.
16 mo. nearly 200 pages.
Price, Board Binding, 25c. Cloth Binding, 40c.
A work needed by every Minister ind Member of the Church.
COMMENT We commend the book on A. M, E. Churt.h
Doctrines and Polity for Probationers, prepared by Rev. C. M
Tanmer, as one of the works to be incoporated in our Minis¬
terial coursr of studies, both in field and seminary ' —Quad¬
rennial Address of Bishops, General Conference, Columbus.
Ohio. May. 1900.
"We have had history, polity, theology, exegesis in fact
nearly every phase of life and work and history cf >ur church
has at some tim? been discussed, but never until Mr. C. M.
Tanner':. book appeared has anything positive and definite
been given us which has become at once an authority and a
relief. Altogehter 1 am perfectly free to say that l have read
nothing dealing with nor bearint upon the doctrine nnd dis¬
cipline of the A. M. E. Church that has set them forth in such
:lear light, simple terms and lofty tone as 'The Manual for
Probationers."
J. ALBERT JOHNSON.
"The object cf the work is to instruct ministers, members and
probationers in the rudimentary principel» of our Chur< h. We
have only read two or three chapters and find it most excellent."
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' I have examined the Manual with interest and care and r<m
very much pleased with the ierious, arnes" purpose which
seems to actuate every line of it, I should think that such a
Manual must be admirably suited to deepen and inform an intel¬
ligent, devoted piety among your members."
EDWARD T. BARTLETT, D. D.
Philadelphia Divinity School,
"The Manual" has been placed amone ihe required books in
the new Discipline. Agents wanted, Write for terms.
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