NOTICE.
The owner of this book can boast of
having a copy of the first edition of
the Discipline of the A. M. E. Church
that was edited, set, printed and
bound by Negroes. During the near¬
ly one hundred years of our existence
as a denomination, the printing of
the Discipline of the Church has been
the work of white people. It re¬
mained for the Sunday School Union
to show what the Negro himself could
do. You should preserve your Dis¬
cipline for this quadrennium as a
sacred relic for the pleasure and bene¬
fit of your posterity.
IRA T. BRYANT, Sec.-Treas.
Jan. 22, 1913.
Robert W. Woodruff
Library
special collections
emory university
BOOK OF DISCIPLINE
OF THE
A. M. E. CHURCH
PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF GENERAL CONFERENCE
HELD IN KANSAS CITY, MO., MAY 1912
BY IRA T. BRYANT
COMPILED BY
EVANS TYREE, JAMES M. CONNOR, BENT.
F. LEE, J. I. LOWE, RICHARD S. JENKINS
AND W. D. JOHNSON
19 12
NASHVILLE, TENN.
A. M. E. SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION
1913
COPYRIGHTED 1913
BY IRA T. BRYANT FOR THE A. M.
SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.
TWENTY-FIFTH EDITION.
HISTORICAL PREFACE.
To the Members of the African Methodist Epis¬
copal Church.
Beloved Brethren:
We deem it necessary to prefix to our Book of
Discipline a brief statement of our rise and prog¬
ress, 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 of 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 wor¬
ship, and even pulled them off their knees, while
in the act of prayer, and ordered them to the
back seats. For 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 undertaking they met with great
opposition from an elder of the Methodist Church,
(J. M'C.), who threatened 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 in three
months they should all be publicly expelled from
the Methodist Society. Not considering them-
i
ii
HISTORICAL PREFACE.
selves bound to obey this injunction, and being
fully satisfied that they would be treated without
mercy, they sent in their resignations.
Being now as outcasts, they had to seek for
friends where they could; and the Lord put it into
the hearts of Dr. Benjamin Rush, Mr. R. Ralston,
and other respectable citizens, to interpose for
them, both by advice and assistance, in getting
their building finished. Bishop White also aided
them and ordained one from among themselves,
after the order of the Protestant Episcopal Church,
to be their pastor.
In 1793 the number of the serious people of
color having increased, they were of different
opinions respecting the mode of religious wor¬
ship; and, as many felt a strong partiality for that
adopted by the Methodists, Richard Allen with
the advice of some of his brethren, proposed erect¬
ing a place of worship on his own ground and at
his own expense, as an African Methodist meet¬
ing house. As soon as the preachers of the Meth¬
odist Church in Philadelphia came to the knowl¬
edge of this, they opposed it with all their might,
insisting that the house should be made over to the
Conference, or they would publish them in the
newspapers as imposing on the public, as they were
not Methodists. However, the building went on,
and, when finished, they invited Francis Asbury,
then Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
to open the house for divine service, which invita¬
tion he accepted, and the house was named Bethel.
(See Gen. 28:19.)
It was now proposed by the resident elder, (J.
M'C.), that they should have the church incor¬
porated, that they might receive any donation or
legacy, as well as enjoy any other advantages
arising therefrom; this was agreed to; and in
HISTORICAL PREFACE.
iii
order to save expense, the elder proposed drawing
it up for them. But they soon found that he had
done it in such a manner as entirely deprived* them
of the liberty they expected to enjoy; so that, by
this stratagem, they were again brought into bond¬
age by the Methodist preachers.
In this situation they experienced grievances too
numerous to mention. At one time the elder,
(J. S.) demanded the keys of the house, with the
books and papers belonging thereto; telling them
at other times they should have no more meetings
without his leave, and that the house was not
theirs, but belonged to the Methodist Conference.
Finding themselves thus embarrassed, they con¬
sulted a lawyer, who informed them that by means
of a supplement they could be delivered from the
grievances under which they labored. The con¬
gregation unanimously agreed to sign the petition
for a supplement, which the Legislature of Penn¬
sylvania readily granted; and they were liberated
from the difficulties which they had experienced
for many ^ears. They now hoped to be free from
any other perplexity; but they soon found that
their proceedings exasperated their opponents. In
order to accommodate matters, they proposed
supplying them with preaching if they would give
six hundred dollars per year to the Methodist So¬
ciety. The congregation not consenting, they fell
to four hundred dollars, but the people were not
willing to give more than two hundred dollars per
year. For 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
Methodists as preachers. The Bethel people being
dissatisfied with such conduct, induced the trustees
iv
HISTORICAL PREFACE.
to pass a resolution to give but one hundred dol¬
lars per year to the Methodist preachers. When a
quarterly payment of the last sum was tendered, it
was refused and sent back, insisting on the two
hundred dollars, or they would preach no more
for them. At this time they pressed 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, provided he
would attend to the duties of the Church, such as
visiting the sick, burying the dead, baptizing, and
administering the sacrament. The Bishop ob¬
served, "He did not think that there was more
than one preacher belonging to the Conference
that would attend to' these duties, and that was
Richard Allen."
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 Phil¬
adelphia, declared, that unless they would repeal
the supplement, neither he, nor any of the Metho¬
dist preachers, traveling or local, would preach
any more for them; so they were left to them¬
selves. At length the preachers and stewards be¬
longing to the Academy* proposed serving them
on the same terms that they had offered to the St.
*The Academy Church, now known as the Union, is
still standing, and is situated on Fourth Street, between
Market and Arch, a most flourishing congregation.
HISTORICAL PREFACE.
V
George'sf preachers; and they preached for them
better than twelve months, and then demanded
one hundred and fifty dollars per year. This not
being complied with, they declined preaching 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
from the Connection. John Emery, the 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 in¬
vitation given to all who desired to be Methodists
to resort thither, but being disappointed in this
plan, Robert R. Roberts, the resident 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 congre¬
gation 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 hav¬
ing taken previous advice, they had their preacher
in the pulpit when he came, and the house was so
fixed that he could not get more than half way
to the pulpit. Finding himself disappointed, he
appealed to those who came with him as wit¬
nesses, that "That man," (meaning the preacher)
"had taken his appointment."
Several respectable white citizens, (who knew
fSt. George's was then a mission post of the M. E.
Church, situated on Fourth Street below Vine, Philadel¬
phia. It is now a flourishing congregation.
vi
HISTORICAL PREFACE.
the colored people had been ill-used) were present
and told them not to fear, for they would see them
righted, and not suffer Roberts to preach in a for¬
cible manner; after which Roberts went away.
The next elder stationed at Philadelphia was
Robert Birch, who, following the example of his
predecessor, came and published a meeting for
himself, but the aforementioned 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, beirlg an elder. Th's
brought on a lawsuit, which ended in favor of
Bethel. Thus, by the providence of God, they
were delivered from a long, distressing aad ex¬
pensive suit, which could not be resumed, being
determined by the Supreme Court; for this mercy
they were unfeignedly 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 oi Philadel¬
phia to call a general convention in April, 1816,
to form a Connection; delegates appointed to rep¬
resent different churche3 met those of Philadel¬
phia, and taking into consideration their griev¬
ances, and in order to secure their privileges and
promote union among thems3lve3 it was
Resolved, "That the people of Philadelphia, Bal-
HISTORICAL PREFACE.
vii
timore, and all other places who should unite
with them, should become one body, under the
name and style of the'African Methodist Episco¬
pal 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 opportunity of receiving from their own breth¬
ren that religious instruction from which they
had been kept by persons claiming to be th'eir
superiors, and thereby privileged to sit under their
own vine and fig tree; and though opposed by the
prejudices of the times, persecuted by the tongue
of calumny, and buffeted 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 Jesus Christ. The work of God has spread,
through our instrumentality, from Philadelphia
throughout the entire United States, and into Can¬
ada, the West Indies, South America and Africa.
We esteem it our duty and privilege, most
earnestly 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.
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 main¬
tained, in part or in whole, by every Reformed
Church in the world.
viii
HISTORICAL PREFACE.
Far from wishing you to be ignorant of our doc¬
trines, 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.
We remain your affectionate brethren and pas¬
tors, who labor night and day, both in public and
private, for your good.
HENRY M. TURNER,
BENJAMIN T. TANNER,
BENJAMIN F. LEE,
MOSES B. SALTER,
WILLIAM B. DERRICK,
EVANS TYREE,
CHARLES S. SMITH,
CORNELIUS T. SHAFFER,
LEVI J. COPPIN,
HENRY B. PARKS,
JOSEPH S. FLIPPER,
J. ALBERT JOHNSON,
WILLIAM H. HEARD,
JOHN HURST,
WM. D. CHAPPELLE,
JOSHUA H. JONES,
JAMES M. CONNOR,
Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
CONTENTS.
PART I.
Episcopacy and Doctrines.
Chapter Page
I. EPISCOPACY 3 5
II. ARTICLES OF RELIGION 6 17
III. THE CATECHISM ON FAITH_ 18 46
IV. THE GENERAL RULES OF
THE UNITED SOCIETIES-_ 47 52
V. BAND SOCIETIES 53 56
VI. PUBLIC WORSHIP 57 58
VII. CLASSES AND LEADERS 59 60
VIII. MATRIMONIAL RELATIONS 61 63
Marriage 1 61
Divorce * 62
PART II.
Rites and Ceremonies.
I. ORDINATION OF DEACONS 66 71
II. ORDINATION OF ELDERS._ 72 86
III. ORDINATION OF BISHOPS 87 98
IV. BAPTISM 99 110
Infants 99
Adults 104
V. RECEIVING MEMBERS INTO
CHURCH 111 115
Probationers 111
Full members 111
By certificate 115
VI. THE LORD'S SUPPER 116 126
x contents.
Chapter Page
VII. SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRI¬
MONY 127 133
VIII. BURIAL SERVICE 134 137
IX. LAYING CORNER STONES 138 147
X. DEDICATION OF CHURCHES 148 157
PART III.
Lay Helpers, Loeal Preachers,General Officers.
I. LAY HELPERS 160 162
Deaconesses 160
Exliorters , 161
II. LOCAL PREACHERS 163 168
Candidates examined 163
Licenses granted 164
Ordained preachers in local re¬
lations 165
From other denominations. _ _ 166
Obligations of local elders, dea¬
cons and preachers 167
Supernumerary Preachers 168
Evangeli ts 168
III. GENERAL OFFICERS 169 170
Official responsibility 169
Ecclesiastical responsibility 169
Restrictions. 170
PART IV.
The Ministry.
I. PREACHER'S LIFE AND
DUTIES 173 183
contents. xi
Chapter Page
Special means of grace 173
Preaching 176
Visitation 178
Hinderances 179
Causes of spiritual poverty 182
II. OFFICIAL DUTIES OF PAS¬
TORS 184 190
III. PREACHERS IN ANNUAL
CONFERENCE 191 198
Admitted on trial 191
To full connection 192
From other denominations . 193
Rules of a preacher 195
Conduct in Conference 198
The Itinerancy 198
IV. DEACONS 199 200
V. ELDERS 201
VI. PRESIDING ELDERS 202 204
VII. BISHOPS 205 209
Election 205
Filling vacancies 205
Duties 205
PART V.
The Conferences.
I. GENERAL CONFERENCE 212 220
Composition 212
Delegates 212
Election rules 215
Xil CONTENTS.
Chapter Page
Sessions 215
Commission 216
Extra sessions 217
Restrictions 218
Expenses 219
II. THE ANNUAL CONFER¬
ENCES 221 226
Composition 221
Sessions 221
Organization 222
Pastors' reports 223
Literary meetings 226
III. THE DISTRICT CONFER¬
ENCE 227 230
Composition .. 227
Sessions 227
Organization 227
Business 228
Expenses 230
IV. QUARTERLY CONFERENCES 231 236
V. THE OFFICIAL BOARD 237 240
VI. THE CHURCH CONFERENCE 241 243
PART VI.
Judicial Directions.
I. TRIAL OF BISHOPS 246 248
The committee 246
Episcopal Committee 247
II. TRIAL OF ITINERANT
PREACHERS 249 251
contents. Xiii
Chapter Page
Presiding elders 249
Pastors 249
General officers 251
III. TRIAL OF LOCAL PREACH¬
ERS.. _ 252 253
E xamination 2 52
The case at Conference 252
IV. CAUSES FOR IMPEACH¬
MENT 254 257
Dealing in liquors 254
Mal-administration 254
Heresy and schism 255
Unacceptability 255
Neglect of appointments 256
Interference ' 257
Y. MINISTERS' DEBTS 258 260
Complaint 258
Examination 258
Arbitration 259
Omissions 259
Provisos 260
VI. TRIAL OF LAY MEMBERS.- 261 266
Arraignment 261
Verdict 261
Insubordination 262
Sowing dissension — 263
Wilful neglect 263
Improper conduct 2 64
Spirituous liquors — 264
Frauds and insolvencies 265
xiv CONTENTS.
Chapter Page
VII. DEBTS AND ARBITRATION 267 270
Disputes 267
Decision 267
Arbitration 268
Debts 268
Expelled and withdrawn 269
VIII. ORDER OF APPEALS 271 273
Triers of appeals 271
The Court 271
Appellants'rights 271
Method of procedure. 272
PART VII.
Conference Boundaries and Episcopal
Districts.
I. CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES 276 294
II. EPISCOPAL DISTRICTS 295 297
PART VIII.
Missionary Societies.
I. PARENT HOME AND FOR¬
EIGN- ' / 300 309
Preamble and constitution 300
Title 300
Object? 301
Membership. _ _ 301
Managers 301
Secretary 302
Auxiliaries _ 303
Missionary Committee 303
contents. xv
Chapter Page
Collection and appropriation 304
The Annual Conference Societies 307
Sessions and Officers 307
Conference Board. 308
II. LOCAL, HOME AND FOR¬
EIGN MISSIONARY SOCI¬
ETIES 310 313
III. PARENT WOMEN'S MITE
MISSIONARY SOCIETY 314 318
Officers ■ 316
Meetings 317
CONSTITUTION OF THE
ANNUAL CONFERENCE W.
M. M. SOCIETY 318 322
LOCAL W. M. M. SOCIETY 322 326
IV. THE WOMEN'S HOME AND
FOREIGN MISSIONARY
bOCIETY_ _ 327 332
AUXILIARY SOCIETY
CONSTITUTION 332 338
City Mission Boards 339 340
PART IX.
Departments.
I. THE PUBLICATION DEPART¬
MENT 343 349
Management 343
The Board 344
Vacancies 345
Books sent to preachers 346
xvi contents.
Chapter Page
Publications of the church 346
The Review 346
Southern Recorder Board. 347
Western Recorder Board - 347
South African Recorder Board. 348
II. THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
UNION 350 360
Organization 350
Constitution for Sunday-schools 356
III. THE EDUCATIONAL IN¬
TERESTS 361 372
General Board 361
Corresponding Secretary 362
Executive Board 364
Conference Board 364
Districts 365
District Boards 366
District Secretary _. — 366
Establishing of schools 367
Annual appropriations 369
Sources of funds 369
Disposition of funds 371
IV. THE CHURCH EXTENSION. 373 383
Preamble.. 373
Constitution 374
Responsibility of Conference 382
Donation Fund — 383
V. THE ALLEN ENDEAVOR
LEAGUE 384 390
C onstitution 384
contents. XVii
Chapter Page
Pledge 387
Associate Members' Pledge 387
Conventions 388
Conference Superintendent 388
Finances 390
PART X.
Temporal Economy.
FINANCIAL DEPARTMENT 393 408
Collections 393
Duties of Secretary 394
Board of Managers 395
Dollar Money at Conference. 397
Annual Conference Secretary-
Treasurer 399
Uses of the Dollar Money 401
Support of Bishops 401
Support of General Officers — 403
Superannuated preachers 404
Widows and orphans 404
Priority of claims _ 407
Ineffective Bishops 402
Expenses of Visiting Bishops. _ 408
II. SUPPORT OF ITINERANT
PREACHERS 409 410
Presiding Elder's Salary 409
Support of pastors 410
III. ARTICLES OF INCORPORA¬
TION OF THE A. M. E.
CHURCH 411 413
xviii
contents.
Chapter Page
IV. CHURCH PROPERTY 414 421
V. TRUSTEES OF CHURCH
PROPERTY 422 425
Chairman of Board 423
Amenable to Quarterly Confer¬
ence 425
VI. CHURCH STEWARDS 426 429
Accountability 428
Stewardesses 428
VII. SPECIAL DECLARATION430 435
Apostolic succession 430
PART XI.
Appendix.
I. COURSE OF STUDIES 438 447
II. SPECIFIC EXAMINATION __ 448 457
III. RECOMMENDATION TO
STUDENTS 456 458
IV. THE PRIMITIVE RULE OF
GIVING FOR BENEVO¬
LENT PURPOSES 460 463
V. THE GENERAL CONFER¬
ENCE RULES 464 472
VI. BISHOPS AND GENERAL
OFFICERS' ADDRESSES.. 473 476
Recommendations by Commit¬
tee 477
Important Acts 478
PART I.
EPISCOPACY AND DOCTRINES.
I. Episcopacy.
II. Articles of Religion.
III. The Catechism.
IV. The General Rules.
V. Band Societies.
VI. "Worship.
VII. Classes and Leaders.
VIII. Matrimonial Relations.
CHAPTER I.
EPISCOPACY.
The preachers and members of our
Church* having become a distinct body of
people, by reason of separation from our
brethren of the Methodist Episcopal Church
found it necessary at their first General
Conference in April, 1816, to elect one from
their own body, who was adequate to be set
apart in holy orders, to superintend the
connection that was then formed. The Rev.
Richard Allen, being seventeen years an
ordained preacher, by the Rev. Bishop As-
bury, of the Methodist Episcopal Church;
was unanimously elected to fill that office,
and on the 11th day of April, 1816, the
said Rev. Richard Allen was solemnly set
apart for the Episcopal office, by prayer and
the imposition of the hands of five regularly
ordained ministers, one of whom, Absalom
Jones, was a priest of the Pr'otestant Episco¬
pal Church; who was then, and continued
in good standing under the Diocese of the
Rt. Rev. Bishop White, of Pennsylvania;
at which time the General Conference, in
*Organizing Convention. (3)
4
EPISCOPACY.
Philadelphia did unanimously receive the
said Richard Allen as their Bishop, being
fully satisfied with the validity of his Epis¬
copal ordination.
The continuation of the Episcopacy in
our church is as follows:
Rev. Morris Brown was ordained Bishop
in Philadelphia, Pa.; May 25, 1828.
Rev. Edward Waters was ordained
Bishop in Philadelphia. Pa., May 16.1836
Rev. William Paul Quinn was ordained
Bishop in Pittsburg, Pa., May 13, 1844.
Revs. Willis Nazry and Daniel A. Payne
were ordained Bishops in New York, N.
Y., May 13,1852.
Revs. Alexander W. Wayman and Jabez
Pitt Campell were ordained Bishops in Phil¬
adelphia, Pa., May 23, 1864.
Revs. James A. Shorter, Thomas M. D.
Ward and John M- Brown were ordained
Bishops in Washington, D. C., May 25,
1868.
Revs. Henry. M. Turner, William F.
Dickerson and Richard H. Cain were or¬
dained Bishops in Saint Louis, Mo., May
20, 1880.
Revs. Richard R. Disney, ordained by
Bishop A. W. Wayman in the B. M. E,
Church, entered the Episcopacy of the A.
lEHSCOPACY.
5
M. E. Church in 1884, when the B. M. E.
Church united with the A. M. E. Church.
Revs. Wesley J. Gaines, Benjamin W.
Arnett, Benjamin T. Tanner and Abraham
Grant were ordained Bishops in Indianap¬
olis, Ind., May 24,1888.
Revs. Benjamin F. Lee, Moses B. Salter
and James A. Handy were ordained Bishops
in Philadelphia Pa., May 19. 1892.
Revs. William B. Derrick, Josiah H.
Armstrong and James C. Embry were or¬
dained Bishops in Wilmington, N. C.,
May 19, 1896.
Revs. Evans Tyree, Morris M. Moore,
Charles S. Smith, Cornelius T. Shaffer and
Levi J. Coppin were ordained Bishops in
Columbus, 0., May 23, 1900.
Revs. Edward W. Lampton, Henry B.
Parks, Joseph S. Flipper, J. Albert John¬
son and William H. Heard were ordained
Bishops in Norfolk, Va., May 20, 1908.
Revs. John Hurst, William D. Chap-
pelle, Joshua H. Jones, and James M.
Connor, were ordained Bishops in Kansas
City, Mo., May 22, 1912.
6
ARTICLES OP RELIGION.
CHAPTER 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 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.
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 divided;
whereof is one Christ, very God and very
man, who truly suffered, was crucified,
dead and buried, to reconcile his Father to
ARTICLES OP RELIGION. 7
us and to be a sacrifice, not only for original
guilt, but also for the actual sins of men.
III. Of the Resurrection of Christ.
Christ did truly rise again from the dead,
and took again his body with all things
appertaining to the perfection of man's na¬
ture, wherewith he ascended into heaven,
and there sitteth until he return to judge
all men at the last day.
IV. Of the Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost; proceeding from the
Father and the Son, is of one substance,
majesty, and glory, with the Father and
the Son, very and eternal God.
V. 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 may be proved
thereby, is not to be required of any man
that it should be believed as an article of
faith, or be thought requisite or necessary
to salvation. In the name of the Holy
Scriptures, we do understand those canon¬
ical books of the Old and New Testament,
of whose authority was never any doubt in
the church.
8
ARTICLES OF RELIGION.
The names of the canonical books are:
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deu¬
teronomy, 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 Chroni¬
cles, The Book of Ezra, The Book of Ne-
hemiah, The Book of Esther, The Book of
Job, The Psalms, The Proverbs, Eccles-
iastes, or the Preacher; Cantica, or 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.
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 fathers did
look only for transitory promises. Although
the law given from God by Moses,as touch¬
ing ceremonies and rites, doth not bind
Christians, nor ought the civil precepts
ARTICLES OP RELIGION.
9
thereof, of necessity be received in any com¬
monwealth; yet notwithstanding, noChris-
ian whatsoever is free from the obedience
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.
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 when we have that
good will.
IX. Of the Justification of Man.
We are accounted righteous before God,
only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour
10 ARTICLES OF RELIGION.
Jesus Christ by faith, and not for our own
works and deservings; wherefore, that we
are justified by faith only, is a most whole¬
some doctrine, and very 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 judgment, 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 fruits.
XI. 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 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.
EPISCOPACY.
11
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 that
they can no more sin as long aS they live
here; or deny the place of forgiveness to
such as truly repent.
XIII. Of the Church.
The Visible Church of Christ is a con¬
gregation 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 purga¬
tory, pardon, worshiping and adoration,
as well of images as of relics, and also invo¬
cation of saints, is a fond thing, vainly in¬
vented, and grounded on no warrant of
12 ARTICLES OF RELIGION.
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.
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 will toward us, by the
which he doth work invisibly in us, and doth
not only quicken, but also strengthen and
confirm our faith in him.
There are two sacraments ordained of
Christ our Lord in the Gospel; that is to
say, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord.
Those five commonly called Sacraments,
that is to say; Confirmation, Penance, Or¬
ders, Matrimony and Extreme Unction,
are not to be counted for Sacraments of the
Gospel, being such as have partly grown
out of the corrupt following of the apostles
and partly are states of life allowed in the
ARTICLES OP RELIGION.
13
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 oper¬
ation; but they that receive them unworth¬
ily, purchase to themselves condemnation,
as St. Paul saith, I Cor. xi. 29.
XVII. Of Baptism.
Baptism is not only a sign of profession
and mark of difference, whereby Christians
are distinguished from others that are not
baptized, but it is also a sign of regenera¬
tion or the new birth. The baptism of
young children is to be retained in the
church.
XVIII. Of the Lord's Supper.
The Supper of the Lord is not only a sign
of the love that Christians ought to have
among themselves one to another, but
rather is a sacrament of our redemption by
Christ's death; insomuch that, to such as
rightly, worthily, and with faith receive the
same, the bread whiqh we breakisapartak-
14
ARTICLES OP RELIGION.
ing of the body of Christ, and likewise
the cup of blessing is a partaking of the
blood of Christ.
Transubstantiation, or the change of the
substance of bread and wine in the Supper
of our Lord, cannot be proved by Holy
Writ, but is repugnant to the plain words
of Scripture, overthroweth the nature ol a
sacrament, and haJi 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 Sacra¬
ment of the Lord's Supper was not by
Christ's ordinance reserved, carried about,
lifted up, or worshiped.
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, fin¬
ished upon the Cross.
The offering of Christ once made, is that
perfect redemption, propitiation, and satis-
ARTICLES OF RELIGION. 15
faction for all the sins'of the whole world,
both original and actual; and there is none
other satisfaction for sin, but that alone.
Wherefore the sacrifice of masses, in the
which it is commonly said that the priest
doth offer Christ, for the quick and the
dead, to have remission of pain or guilt, is
a blasphemous fable and dangerous deceit.
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 ac their own
discretion, as they shall judge the same to
serve 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 the same, or
exactly alike; for they have been always
different, and may be changed according to
the diversity of countries, times', and men's
manners, so that nothing be ordained
against God's word. Whatsoever, through
his private judgment, willingly and pur¬
posely doth openly break the rites and cere¬
monies of the Church to which he belQngs,
16 ARTICLES OP RELIGION.
which are not repugnant to the word of
God, and are ordained and approved by
common authority, ought to be rebuked
openly, that others may fear to do the like,
as one that offendeth against the common
order of the Church, and woundeth the
conscience of weak brethren.
Every particular Church may ordain,
change, or abolish rites and ceremonies, so
that all things may be done to edification.
X XIII, Of the Rulers of the United States
of America.
The President, the Congress, the General
Assemblies, the Governors and the Councils
of State, as the delegates of the people, are
the rulers of the United States of America,
according to the division of power made to
them by the Constitution of the United
States of America, and by the Constitu¬
tions of their respective States. And the
said States are a sovereign and independent
nation, and ought not to be subject to any
foreign jurisdiction.*
*Obedience to Civil Government, however, is one
of the principal duties of all men, and was hon¬
ored by our Lord and His Apostles. Though dif¬
fering in form and polity, all righteous govern¬
ments rightfully command the obedience, loyalty,
support and defence of all Christians, whom they
control and protect.
ARTICLES OF RELIGION. . 17
X XIV. Of Christian Men's Goods.
The riches and goods of Christians are
not common as touching the right, title and
possession of the same, as some do falsely
boast. Notwithstanding, every man ought
of such things as he possesseth, liberally to
give alms to the poor, according to his
ability.
X XV. 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 cause of
faith and charity, so it be done according
to the prophet's teaching, in justice, judg¬
ment and truth.
18
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
CHAPTER III.
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
I. Question 1. What is it to be justified?
Answer. To be pardoned and received
into God's favor, into such a state, that, if
we continue therein, we shall be finally-
saved.
Ques. 2. Is faith the condition of jus¬
tification?
Ans. Yes, for every one that believeth
not, is condemned; and every one who be¬
lieves, is justified.
Ques. 3. But must ftot repentance and
works meet for repentance, go before this
faith?
Ans. 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 ordi¬
nances according to the power we have re¬
ceived.
Ques. 4. What is faith?
Ans. Faith in general is a divine, super-
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
19
natural evidence, or conviction of things
not seen—not discoverable by our bodily
senses—as being either past, future or spir¬
itual. Justifying faith implies not only a
divine evidence or conviction,that God was
in Christ, reconciling the world to himself,
but a sure trust and confidence that Christ
died for my sins, that he loved me and gave
himself for me. And the moment a peni¬
tent sinner believes this, God pardons and
absolves him.
Ques. 5. Have all Christians this faith?
May not a man be justified and not know
it?
Ans. That all true Christians have such
faith as implies assurance of God's love, ap¬
pears from Rom. viii. 15; 2 Cor. xiii.5;
Eph. iv. 3-2; Heb. viii. 10; 1 John iv. 10; v.
19. And that no man can be justified and
not know it, appears further from the na¬
ture of the thing; for faith after repent¬
ance, is ease after pain, rest after toil, light
after darkness. It appears also from the
immediate, as well as the distant fruits
thereof.
Ques. 6. But may not a man go to
heaven without it?
Ans. It does not appear from Holy
Writ that a man who has heard the gospel
20
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
can; Mark xvi. 16, whatever a heathen
may do. Rom. ii. 14.
Ques. 7. What are the immediate fruits
of justifying faith?
Aws. Peace, joy, love, power over all
outward sin, and power to keep down in¬
ward sin.
Ques. 8. Does any one believe who has
not the witness in himself, or any longer
than he sees, loves and obeys God?
Ans. We apprehend not, seeing God
being the very essence of faith; love and
obedience being the inseparable properties
of it.
Ques. 9. What sins are consistent with
justifying faith?
Ans. No wilful sin. If a believer wil¬
fully sins, he casts away his faith. Neither
is it possible he should have justifying faith
again without previously repenting.
Ques. 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?
Ans. It is certain a believer need never
come again into condemnation. It seems
he need not come into a state of doubt or
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
21
fear, or darkness, and that (ordinarily at
least) he will not unless by ignorance or un¬
faithfulness. Yet it is true, that the first
joy seldom lasts long; that it is followed by
doubts and fears; and that God frequently
permits great heaviness before any large
manifestation of himself.
Ques. 11. Are works necessary to the
continuance of faith?
Ans. Without doubt; for many forfeit
the free gift of God, either by sins of omis¬
sion or commission.
. Ques. 12. Can faith be lost for want of
works?
Ans. It cannot but through disobedience.
Ques. 13. How is faith made perfect by
works?
Ans. The more we exert our faith, the
more it is increased. To him that hath
shall be given.
Ques. 14. St. Paul says, Abraham was
not justified by works; St. James, hte was
justified by works. Do they not contradict
each other?
Ans. No; 1st, Because they do not speak
of the same justification. St. Paul speaks of
that justification which was when Abra¬
ham was seventy-five years old, about
22 CATECHISM ON FAITH.
twenty years before Isaac was born. St.
James of that justification, which was when
he offered up Isaac on the altar; 2nd, Be¬
cause they do not speak of the same works:
St. Paul speaking of works that precede
faith; St. James of works that spring from
it.
Ques 15. In what sense is Adam's sin
imputed to all mankind?
Aris. In Adam all die, i. e., 1st, Our
bodies then become mortal; 2nd, Our souls
died, i. e., were disunited from God. And
hence, 3rd, We are all born with a sinful,
devilish nature, by reason whereof; 4th, We
are children of wrath liable to death eter¬
nal. Rom. v. 18; Eph. ii. 3.
Ques. 16. In what sense is the righteous¬
ness of Christ imputed to all mankind, or
to believers?
Ans. 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. The text, "As by one man's
disobedience, many were made sinners, so
by the obedience of one, many were made
righteous," we conceive, means; by the
merits of Christ all men are cleared from
the guilt of Adam's actual transgression.
We conceive further, Through the obe-
CATECHISM ON PAITH.
23
dience and death of Christ, 1st, The bodies
of all men become immortal after the.resur-
rection; 2nd, Their souls receive a capacity
of spiritual life; and 3rd, An actual spark
or seed thereof; 4th, All believers become
children of grace reconciled to God, and
5th, made partakers of the divine nature.
Ques. 17. Have we, then, unawares,
leaned too much towards Calvinism?
Ans. We are afraid we have.
Ques. 18. Have we not also leaned to¬
wards Antinomianism?
Ans. We are afraid we have.
Ques. 19. What is Antinomianism?
Ans. The doctrines which make void
the law through faith.
Ques. 20. What are the main pillars
thereof?
Ans. 1st, That Christ abolished the
moral law; 2nd, That therefore Christians
are not obliged to observe it; 3rd, That one
branch of Christian liberty is liberty from
obeying the commandments of God; 4th,
That it is bondage to do a thing because it
is commanded or forbear because it is for¬
bidden; 5th, That a believer is not obliged
to use the ordinances of God to do good
works; 6th, That a preacher ought not to
24
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
exhort to good works; not unbelievers, be¬
cause it is hurtful; not believers, because it
is needless.
Ques. 21. What was the occasion of St.
Paul's writing his epistle to the Galatians?
Ans. The coming of certain men
amongst the Galatians who taught, "Ex¬
cept ye be circumcised and keep the law of
Moses, ye cannot be saved."
Ques. 22. What is his main design here¬
in?
Ans. To prove 1st, That no man can
be saved, or justified by the works of the
law, either moral or ritual; 2nd, That every
believer in Christ is justified by faith with¬
out the works of the law.
Ques. 23. What does he mean by the
works of the law? Gal. ii. 16, etc.
Ans. All works which do not spring
from faith in Christ.
Ques. 24. What by being under the law?
Gal. iii. 23.
Ans. Under the Mosaic dispensation.
Ques. 25. What law has Christ abol¬
ished?
Ans. The Ritual law of Moses.
Ques. 26. What is meant by liberty?
Gal. v. 1.
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
25
Ans. Liberty, 1st, from the law; 2nd,
from sin.
II, Question 1. How comes what is
written on justification to be so intricate
and obscure? Is this obscurity from the
nature of the thing itself, or from the fault
or weakness of those who generally treated
about it?
Answer. We apprehend this obscurity
does not arise from the nature of the sub¬
ject; but partly from the extreme warmth
of most writers who have treated it.
Ques. 2. We affirm that faith in Christ
is the sole condition of justification. But
does not repentance go before that faith?
Yea, and, supposing that there be oppor¬
tunity for them, fruits or works meet for
repentance?
Ans. Without doubt they do.
Ques. 3. How then can we deny them to
be conditions of justification? Is not this a
mere strife of words?
Ans. It seems not, though it has been
grievously abused. But so the abuse cease,
let the use remain.
Ques. 4 Shall we read over together
Mr. Baxter's aphorisms concerning justifi¬
cation?
26
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
Ans. By. all means.
Que$. 5. Is an assurance of God's par¬
doning love absolutely necessary to our
being in his favor? Or may there possibly
be some exempt cases?
Ans. We dare not possibly say there
are not.
Ques. 6. Is such an assurance absolutely
necessary to inward and outward holiness?
Ans. To inward we apprehend it is; to
onward holiness, we incline to think not.
Ques. 7. Is it indispensably necessary
to final salvation?
Ans. Love hopeth all things. We know
not how far any man may fall under the
case of invincible ignorance.
Ques. 8. But what can we say of one of
our own society who dies without it; as I.
W., at London?
Ans. It may possibly be an exempt case
(if the fact was really so.) But we deter¬
mine nothing; we leave his soul in the
hands of Him who made it.
Ques. 9. Does a man believe any longer
than he feels reconciled to God?
Ans. We conceive.not. But we allow
there may be infinite degrees of seeing God;
even as many as there are between him that
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
27
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.
Ques. 10. Does a man believe any longer
than he loves God?
Ans. In no wise. For neither circum¬
cision nor uncircumcision avails, without
faith working by love.
Ques. 11. Have we duly considered the
case of Cornelius? Was he not in the favor
of God when his prayer and alms came up
for a memorial before God, i. e., before
he believed in Christ?
Ans. It does seem that he was in some
degree. But we speak not of those who
have heard the Gospel.
Ques. 12. But were those works of his
splendid sins?
Ans. . No; nor were they done without
the grace of Christ.
Ques. 13. How then can we maintain
that all works, done before we have a sense
of the pardoning mercies of God, are sins?
And as such an abomination to him?
Ans. The works of him who has heard
the gospel, and does not believe, are not
done as God hath willed or commanded
them to be done. And yet we know not
28
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
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.
Ques. 14. Seeing there is so much dif¬
ficulty on this subject, can we deal too
tenderly with them that oppose us?
Ans. We cannot unless we were to give
up any part of the truth of God.
Ques. 15. Is a believer constrained to
obey God?
Ans. At first he often is; the love of
Christ constraineth him. After this he may
obey or he may not; no constraint being
laid on him.
Ques. 16. Can faith be lost through dis¬
obedience?
Ans. It can. A believer first inwardly
disobeys, inclines to sin with his heart;
then his intercourse with God is cut off, i.
e., his faith is lost. And after this he may
fall into outward sin, being now weak and
like another man.
Ques. 17. How can such a one recover
faith?
Ans. By repenting and doing the first
works. Rev. ii. 5.
Ques. 18. Whence is it that so great a
majority of those who believe, fall more
or less into doubt or fear?
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
29
Ans. Chiefly from their own ignorance
or unfaithfulness; often from their own not
watching unto prayer; perhaps from some
defect or want of the power of God in the
preaching they hear.
Ques 19. Is there not a defect in us?
Do we preach as we did at first? Have we
not changed our doctrines?
Ans. 1st. At first we preached almost
wholly to unbelievers. To those, therefore,
we speak almost continually of remission of
sin through the death of Christ and the na¬
ture of faith in his blood. And so we do
still among those who need to be taught the
first elements of the Gospel of Christ.
2nd. 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.
3rd. 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.
Ques. 20. Do not some of our preachers
preach too much of the wrath, and too lit¬
tle of the love of God?
30
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
Ans. We fear that they have leaned to
that extreme, and hence some of their hear¬
ers have lost the joy of faith.
Ques. 21. Need we ever preach the ter¬
rors of the Lord to those who know they
are accepted of him?
Ans. No; it is folly so to do, for love is
to them the strongest of all motives.
Ques. 22. Do we ordinarily represent a
justified state so great and happy as it is?
Ans. Perhaps not; a believer walking in
the light is inexpressibly great and happy.
Ques. 23. Should we not have a care of
depreciating justification, in order to exalt
the state of full sanctification?
Ans. Undoubtedly we should beware
of this, for one may insensibly slide into it.
Ques. 24. How should we avoid it?
Ans. When we are going to speak of en¬
tire sanctification, let us first describe the
blessing of a justified state, as strongly as
possible.
Ques. 25. Does not the truth of the Gos¬
pel lie very near both Calvinism an An-
tinomianism?
Ans. Indeed it does, as it were within a
hair's breadth; so that it is altogether fool¬
ish and sinful, because we do not altogether
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
31
agree with one or the other, to run from
them as far as we can.
Ques. 26. Wherein may we come to the
very verge of Calvinism?
Ans. 1st. In ascribing all good to the
free grace of God. 2nd. In denying all nat¬
ural free-will, and all power antecedent to
grace; and, 3rd. In excluding all merit from
man even for what he has or does by the
grace of God.
Ques. 27. Wherein may we come to the
edge of Antinomianism?
Ans. 1st. In exalting the merits and
love of Christ. 2nd, In rejoicing evermore.
Ques. 28. Does faith supersede (set
aside the necessity of) holiness or good
works?
Ans. In nowise. So far from it that it
implies both as a cause does its effects.
III. Ques. 1. Can an unbeliever (what¬
ever he be in other respects) challenge any¬
thing of God's justice?
Ans. He cannot, nothing but hell; and
this is a point on which we cannot insist too
much.
Ques. 2. Do we exempt men of their
own righteousness, as we did at first? Do
we sufficiently labor when they begin to be
32
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
convinced of sin, to take away all they lean
upon? Should we not then endeavor, with
all our might, to overturn their false foun¬
dation?
Ans. This was at first one of our princi¬
pal points; and it ought to be so still; for
till all other foundations are overturned,
they cannot build on Christ.
Ques. 3. Did we not then purposely
throw them into convictions; into strong
sorrow and fear? Nay, did we not strive
to make them inconsolable, refusing to be
comforted?
Ans. We did. And so should we do
still; for the stronger the conviction the
speedier is the deliverance. And none so
soon receive the peace of God as those who
steadily refuse all other comfort.
Ques. 4. What is sincerity?
Ans. Willinginess to know and do the
whole will of God. The lowest species
thereof seems to be faithfulness in that
which is little.
Ques. 5. Has God any regard for man's
sincerity?
Ans. So far, that no man in any state
can possibly please God without it; neither
in any moment wherein he is not sincere.
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
33
Ques. 6. But can it be conceived that
God has any regard to the sincerity of an
unbeliever?
Ans. Yes, so much that if he perseveres
therein God will infallibly give him faith.
Ques. 7. What regard may we conceive
him to have to the sincerity of a believer?
Ans. So much that in every sincere be¬
liever he fulfills all the great and precious
promises.
Ques. 8. Whom do you term a sincere
believer?
Ans. One that walks in the light, as God
is in the light.
Ques. 9. Is sincerity the same with a
single eye?
Ans. Not altogether; the latter refers to
our intentions, the former to our wills or
desires.
Ques. 10. Is it not all in all?
Ans. All will follow persevering sin¬
cerity. God gives everything with it; noth¬
ing without it.
Ques. 11. Are not then sincerity and
faith equivalent terms?
Ans. By no means. It is at least as
nearly related to works as it is to faith. For
example; who is sincere before he believes?
34
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
He that then does all he can; he that,
according to the power he has received;
brings forthffruits meet for repentance.
Who is sincere after he believes? He that,
from a sense of God's love, is zealous of all
good works.
Ques. 12. Is not sincerity what St. Paul
terms a willing mind? 1 Cor. viii. 12. Yes,
if the word were taken in a general sense;
for it is a constant disposition to use all the
grace given.
Ques. 13. But do we not then set sin¬
cerity on a level with faith?
Ans. 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 is
justified.
Ques. 14. But we do not give up faith
and put sincerity in its place as the condi¬
tion of our acceptance with God?
Ans. We believe it is one condition of
our acceptance, as repentance likewise is.
And we believe it is a condition of our
continuing in a state of acceptance with
God. Yet we do not put it in the place
of faith. It is by faith the merits of Christ
CATECHISM ON FAITH. 35
are applied to my soul. But if I am not
sincere they are not applied.
Ques. 15. Is not this that going about
to establish your own righteousness, where¬
of St. Paul speaks?
Ans. 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 Jin St. Paul's
sense) to establish his own righteousness.
Ques. 16. But do you consider that we
are under the covenant of grace; and that
the covenant of works is now abolished?
Ans. All mankind are 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 un-
sinning obedience made with Adam before
the fall; no man but Adam was ever un¬
der that covenant, for it was abolished be¬
fore Cain was born. . Yet it is not so abol¬
ished, but that it will stand, in a measure,
even to the end of the world; that is if we
do this, we shall live; if not, we shall die
eternally; if we do well we shall live with
God in glory; if evil, we shall die the second
36
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
death. For every man shall be judged in
that, and rewarded according to his works.
Ques. 17. What means then; to him that
believeth, his faith is counted for right¬
eousness?
Ans. That God forgives him that is un¬
righteous as soon as he believes, accepting
his faith instead of perfect righteousness.
But then, observe, universal righteousnes
follows though it did not precede faith.
Ques. 18. But is faith thus counted to us
for righteousness, at whatsoever time we
believe?
Ans. Yes. In whatsoever moment we
believe all our past sins vanish away. They
are as though they never had been, and we
stand clear in the sight of God.
Ques. 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?
Ans. He that denies one of them, must
deny all; they are so closely connected.
Ques. 20. Are they ordinarily, where
the pure gospel is preached, essential to our
acceptance?
Ans. Undoubtedly they are, and as
such to be insisted on in the strongest terms.
CATECHISM ON PAXTH.
37
Ques. 21. Is not the whole dispute of
salvation by faith, or by works, a mere
strife of words?
Arts. In asserting salvation by faith we
mean this: 1st. That pardon (salvation be¬
gun) is received by faith, producing works.
2nd. That holiness (salvation continued) is
faith working by love. 3rd. 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, (un¬
derstanding by faith,the revelation of Christ
in us, by salvation, pardon, holiness, 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.
Ques. 22. Wherein does our doctrine
now differ from that preached by Mr. Wes¬
ley at Oxford?
Ans. Chiefly in these two points; 1st,
He then knew nothing of that righteous¬
ness of faith in justification; nor 2nd, Of
that nature of faith itself, as implying con¬
sciousness of pardon.
Ques. 23. May not some degree of the
love of God go before a distinct sense of
justification?
38
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
Ans. We believe it may.
Ques. 24. Can any degree of holiness
or sanctification?
Ans. Many degrees of outward holiness
may; yea, and some degrees 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 a faith in a pardoning God.
And no true Christian holiness can exist
without that love of God for its foundation.
Ques. 25. Is every man as soon as he be¬
lieves 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?
Ans. All these things may be affirmed
of every believer in a true sense. Let us
not, therefore, contradict those who main¬
tain it. Why should we contend about
words?
IV. Question 1. How much is allowed
by our brethren who differ from us in re¬
gard to sanctification?
Ans. They grant, 1st, That every one
must be entirely sanctified in the article of
death; 2nd, That until then a believer daily
grows in grace, comes nearer and nearer to
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
39
perfection; 3rd, That we ought to be con¬
tinually pressing after this, and exhort all
others to do so.
Ques. 2. What do we allow them?
Ans. 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, or made perfect in
love, till a little before death; 2nd, That
the term "sanctified" is continually applied
by St. Paul to all that were justified, and
were true believers; 3rd, That by this term
alone, he rarely (if ever) means, saved from
all sin; 4th, That consequently, it is not
proper to use it in this sense, without ad¬
ding 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 us to speak
in public almost continually of the state of
justification, but more rarely, at least in
full and explicit terms, concerning entire
sanctification.
Ques. 3. What then is the point where¬
in we divide?
Ans. It is this: Whether we should ex-
40
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
pect to be saved from all sin, before the
article of death.
Ques. 4. Is there any clear Scripture
promise of this; that God will save us from
all sin?
Ans. There is, Ps. cxxx. 8: "He shall re¬
deem Israel from all iniquities."
This is more largely expressed in the
piophecy of Ezekiel xxxvi. 25, 29: "Then
will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and
ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness,
and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
"I will also save you from all your un-
cleanness." No promise can be more clear.
And to this the Apostle plainly refers in
that exhortation: "Having therefore these
promises, let us cleanse ourselves from all
filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting
holiness in the fear of God." 2 Cor. vii. 10.
Equally clear and expressive 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.
Ques. 5. But does any assertion answer¬
able to this occur in the New Testament?
Ans. There does, and that laid down in
the plainest terms. "For this purpose the
Son of God was manifested that he might
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
41
destroy the works of the devil." 1 John
iii. 8. The works of the devil—without any
limitation or restriction; but all sin is the
work of the devil. Parallel to which is that
assertion of St. Paul, Eph. v. 25, 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;
"God sending his own Son in the likeness
of sinful flesh, condemned sin in the flesh,
that the righteousness of the law might be
fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh,
but after the Spirit." Romans viii. 3, 4.
Ques. 6. Does the New Testament af¬
ford any further ground for expecting to
be saved from all sin?
Ans. Undoubtedly it does; both in those
prayers and commands, which are equiva¬
lent to the strongest assertions
Ques. 7. What prayers do you mean?
Ans. Prayers for entire sanctification;
which, were there no such thing, would be
mere mockery of God. Such, in particular,
are. 1st, Deliver us from evil; or rather,
from the evil one. Now when this is done,
42 CATECHISM ON FAITH.
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 believe on me through
their word, that they all may be one as thou,
Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they
also may be one in us: that the world may
believe that thou hast sent me." "I in them
and thou in me, that they may be made per¬
fect in one, and that the world may know
that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them,
as thou hast loved me." John xvii. 20, 21,
23.
3rd; "I bow my knees unto the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," "that he
would grant you, according to the riches of
his glory to be strengthened with might by
his spirit in the inner man; that Christ may
dwell in your heart by faith, that ye being
rooted and grounded in love, may be able
to comprehend with all saints, what is the
breadth,and length, and depth, and height,
and to know the love of Christ, which pass-
eth knowledge, that ye might be filled with
all the fulness of God." Eph. iii. 14, 16-19.
4th; "The very God of peace sanctify
you wholly; and I pray God, your whole
spirit and soul and body, be preserved
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
43
blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ." 1 Thess. v. 23.
Ques. 8. What command is there to the
same effect?
Ans. 1st; "Be ye perfect, as your Father
which is in heaven is perfect." Matt. v. 48.
2nd; "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God
with all thy heart, and with all thy soul,
and with all thy mind." Matt. xxii. 37.
But if the love of God fill all the heart,
there can be no sin there.
Ques. 9. But how does it appear that
this is to be done before the article of
death?
Ans. 1st, from the very nature of a
command, which is not given to the dead,
but to the living; therefore "Thou shalt
love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,"
cannot mean, Thou shalt do this when thou
diest, but while thou livest; 2nd,, from ex¬
press texts of Scripture; "The grace of God
which bringeth salvation, hath appeared to
all men; teaching us that, denying ungodli¬
ness and every worldly lust, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly, in the pres¬
ent world; looking for that blessed hope
and the glorious appearing of our Lord
Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that
he might redeem us from all iniquity, and
44
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
purify unto himself a peculiar people, zeal¬
ous of good works." Titus ii. 11-14. "He
hath raised up a horn of salvation for us in
the house of his servant David.," "to per¬
form the mercy promised to our fathers,
and to remember his holy covenant, the
oath which he sware to our father Abra¬
ham, that he would grant unto us, that we
being delivered out of the hand of our ene¬
mies, should serve him without fear, in holi¬
ness and righteousness before him all the
days of our life." Luke i. 69, 72-75.
Ques. 10. Does not the harsh preaching
of perfection tend to bring believers into a
kind of bondage or slavish fear?
Ans. It does. Therefore we should al¬
ways place it in the most amiable light, so
that it may excite only hope, joy and desire.
Ques. 11. Why may we not continue in
the joy of faith, even till we are made per¬
fect?
Ans. Why, indeed! Since holy grief
does not quench this joy; since even while
we are under the cross, while we deeply par¬
take of the sufferings of Christ, we may
rejoice with joy unspeakable.
Ques. 12. Do we not discourage believ¬
ers from rejoicing evermore?
Ans. We ought not to do so, Let them
CATECHISM ON FAITH.
45
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 the lightness of pride, that the evil
may cease and the good remain.
Ques. 13. Ought we to be anxiously
careful about perfection, lest we should die
before we have attained it?
Ans. In nowise. We ought to be thus
careful for nothing, either spiritual or tem¬
poral.
Ques. 14. But ought we not to be trou¬
bled on account, of the sinful nature which
still remains in us?
Ans. 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 sins most abounds,
the sense of Ms love should much more
abound.
Ques. 15. Will our joy or our trouble
increase as we grow in grace?
Aws. Perhaps both. But, without doubt,
46 CATECHISM ON FAITH.
our joy in the Lord will increase as our love
increases.
Ques. 16. Is not the teaching believers
to be continually poring over their inbred
sin, the ready way to make them forget
that they were purged from their former
sin?
Ans. We find by experience it is; or to
make them undervalue, and account it a
little thing; whereas, indeed (though there
are still greater gifts behind), this is in¬
expressibly great and glorious.
TfrE GENERAL RULES.
CHAPTER IV.
general rules of 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 con¬
vinced 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 hanging
over their heads. That he might have more
time for this great work, he appointed a day
when they might all come together, which,
from thenceforward they did every week,
namely, on Thursday, in the evening. To
these, and as many others as desired to join
with them (for their number increased
daily), he gave those advices from time to
time, which he judged most needful for
them; and they always concluded their
meetings with prayer suited to their several
necessities.
2. This was the rise of the United So¬
ciety, first in Europe and then in America.
48 THE GENERAL RULES.
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 exhorta¬
tion, and to watch over one another in love,
that they may help each other to work out
their salvation.
3. That it may the more easily be dis¬
cerned whether they are indeed working
out their salvation, each Society is divided
into smaller companies, called Classes, ac¬
cording to their respective places of abode.
There are about twelve persons in a class,
of whom one is styled the "Leader." It is
his duty:
I. To see each person in his class once
a week, at least; in order, 1st, To inquire
how their souls prosper; 2nd, To advise,
reprove, comfort or exhort, as occasion
may require; 3rd, To receive what they are
willing to give towards the relief of the
Preachers, Church and Poor.
II To meet the Ministers, and the Stew¬
ards of the Society, once a week; in or¬
der, 1st, To inform the Minister of any
that are sick, or of any that walk disorderly,
and will not be reproved. 2nd, To pay
the Stewards what they have received from
their several classes in the week preceding.
THE GENERAL RULES. 49
III. 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.
(1) It is then expected of all who con¬
tinue therein, that they shall continue to
evidence their desire of salvation,
First: By doing no harm, by avoiding
evil of every kind, expecially that which is
most generally practiced—such as,
The taking the name of God in vain;
The profaning the day of the Lord, either
by doing ordinary work therein, or by buy¬
ing and selling;
Drunkenness, or the drinking of'spirit-
ous liquors, unless in cases of necessity;
The buying and selling of men, women
and children, with an intention to enslave
them;
Fighting, quarreling, brawling, brother
going to law with brother, returning evil
for evil, or railing for railing, the using
of many words in buying and selling;
The buying and selling goods that have
not paid duty;
The giving or taking things on usury.
50
THE GENERAL RULES.
that is, 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
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 the reading
those books which do not tend to the knowl¬
edge or love of God.
Softness and needless self-indulgence;
Laying up treasure on earth;
Borrpwing without a probability of pay¬
ing; or taking up goods without a proba¬
bility of paying for them.
(2) It is expected of all those who con¬
tinue in these societies, that they shall con¬
tinue to evidence their desire of salvation.
Second: By doing good; by being in
everything merciful according to their
power, as they have opportunity; doing
good of every possible sort and, as far as is
possible, to all men:
To their bodies, of the ability which God
THE GENERAL RULES. 51
giveth, by giving food to the hungry, by
clothing the naked, by visiting or helping
them that are sick or in prison: To their
souls, by instructing, reproving., or exhort¬
ing all we have any intercourse with;
trampling under foot that enthusiastic doc¬
trine, that we are not to do good unless we
feel our hearts free to do it.
By doing good, especially to them that
are of the household of faith, or groaning
so to be; employing them preferably to oth¬
ers, 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 set before them, denying themselves, tak¬
ing up their cross daily, submitting to bear
the reproach of Christ, to be as the filth and
offscouring of the world, and looking that
men should say all manner of evil of them
falsely for the Lord's sake.
(3) It is expected of all who desire to
continue in these societies, that they should
continue to evidence their desire of salva¬
tion; Third, By attending upon all the or¬
dinances of God. Such are:
The Public worship of God; The ministry
52
THE GENERAL RULES.
of the Word, either read or expounded;
The Supper of the Lord;
Family and private prayer;
Searching the Scriptures, fasting or ab¬
stinence.
These are the general rules of our socie¬
ties; 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. And all these we
know his Spirit writes on every truly awak¬
ened heart. If there be any among us who
observes them not, who habitually breaks
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 if then he repent
not, he hath no more place among us. We
have delivered our own souls.
THE BAND SOCIETIES.
53
CHAPTER V.
BAND SOCIETIES.
1. Rules.
Two, three or four true believers who have con¬
fidence in each other, form a band. Only, it is to
be observed, that in one of these bands all must be
men or all women; and all married or all unmar¬
ried.
The design of our meeting is to obey that
command of God—"Confess your faults
one to another, and pray for one another,
that ye may be healed."—James v. 16.
To this end we agree,
1. To meet once a week at least.
2. To come punctually at the hour ap¬
pointed unless some extraordinary reason
prevent.
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 temptations
we have felt since last meeting.
5. To end every meeting with prayer,
suited to the state of each person present.
54
THE BAND SOCIETIES.
6. To desire some person among us to
speak of his own state first, and then to ask
the rest in order, as many and as searching
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 had 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 domi
nation 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 plainly and home?
8. Do you desire that every one of us
shall tell you, from time to time, whatso¬
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 thatjin doing"this, we
should come as close as possible, that we
THE BAND SOCIETIES.
55
should cut to the quick, and search your
heart 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 often as occasion requires, the four
following at every meeting:
1. What known sins have you committed
since our last meeting?
2. What particular temptations have
you met with?
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?
2. Directions.
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,—
1. Neither to buy nor sell anything on
the Lord's day.
2. To taste no spiritous liquors, nor dram
of any kind, unless prescribed by a phy¬
sician.
3. To be at a word both in buying and
selling.
56
THE BAND SOCIETIES.
4. Not to mention the fault of any be¬
hind his back, and stop those short who do
so.
5. To wear no needless ornaments such
as rings, ear-rings, necklaces, lace, or ruf¬
fles.
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 ability.
. 2. To reprove those who sin in your
sight, and that in love and meekness of wis¬
dom.
3. To be patterns of diligence and frugal¬
ity. of self-denial, and taking up the cross
daily.
III. Constantly to attend on all the ordi¬
nances of God: in particular,
1. To be at church at the Lord's Table,
and at every public meeting of the bands
at every opportunity.
2. To use private prayer everyday, and
family prayer if you are at the head of a
family.
3. Frequently to read the Scriptures and
meditate thereon.
4. To observe as days of fasting or ab¬
stinence all Fridays in the year.
PUBLIC WORSHIP.
57
CHAPTER VI.
public worship.
1. Order of Service.
1. Voluntary by choir.
2. Scripture Sentences: "I was glad"
etc., according to the Ritual.
3. Singing a hymn from our hymnal, af¬
ter its announcement by the officiating
minister.
4. Prayer, minister and congregation
kneeling.
5. Voluntary by choir.
6. Scripture lesson, minister and people
reading alternately.
7. Scripture lesson by minister.
8. Singing.
9. Reading of the Decalogue; minister
leading, the people responding.
10. Singing.
11. Announcements.
12. Preaching or Exhortation.
13. The Lord's Prayer or an extempore
prayer, the minister and congregation
kneeling.
14. Collecting Offerings.
58 PUBLIC WORSHIP.
15. Doxology and Benediction.
This order may be abridged at afternoon and
evening services.
At the Sacrament Service the Scripture lesson
shall be read, but notices shall not be read, and the
sermon may be omitted.
2. Singing.
1. Our Hymnal shall be used in all our
congregations. Each member should have
a copy but where this is lacking the minis¬
ter shall read the hymn aloud, verse by
verse; no improvised hymns nor tunes shall
be allowed.
2. The Pastor shall be the official head
of the choir, and no change in its composi¬
tion shall be considered legal without his
consent and co-operation.
3. The choir shall becomprosed of persons
of good reputation, who respect our Disci¬
pline and will be governed by our Rules
of Worship. The chorister may be elected
by the choir, subject to the approval of the
pastor. The choir should be regulated by
strict rules, including the obligation to prac¬
tice regularly.
CLASS MEETINGS AND LEADERS. 59
CHAPTER VII.
class meetings and leaders.
A Class is composed of about twelve per¬
sons, and is formed for the purpose of dis¬
cerning whether they are indeed working
out their own salvation, and to receive
what they are willing to contribute to the
support of the Gospel. One of the per¬
sons assigned to each class is styled The
Leader.
Leaders must be persons of sound judg¬
ment, Scripture readers, and truly devoted
to God. They are appointed, or changed
when necessary, by the pastor, and exam¬
ined quarterly by the pastor and Presiding
Elder. Those who give love feast tickets
or class privileges to expelled members,
must be removed.
The duties of class leaders are,
1. To meet the members in class once a
week, to inquire how each soul prospers,
and to receive what they are willing to con¬
tribute for the support of the Gospel;
2. To read the rules to those who meet
for the first time in class;
3. To visit each other's classes frequently;
60 CLASS MEETINGS AND LEADERS.
4. To converse with their pastors fre¬
quently and freely;
5. To admit strangers, who are not mem-,
bers, to their class meeting no more than
three times, and then not to consecutive
meetings;
6. To exclude suspended and expelled
members from the class meeting;
7. To watch over probationers with es¬
pecial care and recommend those who
stand fair at the end of three months, for
full membership;
8. To report to the Official Board, (1)
Those who are sick, (2) Those who walk
disorderly and will not be reproved, (3)
The amount of money collected for the
support of the Gospel, paying the same to
the Stewards.
MATRIMONIAL RELATIONS.
61
CHAPTER VIII.
MATRIMONIAL RELATIONS.
1. Marriage.
1. An evil has prevailed in our church by-
many of our members marrying unawaken-
ed persons. By so doing they have been
either hindered for life or turned back to
perdition. But our members are not pro¬
hibited from marrying persons who are not
of our church, provided those persons have
the form and are seeking the power of
godliness.
2. Every preacher shall publicly enforce
the apostle's mandate—"Be ye not un¬
equally yoked together with unbelievers,"
2 Cor. vi. 14. And shall exhort all concerned
not to take such a course without seeking
counsel from the most serious of their
brethren.
3. A woman ought not to marry with¬
out the consent of her parents. But if she
believes 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.
62 MATRIMONIAL RELATIONS,
2. Divorcement.
1. If any minister, preacher, exhorter or
lay 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 of
God), while the former wife, or husband is
living, he or she shall be expelled and shall
not be admitted to any of our churches
during the natural life of the forsaken party.
2. Any lay member, male or female, 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 Con¬
ference to which he or she is amenable, a
transcript of the records in the case of the
Court which granted said bill of separation,
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.
3. Any minister who shall legally separ¬
ate from his wife and marry again while the
former wife is living, shall be required to
file with the Annual Conference, of which
he is a member, a transcript of the records
MATRIMONIAL RELATIONS. 63
in the case of the Court which granted
said bill of separation, showing that it
was granted on Scriptural grounds. And
any minister refusing to do so when request¬
ed by said conference shall be expelled.
4. If any of our ministers know¬
ingly perform the marriage ceremony for
any person who has thus violated his or her
previous marriage obligation, said minister
shall forfeit his standing in the connection.
PART II.
RITES AND CEREMONIES.
I.
Ordination of Deacons.
II.
Ordination of Elders.
III.
Ordination of Bishops.
IV.
Baptism.
V.
Receiving members into Church
VI.
The Lord's Supper.
VII.
Solemnization of Matrimony.
VIII.
Burial Service..
IX.
Laying Corner Stones.
X.
Dedication of Churches.
66
ORDINATION OF DEACONS.
CHAPTER I.
ORDINATION OF DEACONS
When the day appointed by the Bishop
is come there shall be a sermon or exhor¬
tation, declaring the duty and office of such
as come to be admitted deacons. One of
the elders shall present unto the bishop the
persons to be ordained deacons, saying
these words:
Reverend Father in God, I present unto
you these persons, to be admitted deacons.
The Bishop.—Take heed that the persons
whom you present to us be apt and meet
by their godly conversation, to exercise
their ministry duly to the honor of God
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.
The names being read aloud, the bishop shall
say unto the people:
Brethren, if there be any of you who
know any impediment or crime in any of
these persons presented to be ordained dea¬
cons, for the which he ought not to be ad-
ORDINATION OP DEACONS. 67
mitted 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 bishop shall cease from ordaining that
person 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 Provi¬
dence hath appointed divers Orders of Min¬
isters of thy Church, and didst inspire thy
Apostles to choose to the order of deacons,
the first martyr, St. Stephen, with others;
mercifully behold these thy servants, now
called to the like Office and Administration;
replenish them so with the truth of thy
doctrines, and adorn them with the inno-
cency of life, that both by word and good
example, they may faithfully serve thee 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. Hi. 8-13.
Likewise must the Deacons be grave, not
double-tongued, not given to much wine,
68 ORDINATION OF DEACONS.
not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the mys¬
tery of faith in a pure conscience. And
let these also first be proved; then let them
use the office of a Deacon, being found
blameless. Even so must their wives be
grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all
things. Let the Deacons be the husbands
of one wife, ruling their children and their
own houses well. For they that have used
the Office of a Deacon well, purchase to
themselves a good degree, and great bold¬
ness in the faith which is in Jesus Christ.
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 the
Church of Christ, to serve God for the pro¬
motion of his glory, and the edifying of
his people?
Ans. I trust so.
The Bishop^—Do you unfeignedly believe
all the canonical Scriptures of the Old ancl
New Testament?
Ans. I do believe them.
The Bishop—Will you diligently read
and expound the same unto the people
whom you shall be appointed to serve?
Ans. I will,
ordination of deacons. 69
The Bishop—It appertaineth to the of¬
fice of a Deacon to assist the elder in Divine
service. And especially when headminis-
tereth 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 his office
to search for the sick, poor, and impotent,
that they may be visited and relieved. Will
you do this gladly and willingly?
Ans. I will do so, by the help of God.
The Bishop—Will you apply all your
diligence to frame and fashion your own
lives and the lives of your families accord¬
ing 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?
Ans. I will do so, the Lord being my helper.
The Bishop—Will you reverently obey
them to whom the charge and government
over you is committed, following with a glad
mind and will, their godly admonitions?
Ans. I will endeavor to do so, the Lord being
my helper.
Then shall the Bishop, laying his hands upon
the >heads of every one of them severally, say:
Take thou authority to execute the of-
70 ORDINATION,OF DEACONS.
fiee 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.
Then one of them, appointed by the Bishop,
shall read the Gospel, Luke, xii, 35-38:
Let your loins be girded about, and your
lights burning; and ye yourselves like un¬
to 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 serv¬
ants whom the Lord when he cometh,
shall find watching: verily I say unto you
that he shall gird himself, and make them
to sit down to meat, and will come forth
and serve them. And if he shall come in the
second watch, or come in the third watch,
and find them so, blessed are those servants.
Then shall the Bishop proceed in the commun¬
ion, and all that are ordained shall receive the
holy communion.
The communion ended, immediately before the
benediction, shall be said the following collects:
Almighty God, giver of all good things,
who, of thy great goodness hast vouchsafed
ORDINATION OP DEACONS. ?1
to accept*andftake][these*thy servants into
the office of Deacons in thy Church; make
them, we beseech thee,0 Lord, to be modest,
humble and consistent in their ministration,
and to have a ready will to observe all spir¬
itual discipline; that they, having always
the testimony of a good conscience, and
continuing ever stable and strong in thy
Son Jesus Christ, may so well behave them¬
selves in this inferior office, that they may
be found worthy to be called unto the
higher ministries of thy Church, through
the same, thy Son and our Saviour Jesus
Christ, to whom be glory and honor, world
without end. Amen.
Direct us, 0 Lord, in all our doings, with
thy most gracious favor, and further us
with thy continued help, that in all our
works, begun, continued, and ended in thee,
we may glorify thy holy name, and finally,
by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The peace of God, which 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 you,
and remain with you always. Amen.
72
ORDINATION Of ELDERS.
CHAPTER II.
ORDINATION OF 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 un¬
to the Bishop all them that are to be ordained, and
say:
Reverend Father in God, I present unto
you these persons present, to be ordained
Elders.
The Bishop—Take heed that the persons
whom you present junto us be apt and meet,
by 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 inquired concerning them, and
also examined them, and think them so to
be.
Then, their names shall be read aloud, the Bishop
shall say unto the people:
Brethren, these are they whom we pur-
ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 73
pose, God willing, this day to ordain Eld¬
ers; for after due examination, we find not
the contrary, but that they are lawfully
called to this function and ministry, and
"that they are persons meet for the same.
But if there be any of you who knoweth any
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.
If any crime or impediment be objected, the
Bishop shall cease from ordaining that person un¬
til such time as the party accused shall be found
clear of the crime.
Then shall be said the Collect, Epistle, and
Gospel, as followeth:
The Collect.
Almighty God, Giver of all good things,
who by thy Holy Spirit hast appointed di¬
vers orders of ministers in thy Church, mer¬
cifully behold these thy servants, now called
to the office of elders and replenish them so
with the truth of thy doctrine, and adorn
them with the innocency of life, that both
by word and good example, they may faith¬
fully serve thee in this office, to the glory
of thy name and the edification of thy
Church, through the merits of our Saviour
Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with
74
ORDINATION OF ELDERS.
thee and the Holy Ghost, world without
end. Amen.
The Epistle.—Eph. it). 7-13..
Unto every one of us is given grace 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 ascended
what is it but that he also descended first
into the lower parts of the earth? He that
descended is the same also that ascended
up far above all heavens, that he might fill
all things). And he gave some, Apostles;
and some Prophets; and some, Evangelists;
and some, Pastors and Teachers; for the
perfecting of the saints, for the work of the
ministry for the edifying of the body of
Christ: till we all come in the unity of the
faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of
God. unto a perfect man unto the measure
of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
After this shall be read, for the Gospel, St.
John x. 1-16.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that
entereth not by the door into the sheepf old,
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
ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 75
hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep
by name and leadeth them out. And when
he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth
before them, and the sheep follow him: for
they know his voice. And a stranger will
they not follow, but will flee from him; for
they know not the voice of strangers. This
parable, spake Jesus unto them: but they
understood not what things they were
which he spake unto them.
Then said Jesus unto them 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 enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go
in and out, and find pasture. The thief
cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and
to destroy: 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 a hireling, and not the
shepherd, whose own the sheep are not,
seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep
and fieeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and
scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth,
because he is a hireling, and careth not for
the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and
76
ORDINATION OF ELDERS.
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
as hereafter followeth:
You have heard, brethren, as well in your
private examination, as in the exhortation
which was just made to you, and in the
Holy lessons taken out of the gospel, and
in the writings of the Apostles, of what
dignity and of how great importance this
office is, wbereunto ye 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; that
is to say, to be messengers, watchmen, and
stewards of the Lord; to teach, and to pre-
monish, to feed and provide for the Lord's
family; to seek for Christ's sheep that are
dispersed abroad, and for his children 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 treasure is com-
ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 77
mitted 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 should happen the same church, or any
member thereof, to take any hurt or hind¬
rance by reason of your negligence, ye know
the greatness of the fault, and also the hor¬
rible punishment that will ensue. Where¬
fore consider within yourselves the end of
the ministry towards the children 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, according to your bounden
duty, to bring all such as are, or shall be
committed to your charge unto that agree¬
ment in the faith, and to that ripeness and
perfectness of age in Christ, that there may
be no place left among you, either for error
in religion, or for viciousness in life.
Forasmuch then as your office is both of
so great excellency, and of so great diffi¬
culty, ye see with how great care and study
ye ought to apply yourselves, as well that
ye may show yourselves dutiful and thank¬
ful to that Lord, who hath placed you in so
high a dignity; as also to beware that
78 ORDINATION OF ELDERS.
neither you yourselves offend, nor be oc¬
casion that other.® offend. Howbeit,
ye cannot have a mind and will thereunto
of yourselves; for that will and ability are
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 salvation
of man, but with doctrine and exhortation
taken out of the Holy Scriptures, and with
a life agreeable to the same; consider how
studious ye ought to be in reading and
learning the Scriptures, and in framing the
manners both of yourselves and of them
that specially pertain unto you, according
to the rules of the same Scriptures; and for
this self same cause, how ye ought to for¬
sake and set aside, as much as ye may, all
worldly cares and 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 to this office,
whereunto it has pleased God to call you;
so that as much as lieth in you., you will ap¬
ply yourselves wholly to this one thing, and
draw all your cares and studies this way,
and that you will continually pray to God
ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 79
the Father by the mediation of our only
Saviour Jesus Christ, for the Heavenly as¬
sistance of the Holy Ghost; that by daily
reading and weighing of the Scriptures, ye
may wax riper and stronger in your minis¬
try; and that ye may so endeavor your¬
selves, from time to time., to sanctify the
lives of you and yours, and to fashion them
after the rule and doctrine of Christ, that
ye may be wholesome and godly examples
and patterns for the people to follow.
And now, that this present congregation
of Christ here assembled, may also 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 order of Elders?
Ans. I think so.
The Bishop.—Are you persuaded that the
Holy Scriptures contain sufficiently all doc¬
trine required of necessity for eternal sal¬
vation through faith in Jesus Christ? And
are you determined, out of the said Scrip-
80 ORDINATION OF ELDERS.
tui es to instruct the people committed to
your charge and to teach nothing as requir¬
ed of necessity to salvation, but that which
you shall be persuaded may be concluded
and proved by Scripture?
Ans. I am so persuaded, and have so deter¬
mined by God's grace.
The Bishop.—Will you then give your
faithful diligence always so to minister
the doctrine and sacraments and discipline
of Christ, as the Lord hath commanded?
Ans. I will do so by the help of the Lord.
The Bishop.—Will you be ready, with all
faithful diligence always 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?
Ans. 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 the
study of the world and the flesh?
Ans. I will endeavor so to do, the Lord being
my helper.
The Bishop.—Will you be diligent to
ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 81
frame and fashion yourselves, and your
families, according to the doctrine of
Christ; and to make both yourselves and
them, as much as in you lieth, wholesome
examples and patterns to the flock of
Christ?
Ans. 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?
Ans. 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?
Ans. 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
same, that he may accomplish his work
which he hath begun in you, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
[After this the congregation shall be desired,
82 ORDINATION OF ELDERS.
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 Spirit us, the Bishop beginning, and the
elders and others that are present answering
by verse as followeth:
Come, Holy Ghost, our hearts inspire
And lighten with celestial fire.
Thou the anointing Spirit art,
Who dost thy sev'nfold gifts impart.
Thy blessed unction from above,
Is comfort, light, and fire of love.
Enable with perpetual light
The dullness 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 done, the Bishop shall pray in this wise,
and say:
LET US PRAY.
Almighty God, Heavenly Father, who of
thine infinite love and goodness towards us,
hast given us thy only and most dearly be-
ORDINATION OF ELDRES. 83
loved son Jesus Christ to be our Redeemer,
and the author of everlasting life; who, af¬
ter he had made perfect our redemption by
his death, and was ascended into heaven,
sent abroad into the world his Apostles,
Prophets, Evangelists, Teachers and Pas¬
tors, by whose labor and ministry he gath¬
ered together a great flock in all parts of
the world, to set forth the eternal praise of
thy holy name; for these so great benefits
of thy eternal goodness, and for that thou
hast vouchsafed to call these thy servants
here present, to the same office and ministry
appointed for the salvation of mankind,
we render unto thee most hearty thanks;
we praise and worship thee; and we humbly
beseech thee by the same thy blessed Son,
to grant unto all, who either here or else¬
where call upon thy name, that we may
continue to show ourselves thankful unto
thee for these and all thy other benefits,
and that we may daily increase and go for¬
ward 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 minis¬
ters, thy holy name may be forever glorified,
and thy blessed kingdom enlarged through
the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
84 ORDINATION OP ELDERS.
who liveth and reigneth with thee in the
unity of the same Holy Spirit, world with¬
out end. Amen.
When this prayer is done, the Bishop with the
elders present shall lay their hands severally upon
the head of every one that receiveth the order of
elder, 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:
Take thou authority to preach the word
of God, and to administer the holy sacra¬
ment in the congregation.
The Bishop shall go on in the service of the
communion, which all they who receive orders
shall take together, and remain in the same place
where hands were laid upon them, until such
times as they have received the communion.
The communion being done, after the last col¬
lect and immediately before the benediction, shall
be said these collects:
Collects.
Most merciful Father, we beseech thee to
ORDINATION OP ELDERS. 85
send upon these thy servants thy heavenly
blessings, that they may be clothed with
righteousness, and that thy word spoken
by their mouths 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 agreeably 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.
Direct us, 0 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.
The peace of God which passeth all un¬
derstanding, keep your hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God, and of
his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord: and the
blessing of God Almighty the Father, the
Son and the Holy Ghost, be among you and
remain with you always. Amen.
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 eld¬
ers. The collects shall be both used; first that for
86 ORDINATION OF ELDERS.
deacons, then that for elders. The Epistle shall
be, Eph. iv. 7 to 13, as before in this office. Im¬
mediately after which they that are to be ordained
deacons shall be examined and ordained, as above
prescribed.
Then one of the elders, having read the Gospel,
which shall be St. John x. 1-16, as before in this
office, they that are to be ordained elders, shall
likewise be examined and ordained, as in this
office before appointed.
ORDINATION OF BISHOPS.
87
CHAPTER III.
ORDINATION OF BISHOPS.
The following prayer shall be offered by the
Bishop:
Almighty God, who by thy Son Jesus
Christ didst give to thy holy Apostles, many
excellent gifts, and didst charge them to
feed thy flock: give grace, we beseech thee,
to all the Ministers and Pastors of thy
Church, that they may diligently preach
thy word, and duly minister the godly
discipline thereof; and grant to the peo¬
ple that they may obediently follow the
same; that all may receive the crown of
everlasting glory, through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Then shall be read by one of the elders, 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, after what manner I have been
with you at all seasons, serving the Lord
with all humility of mind, and with[many
tears, and temptations, which befell me by
88 ORDINATION OF BISHOPS.
the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I
kept back nothing that was profitable unto
you, but have showed you, and have taught
you publicly, and from house to house testi¬
fying both to the Jews, and also to the
Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith
toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now
behold I go bound in the Spirit unto Jeru¬
salem, not knowing the things that shall be¬
fall me there: save that the Holy Ghost wit-
nesseth in every city, saying that bonds and
afflictions 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. Where¬
fore I take you to record this day, that I am
pure from the blood of all men. For I
have not shunned to declare unto you all
the counsel of God. Take heed, therefore,
unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over
which the Holy Ghost hath made you over¬
seers, to feed the Church of God, which he
hath purchased with his own blood. For
I know th^s, that after my departing shall
ORDINATION OP BISHOPS.
89
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 inherit¬
ance among all them which are sanctified.
I have coveted no man's silver or gold, or
apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know that
these hands have ministered unto my 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 elder shall read the Gospel, St.
John, xxi. 15-17:
Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son
of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?
He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou 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;
90
ORDINATION OF BISHOPS.
thou knowest that I love thee. He saith
unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto
him the third time, Simon, Son of Jonas,
lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because
he said unto him the third time, Lovest
thou ijie? And he said unto him, Lord,
thou knowest all things; thou knowest that
I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, feed my
sheep.
Or this, Matthew xxviii. 18-20:
Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,
All power is given unto me in heaven and
in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost; teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you; and,
lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end
of the world.
After the gospel and the sermon are ended, the
elected person shall be presented by the two
Elders 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 prayer, 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
ORDINATION OF BISHOPS.
91
chose and sent forth his twelve apostles. It
is written also in the Acts of the Apostles,
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 and send
forth this person presented to 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 thy Holy Spirit, hast appointed
divers orders of ministers in thy church,
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. Amen.
Then the Bishop shall say to him that is to be
ordained:
Brother, forasmuch as the Holy Scrip-
92
ORDINATION OF BISHOPS.
tures command that we should not be hasty
in laying on hands, and admitting any per¬
son to government in the church of Christ,
which he hath purchased with no less price
than the effusion of his own blood; before
we admit you to this administration, we
will examine you in certain articles, to'the
end that the congregation present may
have a fair trial, and bear witness how you
are minded to behave yourself in the
church of God.
The Bishop—Are you persuaded that
you are truly called to this ministration ac¬
cording to the will of our Lord Jesus
Christ?
Ans. 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 com¬
mitted to your charge, and to teach and
maintain nothing as required of necessity
to eternal salvation, but that which you
shall be persuaded may be concluded and
proved by the same?
Ans. I am so persuaded and so determined,
by God's grace.
ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 93
The Bishop—Will you then faithfully
exercise yourself in the same Holy Scrip¬
tures, and call upon God, by prayer for the
true understanding of the same, so that you
may be able by them, to teach and exhort
with wholesome doctrine, and to withstand
and convince gainsayers?
Ans. I will do so, by the help of God.
The Bishop—Are you ready with faith¬
ful diligence to banish and drive away all
erroneous and strange doctrine contrary to
God's word, and both privately and openly
to call upon and encourage others to do the
same?
Ans. I am ready, the Lord being my helper.
The Bishop—Will you deny all ungod¬
liness and worldly lusts, and live righteous¬
ly, sefcerly, 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 asK&med, having
nothing to say against you?
Ans. I will do so, the Lord being, my helper.
The Bishop—Will you maintain and set
forward, as much as shall lie in you quiet¬
ness, love, and peace among all men; and
such as shall be unquiet, disobedient, and
criminal, correct and punish, according to
such authority as you have by God's word,
94 ORDINATION OF BISHOPS.
and as shall be committed unto you?
Ans. I will do so, by the help of God.
The Bishop—^Will you be faithful in
ordaining, sending, or laying hands upon
others?
Ans. I will do so, by the help of God.
The Bishop—Will you show yourself
gentle and merciful, for Christ's sake, to
the poor and needy people, and to all
strangers destitute of help?
Ans. I will so show myself, by God's help.
Then the Bishop shall say:
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who
hath given you a good will to do all these
things, grant also unto you strength and
power to perform the same; that he may
accomplish in you the good vTork which
he hath begun, that y uti may be found per¬
fect and irrep-ehensible at the last day;
through ouf Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth
and reigneth forever. Amen.
Then shall be said:
Veni, Creator, Spiritus.
Come, Holy Ghost, our hearts inspire,
And lighten with celestial fire.
Thou the anointing Spirit art,
Who dost thy sev'nfold gifts impart.
Thy blessed unction from above
Is comfort, light and fire of love.
ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 95
Enable with perpetual light
The dullness 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.
Ans. And 4et our cry come unto thee.
The Bishop—Let us pray.
Almighty God, and most merciful Father,
who, of thine infinite goodness, hast given
thine only and dearly beloved Son Jesus
Christ to be our Redeemer, and the author
of everlasting life; who, after that he had
made perfect our redemption by his death,
and was ascended into heaven, poured
down his gifts abundantly upon men, mak¬
ing some Apostles, some Prophets, some
Evangelists, some Pastors and Teachers, to
the edifying and making perfect his Church:
grant, we beseech thee, to this thy servant,
such grace, that he may be evermore ready
to spread abroad thy gospel, the glad tid-
96 ORDINATION OF BISHOPS.
ings of reconciliation with thee, and use
the authority given him, not to destruc¬
tion. 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 ever¬
lasting joy, through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who, with thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth
and reigneth, one God. world without end.
Amen.
Then the Bishop and Elders present shall lay
their hands upon the head of the elected person
kneeling before them upon his knees, the Bishop
saying:
The Lord pour upon thed the Holy
Spirit, for the office and work of a Bishop
in the church of God, now committed unto
thee, by the imposition of our hands, in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost. Amen, And remember
that thou stir up the grace of God, which
is given thee, by the 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 the things con¬
tained in this book. Be diligent in them,
ORDINATION OF BISHOPS, 97
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 appear,
you may receive the never-fading crown of
glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
[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 be
said the following prayer:
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 believe,
a wholesome example in word, in conversa¬
tion, in love, in "faith, in chastity, and in
purity; that faithfully fulfilling his course,
98 ORDINATION OP BISHOPS.
at the letter 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. Amen.
Direct us, 0 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.
The peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, 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 Spirit, be among you,
and remain with you always. Amen.
BAPTISM.
99
CHAPTER IV.
Baptism.
1. Baptism of Infants.
[1. Let every adult person, and the parents of
eveiy child to be baptized, have their choice of
either immersion, sprinkling, or pouring. But in
no case shall our ministers re-baptize any person.
And if any knowingly violate thi? prohibition, he
shall be subject to suspension or location as the
Annual Conference may judge.
2. We will on no account whatever m%ke a
charge for administering baptism, or for burying
the dead.]
The minister coming to the font, which is to be
~filled with pure water, shall use the following, or
some other suitable exhortation:
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 regen¬
erated 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 nature he
cannot have; that he may be baptized with
100
BAPTISM.
water and the Holy Ghost, and received in¬
to Christ's holy Church, and be made a
lively member of the same.
Then shall the minister say:
LET US PRAY.
AlmightjT and everlasting God, who of
thy great mercy didst save Noah and his
family /n the ark, from perishing by wafer,
and also didst sately lead the children of
Israel, thy people, through the Red Sea,
figuring thereby thy holy baptism; and by
the baptism of thy well beloved Son Jesus
Christ, in the river of Jordan, didst sanctify
water for this holy sacrament, we beseech
thee of 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 in
love, may so pass the waves of this trouble¬
some 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.
0 merciful God, grant that the old Adam
in this child may be buried that the new
man may be raised in him. Amen.
BAPTISM. 101
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 have power and
strength to have victory, and to triumph
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 ever¬
lastingly rewarded through thy mercy, 0
blessed Lord God, who dost live and govern
all things, world without end. Amen.
Almighty, Everlasting 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 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; re¬
gard, 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.
102 BAPTISM.
Then shall the minister address the Parents or
Guardians" in this wise:
Dearly Beloved: Forasmuch as this
child is now presented by you for Christian
baptism, you must remember that it is your
part and duty to see that he be taught as
soon as he shall be able to learn, the nature
and end of this holy sacrament. And that
he may know these things the better, you
shall call upon him to give regular attend¬
ance upon the appointed means of grace,
such as the ministry of the Word and the
public and private worship of God; and
further, you shall provide that he shall read
the Holy Scriptures, and learn the Lord's
Prayer., the Ten Commandments, the
Apostles' Creed, the Catechism, and all
other things which a Christian ought to
know and believe to his soul's health, in or¬
der that he may be brought up to lead a
virtuous and holy life, remembering always
that baptism doth represent unto us that
inward purity which disposeth us to follow
the example of our Saviour Christ; that as
he died and rose again for us, so should we
who are baptized, die unto sin and rise
again unto righteousness, continually mor¬
tifying all corrupt affections, and daily pro¬
ceeding in all virtue and godliness.
Do you therefore solemnly engage toful-
BAPTISM.
103
fil these duties, so far as it lieth in your
power, the Lord being your helper?
Ans. We do.
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
thirteenth 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 children
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 sprinkle
or pour water upon it, or if desired, immerse it in
water, saying:
N, I baptize thee in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen.
104
BAPTISM.
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 heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And for¬
give us our trespasses, as Ve 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¬
temporaneous prayer.
2. 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 actual transgres¬
sions; and our Saviour Christ saith, None
can enter into the kingdom of God, except
he be regenerated and born anew of water
and of the Holy Ghost, and received into
Christ's holy Church, and be made a lively
member of the same; I beseech you to
call upon God the Father, through our Lord
Jesus Christ, that of his bounteous good¬
ness he will grant unto these persons that
which by nature they cannot have; that they
BAPTISM. 105
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¬
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 us that
ask; let us that seek find; open the gate
unto us that knock; that these persons may
enjoy the everlasting benediction of thy
heavenly washing, and may come to the
eternal kingdom which thou hast promised
by Christ our Lord. Amen.
After which the minister shall say:
Almighty and Everlasting God, Heavenly
Fath er, 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
106
BAPTISM.
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 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, except
a man be born again, he cannot see the king¬
dom 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 an¬
swered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, ex¬
cept a man be born of water and of the
Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of
God. That which is^born of the flesh is
flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit
is Spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee,
Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth
baptism. 107
where it listeth, and thou hearest the sSund
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 spe?k to the person
to be baptized on this wise:
Well Beloved, who are come hither de¬
siring to receive holy baptism, ye have
heard how the congregation hath prayed
that our Lord Jesus Christ would vouch¬
safe to receive you, and bless you, to release
you of your sins, to give you the kingdom
of heaven and everlasting life. And our
Lord Jesus Christ hath promised in his
holy word to grant all those things we have
prayed for: which promise he, for his part,
will most surely keep and perform.
Wherefore, after this promise made by
Christ, you must also faithfully, on your
part, promise in the presence of this whole
congregation, that you will renounce the
devil and 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:
Ques. Dost thou renounce the devil and
all his works, the vain pomp and glory of
the world, with all covetous desires of the
108
BAPTISM.
flesfi; so that thou wilt not follow, nor be
led by them?
Arts. I renounce them all.
Ques. Dost thou believe in God the
Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and
earthy And in Jesus Christ, his only begot¬
ten Son, our Lord; And that he was con¬
ceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Vir¬
gin Mary; that he suffered under Pon¬
tius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried;
that he rose again the third day; that he
ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the
right hand of God the Father Almighty;
and from thence shall come again at the end
of the world to judge the quickand the dead?
And dost thou believe in the Holy Ghost,
the Holy Catholic Church, * the commun¬
ion of saints, the remission of sin, the
resurrection of the body, and everlasting
life after death?
Ans. All this I steadfastly believe.
faith?S' ^ou be baptized in this
Ans. This is my desire.
GcS^holv^wilith°^then obediently keep
walk in thp ^Lan u ®?mmandments, and
m the same all the days of thy-life?
Church 0CfhBoClUniVerSa''
BAPTISM. 109
Ans. I will endeavoi 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.
Grant that they may have power and
strength to have victory, "and triumph
against the devil, the world, and the flesh.
Amer^.
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
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 disciples,
that they should go teach all nations, bap¬
tizing them in the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; regard
110
BAPTISM.
we beseech thee, the supplications of this
congregation; and grant that the persons
now to be baptized may receive the fulness
of thy grace and ever remain in the number
of thy faithful and elect children, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall the minister take each person to be
baptized, by the right hand, and placing him con¬
veniently by the font, according to his discretion,
shall ask the name: and then shall sprinkle or
pour water upon liim, (01 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.
Then shall be said the Lord's Prayer, all kneel
ing.
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, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Then let the minister conclude with an extem¬
porary prayer.
RECEIVING MEMBERS.
Ill
CHAPTER V.
Receiving Members.
1. Receiving on Probation.
On profession of saving faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ or the declaration of a desire
to flee the wrath to come and be saved
from sin,persons maybe received into the
church and placed under wise leaders, sub¬
ject to a probation of three months. At the
expiration of this time, on profession of the
enjoyment of covenant relations with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ, and being
recommended by their leader, they are ad¬
mitted to full membership. But should
their leader represent them as unworthy
and an examination confirm his judgment,
they may be discontinued without formal
trial.
2. Receiving into Full Membership.
Upon the day appointed, all that are to be re¬
ceived shall be called forward, and the minister
addressing the congregation shall say:
Dearly Beloved Brethren: The Scriptures
teach us that the Church is the household
112
RECEIVING MEMBERS.
of God, the body of which Christ is the
Head; and that it is the design of the Gos¬
pel to bring together in one, all who are
Christ's. The fellowship of the Church
is the communion that its members en joy-
one with another. The ends of this fellow¬
ship 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 particular duties are, to
promote peace and unity; to bear one an¬
other's burdens; to prevent each other's
stumbling; to seek the intimacy of friendly
society among themselves; to continue
steadfast in the faith and worship of the
Gospel, and to pray and sympathize with
each other. Among its privileges are; pe¬
culiar incitements to holiness from the hear¬
ing of God's Word, and sharing Christ's
ordinances, the being placed under the
watchful care of Pastors, and the enjoy¬
ment of the blessings which are promised
only to those which are of the household
RECEIVING MEMBERS.
113
of faith. Into this holy fellowship the per¬
sons 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.
Then addressing the applicants for admission,
the minister shall say:
Dearly Beloved: You are come hither
seeking the great privilege of union with
the Church our Saviour has purchased
with his own blood. We rejoice in the grace
of God, vouchsafed unto you, in that he has
called you to be his followers, and that thus
far you have run well. You have heard
how blessed are the privileges and how sol¬
emn are the duties ol membership in
Christ's Church, and before you are fully
admitted thereto, it is proper that you do
here publicly renew your vows, confess
your faith, and declare your purpose, by
answering the following questions:
Ques. 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
114 RECEIVING MEMBERS.
same, and acknowledging yourselves bound
faithfully to observe and keep that cove¬
nant, and all things contained therein?
Ans. I do.
Que*. 2. Have you saving faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ?
Ans. I trust I have.
Ques. 3. Do you entertain friendly feel¬
ings towards all the members of this
Church?
Ans. I do.
Ques. 4. Do you believe in the doctrines
of Holy Scriptures as set forth in the ar¬
ticles of religion of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church?
Ans. I do,
Ques. 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?
Ans. I will.
Ques. 6. Will you contribute of your
earthly substance according to your ability,
to the support of the Gospel, Church, and
Poor, and the various benevolent enter¬
prises of the Church?
RECEIVING MEMBERS. 115
Ans. I will.
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 membership
in the church?
No objection being alleged, the minister shall
say to the candidate:
We welcome you to the communion of
the church of God; and, in testimony of
our Christian affection and the cordiality
with which we receive you, I hereby extend
to you the right hand of fellowship, and
may God grant that you may be a faithful
and useful member of the church militant,
till you are called to the fellowship of the
church triumphant, which is without fault
before the presence of God.
3. Receiving by Certificate.
Persons bearing certificates of member¬
ship from our Church or other orthodox
churches, on acceptance of said certificates,
may be received into our Church and en¬
rolled as members. Those from other than
Methodist connections shall be taken
through the formula for admission to full
membership.
116
THE LORD'S SUPPER.
CHAPTER VI.
The Lord's Supper.
Those persons who have scruples about
kneeling to receive the Lord's Supper may
be permitted to receive it whilst either sit¬
ting or standing. Let no person who is not
a member of our society be admitted to the
Supper without examination and some
tokens given by an Elder or a Deacon. No
person shall be admitted to the Supper
among us who is guilty of any practice for
which we would exclude a member from our
Church.
The Elder shall say one or more of these sen¬
tences:
Let your light so shine before men that
they may see your good works and glorify
youi Father which is in heaven. Matt. v.
16.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon
earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt,,
and where thieves break through and steal;
but lay up for yourselves treasures in
heaven where neither moth nor rust doth
corrupt, and where thieves do not break
through no'r steal. Matt. vi. 19, 20.
THE LORD'S SUPPER.
117
Whatsoever ye would that men should
do to you, do even so to them; for this
is the law and prophets. Matt. vii. 12.
.Not every one that saith unto me, Lord,
Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of
heaven; but be that doeth the will of my
Father which is in heaven. Matt. vii. 21.
Zaccheus stood and said unto the Lord,
Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give
to the poor; and if I have taken anything
from any man by false accusation, T restore
him fourfold. Luke xix. 8.
He which soweth sparingly shall reap
also sparingly; and he which soweth bounti¬
fully shall reap also bountifully. Every
man, according as he purposeth in his own
heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, nor
of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful
giver. 2 Cor. ix. 6, 7.
As we have therefore opportunity, let us
do good unto all men, especially unto them
who are of the household of faith. Gal.
vi. 10.
Godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into this world and
it is certain we can carry nothing out. I
Tim. vi. 6, 7.
Charge them that are rich in this world
that they be not high-minded, nor trust in
118
THE LORD'S SUPPER.
uncertain riches, but in the living God; who
giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that
they do good; that they be rich- in good
works, ready to distribute, willing to com¬
municate; laying up in store for themselves
a good foundation against the time to come,
that they may lay hold on eternal life. I
Tim vi. 17, 18, 19.
God is not unrighteous to forget your
work and labor of love, which ye have
showed toward his name, in that ye have
ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Heb. vi. 10.
To do good and to communicate, forget
not; for with such sacrifices God is well
pleased. Heb. xiii. 16.
Whoso hath this world's good and seeth
his brother have need, and shutteth up his
bowels of compassion from him, how
dwelleth the love of God in him? I John
iii. 17.
He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth
unto the Lord; and that which he hath
given, will he pay him again. Prov. xix. 17.
[While these sentences are in reading, some fit
persons, appointed for that purpose, shall receiye
the alms for the poor, and other donations of the
people, in decent basins, provided for that pur¬
pose, and then bring it to the Elder, who shall
THE LORD'S SUPPER.
119
After which the Elder shall say:
Ye that do truly and earnestly repent of
your sins, and are in love and charity with
your neighbor, and intend to lead a new
life, following the commandments of God,
and walking from henceforth in his holy
ways, draw near with faith, and take this
holy 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 the Holy Communion, both be
and all the people kneeling humbly upon their
knees, and saying, all together]:
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, maker of all things, Judge of all
men, we acknowledge and bewail our mani¬
fold sins and wickedness which we from
time to time most grievously have commit¬
ted, 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 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
120
THE LORD'S SUPPER.
ir> newness of life, to the honor and glory
of thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
First Collect.
Then shall the Eldei say:
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who
ot thy great mercy hast promised forgive¬
ness of sins to all them that with hearty
repentance and true faith turn unto thee,
have mercy upon us; pardon and deliver us
from all our sins; confirm and strengthen
us in all goodness; and bring us to ever¬
lasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Second 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 love thee, and
worthily magnify thy holy name through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall the Eldei say:
It is very meet, right, and our bounden
duty, that we should at all times, and in all
places, give thanks unto thee, 0 Lord, Holy
Father, Almighty, Everla^ng God.
Therefore, with angels and archangels,
and with all the company of heaven, we laud
THE LORD'S SUPPER.
121
and magnify thy holy name—evermore
praising thee and saying, Holy, Holy, Holy,
Lord God of hosts; heaven and earth are
full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, 0 Lord
most high, Amen.
-Then shall the Elder say:
We do not presume to come to this thy
table, 0 merciful Lord, trusting in our
own righteousness, but in thy manifold and
great mercies. We are not worthy so much
as to gather the crumbs under thy table.
But thou art the same Lord, whose property
is always to have mercy. Grant us, there¬
fore, 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 we may ever¬
more dwell in him and he in us. Amen.
Then the Elder shall say the prayer of conse¬
cration, as follows:
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father,
who of thy tender mercy didst give thine
only Son, Jesus Christ to suffer death on
the cross for our redemption; who made
there, by his oblation of himself once of¬
fered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice,
oblation and satisfaction for the sins of the
whole world; and did institute, and in his
122
THE LORD'S SUPPER.
holy gospel command us to continue, a per¬
petual memory of that his precious death
until his coming again: hear us, 0 merciful
Father, we most humbly beseech thee, and
grant that we, 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 partakers of his most blessed body
and blood; who in the
same night that he was (l) Here the Elder
betrayed, took bread; is to take the plate
(1) and when he had of bread into his
given thanks, he brake hand,
it, (2) and gave it to his (2) And here to
disciples, saying, Take, break the bread,
eat; this (3) is my body
which is broken for you. / \ f e to
This do in remembrance ^.y ^ upon
of me. Likewise after bread,
supper he took (4) the (4) Here he is to
cup; and when he had take tht cup into his
given thanks he gave it hand,
to them saying, Drink ye (5) And here to
all of it, for this (5) is my lay his hand upon
blood of the New Tes- all the vessels con-
tament, which is shed taming the wine,
for you, and for many,
for the remission of sins; do this, as often
THE LORD'S SUPPER.
123
as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.
Amen.
Then shall the minister first receive the com¬
munion in both kinds himself, and then proceed
to deliver the same to the other ministers in like
manner, (if any be present), and after that to the
people in order, 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
consecrate more by repeating the prayer of con¬
secration.]
[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, who art in heaven, hallowed
124 the lord's supper.
be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy
will be done on earth., as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And for¬
give us our trespasses, as we forgive those
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.
After which shall be said as follows:
0 Lord, our 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,
0 Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to
be a reasonable, holy, and lively sacrifice
unto thee; humbly beseeching thee that
all we who are partakers of this holy com¬
munion, 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 offenses, through Jesus
THE LORD'S SUPPER.
125
Christ our Lord; by whom and with whom,
in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honor
and glory be unto thee, 0 Father Almighty,
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 worship thee, we
glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy
great glory, O Lord God, Heavenly King,
God the Father Almighty.
0 Lord, the only begotten Son Jesus
Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of
the Father, that takest away the sins of the
world, have mercy upon us. Thou that
takest away the sins of the world, receive
our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right
hand of God the Father, have mercy upon
us.
For thou only art holy; thou only art
the Lord; thou only, O Christ, with the
Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of
God the Father. Amen.
Then the Elder, if he see it expedient, may put
up an extemporary prayer: and afterward shall
let the people depart with this blessing:
The peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, keep your hearts and
minds in the knowledge and love of God,
126
THE LORD'S SUPPER.
and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and
the blessing of God Almighty, the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be among you
and remain with you always. Amen.
If the Elder be straitened for time, he may omit
any part of the service, except the prayer of con¬
secration.
SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. 127
CHAPTER VII.
Solemnization op Matrimony.
First, the bans of all that are to be married
together, must be published in the congregation
three several Sundays in the time of divine serv¬
ice, unless they be otherwise qualified according
to law, the minister saying, after the accustomed
manner:
I publish these bans of marriage between
M of and N of . If any of
you know just cause or impediment why
these two persons should not be joined to¬
gether in holy matrimony, you are to de¬
clare it. This is the first,. (second, or third)
time of asking.
At the day and time appointed foi the solemni¬
zation, the persons to be married standing to¬
gether, the man on tbe light side and the woman
on the left, the minister shall say:
Dearly beloved, we are gathered together
here in the sight of God, and in the presence
of these witnesses to join together this man
and this woman in holy matrimony; which
is an honorable estate, instituted by God in
the time of man's innocency, signifying un¬
to us the mystical union which is between
128 'solemnization op matrimony.
Christ and his Church; which holy estate
Christ adorned and beautified with his pres¬
ence, and first miracle that he wrought at
Cana of Galilee, and is commended of St.
Paul to be honorable among all men, and
therefore not by any to be entered upon or
taken in hand unadvisedly, but reverently,
discreetly, advisedly, 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
married, he shall say:
I require and charge you both, as you will
answer at the dreadful day of judgment,
when the secrets of all hearts shall be dis¬
closed that if either of you know any im¬
pediment 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 allow, are not joined
together by God, neither is their matrimony
lawful.
SOLEMNIZATION OP MATRIMONY. 129
If no impediment shall be alleged, then shall
the minister say unto the man:
M, wilt thou have this woman to be
thy wedded wife, to live together after
God's ordinance, in the holy estate of matri¬
mony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her,
honor and keep her, in sickness and in
health, and forsaking all others, keep thee
only unto her, as long 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 matri¬
mony? Wilt thou obey" him, -serve him,
love him, honor and keep him, in sickness
and in health; and forsaking all others,
keep thee only unto him so long as ye both
shall live?
The woman shall answer, I will.
Then the minister shall cause the man with his
right hand to take the woman by her right hand,
and to say after him as follows:
I, M, take thee N, to be my wedded wife,
to have and to hold, from this day for¬
ward, for better, for worse, for richer, for
poorer, in sickness and in health, to love
and to cherish till death do us part, ac¬
cording to God's holy ordinance; and there¬
to I plight thee my faith.
130 SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY.
Then they shall loose their hands, and the
woman with her right hand, taking the man by
his right hand, shall likewise say after the minis¬
ter:
I, N, take thee, M, to be my wedded hus¬
band, to have and to hold, from this day-
forward, foi 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 I plight thee my faith.
Then shall the minister say, let us pray.
0 Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of
all mankind, giver of all spiritual grace, the
author of everlasting life; send thy blessing
upon these thy servants, this man and this
woman, whom we bless in thy name; that as
Isaac and Rebekah lived faithfully together,
so these persons may surely perform and
keep the vow and covenant betwixt them
made, and may ever remain in perfect love
and peace together, and live according to
thy laws, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
If the parties desire it, the man shall here hand
a ring to the minister, who shall return it to him,
and direct him to place it on the third finger of
the woman's left hand. And the man shall say to
the woman, repeating after the minister:
With this ring I thee wed, and with my
SOLEMNIZATION OP MATRIMONY. 131
worldly goods I thee endow, in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost. 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 and N have consented
to live together in holy wedlock and have
witnessed the same before God and this
company, and thereto have pledged their
faith to each other and have declared
the same by joining hands: I pronounce
that they are man and wife together, 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, and God
the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve and keep
you; the Lord mercifully with his favor
look upon you and so fill you with all spir¬
itual 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.
132 SOLEMNIZATION OP MATRIMONY.
Give us this day our daily bread. And for¬
give us our trespasses, as we forgive 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.
Then shall the minister say:
0 God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of
Jacob, 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 indeed fulfill the
same. Look, 0 Lord, mercifully upon
them from heaven and bless them. And as
thou didst send thy blessings upon Abra¬
ham and Sarah, to their 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.
0 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 after thine own
image and similitude) woman should take
her beginning; and knitting them together,
didst teach that it should never be lawful
SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. 133
to put asunder those whom thou, by matri-*
mony, hast made one; O God, who hast
consecrated the state of matrimony to such
an excellent mystery, that in it is signified
and represented the spiritual marriage and
union betwixt Christ and his Church;
look mercifully upon this man and this
woman, that both this man may love his
wife according to thy word (as Christ did
love his spouse, the Church, who gave him¬
self for it, loving and cherishing it even as
his own flesh), and also that this woman
may be loving and obedient to her husband;
and in all quietness, sobriety and peace, be
a follower of holy and godly matrons. O
Lord, bless them both, and grant them to
inherit thy everlasting kingdom, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall the minister say:
Almighty God, who at the beginning
didst create our first parents, Adam and
Eve, and didst sanctify and join them to¬
gether 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 love unto
your lives'end. Amen.
134
burial service.
CHAPTER VIII.
Burial Service.
The minister going before the corpse 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 whoso¬
ever liveth and believeth in me, shall never
die. John xi. 25, 26.
I know that my Redeemer liveth, and
that he shall stand at the latter day upon
the earth. And though after my skin,
worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh
shall I see God; whom I shall see for my¬
self, and mine eyes shall behold, and not
another. Job xix. 25, 26, 27.
We brought nothing into this world, and
it is certain we can carry nothing out. The
Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away;
blessed be the name of the Lord. I Tim.
vi. 7; Job 1. 21.
At the grave, when the corpse is laid in the
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
BURIAL SERVICE.
135
cometh up and is cut down like a flower;
he fleeth as it were a shadow, and never
continueth in* one stay.
In the midst of life we are in death; of
whom may we seek for succor, but of thee,
0 Lord, who for our sins are justly dis¬
pleased?
Yet, 0 Lord God, most holy, 0 Lord
most mighty, 0 holy and merciful Saviour,
deliver us not unto the bitter pains of eter¬
nal death.
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, 0 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
coffin by some person standing by, the minister
shall say:
Forasmuch as it has 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 general resurrec¬
tion in the last day, and the life of the
world to come, through our Lord Jesus
136
BURIAL SERVICE.
Christ; at whose second coming in glorious
majesty to judge the world,.the earth and
the sea shall give up their "dead; and the
corruptible bodies of those who sleep in
him shall be changed, and made like unto
his own glorious body; according to the
mighty workings whereby he is able to sub¬
due all things unto himself.
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 their
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, hallowed
be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy
will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And for¬
give us our trespasses, as we forgive those
who trespass against us. And lead us not
into temptation; but deliver us from evil;
or thine is the kingdom, the power, and
the glory, forever. Amen.
BURIAL SERVICE.
13?
The Collect.
0 merciful God, the Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and
life; in whom whosoever believeth shall
live, though he die, and whosoever liveth
and believeth in him shall not die eternally;
we meekly beseech thee, 0 Father, to raise
us from the death of sin unto the life of
righteousness; that when we shall depart
this life we may rest in him; and at the
general resurrection at the last day may be
found acceptable in thy sight, and receive
that blessing which thy well-beloved Son
shall then pronounce to all that love and
fear thee, saying, Come ye blessed of my
Father, receive the kingdom prepared for
you from the beginning of the world. Grant
this, we beseech thee, 0 merciful Father,
through Jesus Christ our Mediator and Re¬
deemer. 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.
138 LAYING CORNER STONES.
CHAPTER IX.
Laying Corner-Stones.
This ceremony should be preceded or followed
by the delivery of an appropriate discourse. The
officers and members of the congregation being
present, the services are introduced by singing a
suitable hymn. If the discourse has not been pro¬
nounced there may be used the following:
Supremely great and glorious Jehovah,
who art the King eternal, immortal, and
invisible, the only wise God, to whom be¬
long honor and glory, for ever and ever!
Thou fillest all space with thy presence, per¬
vading universal nature, and manifesting
thy perfections in all thy works; We de¬
sire to approach thee in deep humility, and
in the exercise of living faith. We rejoice
that through Jesus Christ, our Mediator
and Redeemer, we have access to thy throne
of grace and are taught to call thee out
God, and to worship thee as our reconciled
Father. We thank thee for permitting us
to assemble on the present occasion, amid
circumstances of so much mercy, to lay
the corner-stone of an edifice which is to
be reared to thy honor, and to be dedicated
LAYING CORNER STONES. 139
to the exclusive worship of the true and
living God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
We earnestly beseech thee to draw nigh
to us as a God of love, and bless us with
thy special presence. May the object that
has called us together be acceptable to thee,
and may the solemnities of this joyful and
interesting occasion meet with thy sanction
and be attended by thy blessing. While we
devoutly acknowledge our dependence up¬
on thee, as well in our attempt to erect a
house for thy worship, as in the prosecution
of the object for which it is intended we
pray thee that no unholy desire may find
place in our breast, that all our motives may
be pure, and that our great aim may be
the promotion of thy glory, the conversion
of sinners, and the edification of thy people
in'the truth as it is in Christ. May we ob¬
tain favor in thy sight/and'may thy rich
mercy be upon us.
Pardon our sins, help our infirlnities, and
accept our prayer through the merits of
Jesus Christ, our adorable Saviour. And
to thee, the Triune God, befall praise, now
and evermore. Amen.
[Here a suitable portion of Scripture may be
read; for instance, the 96th Psalm, or I Cor. 3rd
chap., or^I Kings 5th"chap., or Haggai, 1st chap.,
1-10.]
140 LAYING CORNER STONES.
If the discourse has been preached, then the
preceding prayer may be omitted; also if deemed
necessary, the Scripture lesson; and the exercises,
after an appropriate hymn, may be continued with
the following:
Beloved Brethren:—Believing it to be
your duty, as well as privilege, to worship
God in a public and social capacity, and
impressed with the conviction that the in¬
terests of Christ's kingdom and the salva¬
tion of souls may be thereby promoted, you
have resolved in reliance on God's blessing,
to erect an edifice for the purpose of public
worship, and are now assembled to lay the
corner-stone.
Though there is no specific law of God
expressly requiring this at your hands, yet
you justly infer from general principles
laid down in the sacred Scriptures, as well
as from the dictates of enlightened reason,
that it is your duty; and hence you do well
in uniting* for the accomplishment of a
work so important, and holding forth the
promise of so much good to yourselves and
your descendants. We trust that you are
actuated by motives which God approves,
and that you sincerely love Zion, and can
truly adopt the language of the devout
Psalmist :
"How amiable are thy tabernacles, 0
laying corner stones.
141
Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even
fainteth for the courts of the Lord."
We find frequent allusions in God's word
to the corner-stone. "Behold," says the
Lord, in Isaiah, "I lay in Zion, for a foun¬
dation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious
corner-stone, a sure foundation; he.that be-
lieveth shall not make haste." And in the
Epistle to the Ephesians, the Apostle re¬
marks: "Being built upon the foundation of
the apostles and prophets Jesus Christ be¬
ing the chief corner-stone."
Thus it appears that the corner-stone
was a part of the foundation on which the
edifice rested. Having its place in the corner,
it united and bound together two walls.
One corner-stone was laid upon another;
and the same was done at each of the four
corners of the building. The corner-stones
were therefore many; but all of them taken
collectively, were spoken of as one. A sin¬
gle stone, larger, stronger, and more beau¬
tiful than the others, was laid in one of the
corners, either at the top or the bottom of
the foundation wall, as the representative
of all the rest, and of the whole foundation;
and was emphatically termed the corner¬
stone, the chief corner-stone, or the head
of the corner. Hence Jesus Christ is called
142 LAYING CORNER STONES.
both the foundation and the corner-stone in
the stupendous edifice of Christianity. By
which is meant, that he is the support and
strength of his Church, preserving it firm
and unshaken, and extending its borders
till it shall encompass the earth; that he
unites and binds together its members by
the cords of that love which forms the
strongest of all incentives to harmony of
feeling and action; and that he is also the
glory of the Church, both because of the
elevating and sanctifying influences of his
doctrines on the moral character of his
followers, and on account of his supreme
personal excellence. He is. therefore, most
appropriately denominated"a chief Corner¬
stone, elect, precious," sustaining the whole
system, and without which Christianity
would cease to be Christianity, and soon
fall to the ground.
By laying the corner-stone of a house of
worship, you perform a decisive act; you
publicly announce that a commencement
is made to build the house, and that it is
your determination by the help of God, to
complete it. This decisive act so full of
promise, and waking up emotions and pros¬
pects so pleasing and joyful, is justly made
a prominent one, and accompanied by so-
LAYING CORNER STONES. 143
lemnities suited to the occasion and adapted
to inspire us with an abiding sense of
God's goodness, and our insufficiency with¬
out him. It is right and proper that we
should publicly acknowledge our depend¬
ence on him both in the attempt to erect
an edifice and in the discharge of the sol¬
emn duties for which it is intended.
Such an acknowledgment gives to God
honor which is due to him, and at the same
time impresses our hearts with reverence
and awe towards him. "Except the Lord
build the house, they labor in vain who
build it." This was the sentiment of Solo¬
mon, the wisest and richest of the kings of
Israel, whose prosperity in all his great un¬
dertakings was so remarkable and brought
so much glory to his reign. It becomes us
like him, on all occasions, especially in
every important matter, to be deeply sen¬
sible of the power, the universal dominion,
the all wise, holy and irresistible govern¬
ment of God; to feel that we are his needy
creatures, and dependent on his pleasure
for each moment of our existence; that the
success of all our exertions is the result of
his blessing; and that when we design to
honor him, or promote the public good, it
is for him to say whether we aretheinstru-
144 LAYING CORNER STONES.
ments and our measures the means, which
he will choose to employ for those ends.
When David contemplated the erection of a
house of God, the Lord forbade him, and
said, "I have chosen thy son to build me a
house."
Let us therefore humble ourselves before
the Lord, confess his name and seek his
blessing in fervent prayer.
Then shall be said the following prayer:
0 Thou, whom the heaven of heavens
cannot contain! Thou fillest the universe
with thy presence, and all the praise of an¬
gels and men can add nothing to thy maj¬
esty and glory. But though thou needest
not our worship, we adore thee that thou
art too good to despise it, and that millions
have experienced that thou art a prayer-
hearing and prayer-answering God. We
rejoice that thou hast established the
.church here on earth, and preserved the
same against all the assaults of its enemies;
that the blessed sound of the gospel has
also saluted our ears, and that thou hast in
this place gathered a congregation of be¬
lievers in Jesus Christ.
We render thanks unto thy name, that
thou hast put it into the hearts of thy people
to rear a temple to thine honor at this place;
LAYING CORNER STONES. 145
where thy name may be regarded and
thou mayest come to them and bless them.
We extol thy grace for enduing them with
a spirit of liberality and inclining them to
contribute of their substance to prosecute
this laudable undertaking. May they in¬
deed esteem it a high privilege to lend unto
the Lord, and may many others co-operate
in this holy work, and all labor together
in concord and love until the habitation of
thy house shall be completed and be held
in possession free from debt and all in¬
cumbrance, as a standing memorial of then-
Christian benevolence, and an evidence to
future generations of their attachment to
thy cause. May the work of this house be
performed without hurt or accident to any
person; may harmony and enlightened zeal
animate every heart, and may discord, jeal¬
ousy and every selfish aim be far removed.
And when thou shalt have prospered this
enterprise, and a house of God shall stand
here as a monument to thy glory, may it be
filled with the fulness of every gospel bless¬
ing, that through the preaching- of thy
truth, many blood-bought souls may here
be awakened, enlightened, justified and
sanctified, and thus be prepared for an
entrance into the mansions of bliss. We
146 LAYING CORNER STONES.
beseech thee to seal unto us the pardon of
all our offences, to own us as thy ransomed
people through Jesus Christ, to sanctify us
thoroughly by thy Spirit, to guide us
through life by thy counsels, to secure us
by thy grace, and to exalt us at last to an
inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled,
and that fadeth not away. These and all
other needful blessings we ask for the sake,
and in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
to whom with the Father and Holy Spirit,
be endless praise. Amen.
The prayer, having been offered, the stone shall
be laid and adjusted. The officiating minister de¬
posits the documents in the excavation prepared
in the stone for their reception. These documents
may be the articles of subscription and names of
the subscribers; a list of names of the church
officers, the pastor and building committee, and of
the ministers officiating on the occasion, the Dis¬
cipline of the Church, Hymn Book, Bible, the
names of the highest officers of our civil govern¬
ment, religious papers of the Church, &c., &c. The
minister then concludes with the following:
In the name of the Triune God, the
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we lay
this stone for a foundation of a house of
worship to be consecrated to his service.
In so doing we acknowledge his all-ruling
providence, and proclaim Jesus Christ as
the great corner-stone of his church and the
LAYING CORNER STONES. 147
foundation of all our hopes of salvation
in time and eternity; and may the God of
all grace hear us, sanction our work, and
at last accept us, through the Son of his
love, our only Lord and Saviour. Amen.
148 DEDICATION OF CHURCHES.
CHAPTER X.
Dedication of Churches.
[For New and Remodeled Churches.]
The Bishop, or EMer, (when the Bishop is not
present), with the other ministers, shall be met
at the door of the church by the trustees, stewards
and leaders, who shall receive the Bishop, or
Elder, with the ministers, and bid them welcome
in God's name, and present to the Bishop, or
Elder, the keys of the church in token of the fact
that they will ever ai'ter submit to the discipline,
doctrine and government of the African Metho¬
dist Episcopal Church, and will at all times here¬
after permit such ministers and preachers belong¬
ing to said church to preach and expound God's
Holy Word therein. After which, the procession
shall pass up the aisle reading the following
Psalm. The Bishop, or Elder, commencing with
the first verse, and the ministers reading each
alternate verse.
psalm lxxxiv.
Bishop. How amiable are thy taber¬
nacles, 0 Lord of hosts.
Minister—My soul longeth, yea, even
fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my
heart and my flesh crieth out for the living
God*
DEDICATION OF CHURCHES. 149
Bp—Yea, the sparrow hath found a
house, and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young, even thine
altars, 0 Lord of hosts, my King, and my
God.
Min—Blessed are they that "dwell in thy
house: they will be still praising thee.
Bp—Blessed is the man whose strength
is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of
them.
Min—Who, passing through the valley
of Baca, make it a well; the rain also fill-
eth the pools.
Bp—They go from strength to strength;
every one of them in Zion appeareth before
God.
Min—O Lord God of hosts, hear my
prayer: give ear 0 God of Jacob.
Bp—Behold, 0 God, our Shield, and
look upon the face of thine Anointed.
• Min—For a day in thy courts is better
than a thousand. I had rather be a door¬
keeper in the house of my God, than to
dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Bp—For the Lord God is a sun and
shield; the Lord will give grace and glory;
no good thing will he withhold from them
that walk uprightly.
Min—O Lord of hosts, blessed is the
man that trusteth in thee.
150 DEDICATION OP CHURCHES
Chanting by the Choir.
The Bishop, or Elder, with those who are ap¬
pointed to lead the exercises, will now take their
seats in the pulpit, the rest of the clergy sitting
around it, and the choir will chant the following;
PSALM CXXII.
1. I was glad when they said unto me,
Let us go into the house of the Lord.
2. Our feet shall stand within thy gates,
0 Jerusalem.
3. Jerusalem is builded as a city that is
compact together.
4. Whither the tribes go up, the tribes
of the Lord, unto the testimony of Israel,
to give thanks unto the name of the Lord.
5. For there are set thrones of judgment,
the thrones of the house of David.
6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they
shall prosper that love thee.
7. Peace be within thy walls, and pros¬
perity within thy palaces.
8. For my brethren and companions'
sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.
9. Because of the house of the Lord our
God, I will seek thy good.
The Bishop, or Elder, kneeling, then shall say
the following prayer:
I KINGS VIII. 23-51.
Lord God of Israel, there is no God like
DEDICATION OF CHURCHES. 151
thee, in heaven above, or on the earth be¬
neath, who keepest covenant and mercy
with thy servants that walk before thee
with all their heart; but will God indeed
dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven
of heavens cannot contain thee; how much
less this house that we have builded. Yet
have thou respect unto the prayer of thy
servants, and to their supplication, 0 Lord
our' God, to hearken unto the cry and the
prayer which thy servants pray before thee
this day ; that thine eyes may be open to¬
ward this house night and day, even to¬
ward the place of which thou hast said, My
name shall be there; that thou mayest
hearken unto the prayer which thy servant
shall make in this place. And hearken thou
unto the supplication of thy servants, and
of thy people Israel, when they shall pray
in this place; and hear thou in heaven, thy
dwelling place, and, when thou hearest
forgive. If any man trespass against his
neighbor, and an accusation be laid against
him, and the accusation come before thee
in this house; then hear thou in heaven,
and do, and judge thy servants, condemn¬
ing the1 wicked, to bring his way upon his
head; and justifying the righteous, to give
him according to his righteousness. When
152 DEDICATION OF CHURCHES.
thy people Israel be smitten down before
the enemy, because they have sinned
against thee and shall turn again to thee and
confess thy name and pray, and make sup¬
plication unto thee in this house; then hear
thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy
people Israel, and restore them again to
thy tender mercy and loving kindness.
When heaven is shut up, and there is no
rain, because they have sinned against thee;
if they pray in this place, and confess thy
name and turn from their sin, when thou
afflictest them: then hear thou in heaven
and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of
thy people Israel, that thou teach them the
good way wherein they should walk, and
give rain upon the land which thou hast
given to thy people for an inheritance. If
there be in the land famine, if there be
pestilence, blasting, mildew, locust, or if
there be caterpillar; if their enemy besiege
them in the land of their cities; whatso¬
ever plague, whatsoever sickness there be;
what prayer and supplication soever be
made by any man or by all thy people
Israel, which shall know every man the
plague of his own heart, and spread forth
his hands in this house: then hear thou in
heaven thy dwelling-place, and forgive, and
DEDICATION OF CHURCHES. 153
do, and give to every man according to his
ways, whose heart thou knowest; that they
may fear thee all the days of their lives.
Moreover, concerning a stranger, that is
not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of
a far country for thy name's sake; when he
shall come and pray within this;house, hear
thou in heaven, thy dwelling-place, and do
according to all that the stranger calleth
to thee for; that all the people of the earth
may know thy name, to fear thee, as do
thy people Israel; and that they may know
that this house which we have builded, is
called by thy name. If thy people sin
against thee, for there is no man that
sinneth not, and thou be angry with them,
yet, if they shall bethink themselves and
repent, and make supplication unto thee,
saying, We have sinned and done perverse¬
ly, we have committed wickedness; and so
return unto thee with all their heart, and
with all their soul; then hear thou their
prayer and supplication in heaven, thy
dwelling-place, and forgive thy people that
have sinned against thee, and all their
transgressions wherein they have trans¬
gressed against thee, for they shall be thy
people, and thy inheritance, which thou
hast bought with the precious blood of
154 DEDICATION OF CHURCHES.
thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord; to whom
with thee and the Holy Spirit, be glory,
praise and power, by all on earth, and all
in heaven. Amen.
This prayer being over, the Bishop, or Elder,
shall stand up and say:
And now, 0 Lord God, mosthigh, whom
the heaven, and heaven of heavens cannot
contain, we dedicate this house to thy serv¬
ice; receive it, we humbly beseech thee, re¬
ceive it unto thyself, and number it among
thine earthly sanctuaries; that.thine own
presence, the presence of thy Son Jesus
Christ, and the presence of thy Holy Spirit
may ever fill this house which we have
builded and called by thy name, so that
whensoever the Gospel is preached in this
house, it may descend with all its purity,
power and demonstration, upon the hearts
of the impenitent, turning them from dark¬
ness to light, and from the power of sin
and Satan, unto God; that its sanctifying
influences may be felt in the souls of all be¬
lievers, lifting their desires, their hopes,
and their affections from earth to heaven,
and leading back the wandering sheep of
the house of Israel into the fold of eternal
life. Amen.
Hear us, Oa merciful^ Father, and grant
that whosoever shall be dedicated to thee
DEDICATION OP CHURCHES. 155
in this house by the holy ordinance of bap¬
tism, may also receive the fulness of thy
grace; be made useful members of the
church militant, and finally obtain an
abundant entrance into the church tri¬
umphant, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Hear us, Ojmerciful^Father, and grant
that whosoever shall in this house partake
of the symbols of the Saviour's broken body,
and shed blood, may also realize by faith,
that he is indeed the Lamb of God that
taketh away the sin of the world; and thus
being regenerated and sanctified, stand
spotless and life-crowned at thy right hand,
world without end. Amen.
Hear us, O thou who art the spouse of
the Church, and grant that whosoever
shall in this house be joined together in
holy matrimony, may also live as did Isaac
and Rebekah, in the purest enjoyment of
connubial love, mutually assisting each
other in the way to heaven, and training up
their children for usefulness in this life, and
for glory in that which is to come, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
0 thou high and Holy One of Israel, re¬
gard, we beseech thee, the prayers of thy
servants, and grant that all who shall in
156 DEDICATION OF CHURCHES.
this house, make confession of their sins,
or lift their voices in praise and thanksgiv¬
ing for mercies past, or benefits received,
may also rejoice in the light of thy counte¬
nance, with the peace which passeth all un¬
derstanding, with the joy that is unspeak¬
able and full of glory. Amen.
Great Head of the Church, we beseech
thee to hear us, and grant that whosoever
shall, in this house, be set apart or ordained
to the holy office of the. ministry, may
also receive the anointing of thy Spirit, and
go forth in the fulness of the blessing of
the Gospel, to preach its unsearchable
riches to a ruined world; then, having fin¬
ished their course, fought the fight, and
kept the faith, receive the crown, of life, and
reign with thee, world without end. Amen.
Thou God of missions hear us, and grant
that the sacred cause of missions with ev¬
ery other institution of Christianity may
ever find in this house an able advocacy
and an ample support; so as to be rendered
instrumental in hastening on the day when
the kingdoms of this world shall have be¬
come the kingdoms of our Lord and his
Christ. Amen.
Thus have we dedicated this house unto
thee 0 thou that dwellest in heaven. Re-
DEDICATION OF CHURCHES. 157
ceive it, 0 receive it among thine earthly
sanctuaries, and grant that all who may-
worship thee here from Sabbath to Sab¬
bath, and from generation to generation,
even our children's children, may feel it to
be indeed the house of God, and the gate of
heaven. Amen.
Then may be sung the consecration hymn,
which ought not to exceed six stanzas—then the
sermon; immediately after let the collection be
taken up. Conclude with an appropriate hymn,
and extemporaneous prayer and the benediction.
After such dedication, no minister having
the charge of any of our churches, shall al¬
low them to be used for any other purpose
than the glory of God; and any minister
suffering the violation of this law shall be
deemed guilty of grossly improper conduct
and may be suspended according to the de¬
cision of the Annual Conference.
PART III.
LAY HELPERS, LOCAL PREACHERS
AND GENERAL OFFICERS.
I. Lay Helpers.
II. Local Preachers.
III. General Officers.
160
LAY HELPERS.
CHAPTER L
LAY HELPERS.
1. Deaconesses.
1. The duty of the Deaconess shall be tc
encourage, foster and improve the genera
interests of the church, promote the com¬
fort and solicit the friendship and sympathy
of the general public, visit the sick anc
unfortunate, console the dying, cheer th(
fallen, feed the hungry, clothe the naked
seek out the homeless, encourage industry
visit asylums and prisons, and save the lost
2. The order is not compulsory, but ir
every charge where the conditions warrant
a board of not less than three nor morc
than twelve women—ordinarily they shoulc
be widows or unmarried women of gooc
repute—may be organized by the pastor
membership may continue during gooc
behavior and conformity to our rules.
3. They shall be set apart or consecrat¬
ed by the bishop of the district after th(
election by the pastor and official board
LAY HELPRES,
161
The form of consecration shall be such as
the bishops may agree upon, and shall be
administered by a bishop.
4. Whenever it is advisable in the large
cities, Deaconesses Homes shall be estab¬
lished for the care of women, features of
which shall: be to rescue the perishing, help
the weak and unfortunate, minister to the
sick, and train others for the work of
Deaconesses. To designate them, the regu¬
lation garb shall be worn by Deaconesses.
5. The general rules on consecration
and work shall be such as are adopted by
deaconesses already organized, with such
other regulations as the conditions may
suggest with and upon the advice and ap¬
proval of the pastor and official Board. '
2. Exhorters.
1. Every person applying for license to
exhort in any of our societies shall produce
to the Quarterly Conference of his circuit
or station a recommendation from the
Class of which he is a member.
2. The Quarterly Conference shall exam¬
ine him, and if they think he will be "useful,
the Presiding Elder or chairman of the
Conference shall license him to exhort.
3. He shall be required to employ his tal-
162 LAY HELPERS.
ents and time as a teacher in the Sabbath
school, when it is convenient. He shall
manage and lead the prayer meetings
under the weekly appointment of the
preacher in charge, but the preacher shall
not infringe upon his temporal concerns
which include the Sabbath day.
LOCAL PREACHERS.
163
CHAPTER II.
LOCAL PREACHERS.
1. Examination of Persons Claiming Call
to Preach.
Those who think they are moved by the Holy
Ghost to preach shall be tried by the following
examination:
1. As to religious experience;
(1) Do they know God as a pardoning
God?
(2) Have they the love of God abiding
in them?
(3) Do they desire and: seek nothing but
God?
(4) Are they holy in all manner of con¬
versation?
2. As to gifts;
(1) Have they a clear, sound under¬
standing, aright judgment in the things of
God and a just conception of salvation by
faith?
(2) Has God given them any degree of
utterance? Do they speak readily, justly
and clearly?
3. As to fruit;
164
LOCAL PREACHERS.
(1) Are they truly convinced of sin, and
converted to God by their preaching?
As long as these marks are discerned in
any one, we believe he is called of God to
preach. These we receive as sufficient proof
that they are moved by the Holy Ghost.
2. License by Quarterly Conference.
1. Every applicant for license to preach
among us shall present to the Quarterly
Conference a recommendation from the
Society given at a special meeting, called
for that purpose.
2. The Quarterly Conference shall ex¬
amine him with reference to his gifts and
graces, his knowledge of the doctrines of
our Church and the studies laid down in
the Discipline for licensing local preachers,
his possession of the books containing those
studies, and concerning his subscription to
our church periodicals.
3. If the Quarterly Conference approve
of him and is satisfied that he will be gen¬
erally useful and acceptable as a preacher,
it shall give him license signed by the
Chairman, subject to annual renewal.
[FORM OF LICENSE.1
This is to certify that the bearer
is licensed to preach in the African Methodist
Episcopal Church. Signed on behalf of the
LOCAL PREACHERS. 165
Quarterly Conference of said Church
this day of— 19 ,to be renewed
once a year so long as his life corresponds with
the Gospel, and he submits to the rules and the
Discipline of said Church. Given under my hand.
Presiding Elder.
3. Ordained Preachers in Local Relations.
1. A Local Preacher of four years good
standing may be eligible to the office of
Deacon.
If the society of which he is a member
requests it, the District Conference—or
where there is no District Conference the
Quarterly Conference—shall examine him
properly, and if it adjudge him worthy,
shall recommend him to the Annual Con¬
ference by testimonials signed by the Pre¬
siding Elder and countersigned by the Sec¬
retary. The Annual Conference shall ex¬
amine him; and if it is satisfied with his
work and qualifications, may elect and
ordain him.
2. A Local Deacon of four years good
standing—from the time of his ordination
—may be eligible to the office of Elder.
On request of the society, the District
Conference—or where there is no District
Conference the Quarterly Conference-
shall examine him, and if it adjudge him
166 LOCAL PREACHERS.
worthy, it may recommend him to the An¬
nual Conference—a two-thirds majority is
required—certifying to his possession of
talents and qualification in doctrine and
discipline and to the society's need of his
service as Elder.
The Annual Conference shall examine
him, and if satisfied that he is a proper
person to exercise the office of an Elder,
may elect and ordain him.
3. If an applicant for Local Elder's or¬
ders, should be unable to attend the Annual
Conference, the testimonials of the Dis¬
trict Conference or—where there is no
District Conference, the Quarterly Con¬
ference— shall be forwarded to the Annual
Conference with a note declaring the ap¬
plicant's belief in the doctrine and discipline
of the Church, the Annual Conference may
elect him to Elder's orders, and provide for
his examination and ordination in the in¬
terval of Annual Conferences.
4. Local Preachers from other Denomina¬
tions.
An unordained Preacher from an evan¬
gelical denomination, on becoming a mem¬
ber of the Church shall be examined and
have his license adjusted by the Quarterly
Local preachers. 167
Conference. An ordained minister thus be¬
coming a member of the Church, shall
satisfy the Annual Conference, in the same
examinations sustained by ministers from
without, who are admitted to the traveling
connection; excepting the Special Examina¬
tions for the itinerancy, and he shall re¬
ceive the same form of certificate with the
word Quarterly before "Conference."
5. Obligations of Local Elders, Deacons
and Preachers.
Every Local Elder, Deacon and Preach¬
er shall have his name recorded in the
Quarterly Conference journal of the charge
that includes his membership, and also en¬
rolled on a Class paper. He shall meet in
class—unless he Lve too far away—teach
and labor in ourSabbath-schools and be sub¬
ject to the preacher in charge, in receiving
appointments to preach, or to teach and
labor in the Sabbath-schools. as occasion
may require. If he neglects these duties, the
Quarterly Conference may deprive him of
his ministerial office.
If a Local Deacon or Elder absent
himself from the Annual Conference two
years without a lawful excuse, he shall lose
his membership.
All local Deacons and Elders who are
168 LOCAL PREACHERS.
members of an Annual Conference shall be
subject to the appointment of the Bishops
wherever they may be considered useful as
supplies, but no Elder or Deacon shall have
continued charge except he be an itinerant.
6. Supernumerary Preachers.
A Supernumerary Preacher is a member
of the Annual Conference for whom there
is no appointment available, or who is al¬
lowed to be without appointment on his
own request.
7. Evangelists.
The General Conference of 1912 ordained
that all Evangelists shall be enrolled as
members of the Quarterly Conference ac¬
cording to assignment of the Bishop or Pre¬
siding Elder. They must report to every
session of the Quarterly Conference.
GENERAL OFFICERS.
169
CHAPTER III.
General Officers.
Persons elected by the General Confer¬
ence or Supervising Boards to offices of a
general character; as editors, publishers
and secretaries of departments are styled
General Officers.
I, Official Responsibility.
For faithfulness in the discharge of the
duties of their offices, in the interim of
General Conferences, General Officers are
amenable to the boards appointed to super¬
vise their respective departments.
2. Ecclesiastical Responsibility.
1. Every ministerial General Officer
must be a member of an Annual Confer¬
ence, and of a District Conference and a
Quarterly Conference designated by the
Bishop of his Annual Conference.
2. Every lay General Officer must be a
member of a Quarterly Conference where
his office is located.
General Officers are subject to all the
rules of the Conferences not interfering
170 GENERAL OFFICERS.
with their official duties.
College Presidents, Professors and
Agents, and Army Chaplains of our min¬
istry are subject to the same rules so far
as is practicable.
Restrictions
It shall be unlawful for any editor, or
publisher, of any official organ of the A.M.
E. Church, or for any General Officer, to
utter, publish, circulate or distribute litera¬
ture defaming or compromising the per¬
sonal of official character of any min¬
ister or layman; pastor, general officer or
bishop, unless as the result of the findings
of a duly constituted court. Any General
Officer violating this enactment shall be
subject to trial according to provisions of
section 3rd—Discipline page 251.
PART IV.
THE MINISTRY.
I. Preachers' Personal Life and
Duties.
II. Duties of Pastors.
III. Official Duties of Pastors.
IV. Preachers in Annual Confer¬
ence.
V. Deacons.
VI. Elders.
VII. Presiding Elders.
VIII. Bishops.
preachers' life and duties. 173
CHAPTER I.
I. Preachers' Personal Life and
Duties.
1. Special Means of Grace.
1. A preacher, to be qualified for his
charge, should walk closely with God and
have his work greatly at heart. He should
understand and love discipline—ours in
particular.
2. He should inquire of his brethren (as
preachers do not sufficiently watch over
one another) if they also walk closely with
G6d, have fellowship with the Father and
the Son, observe proper hours for retiring
and rising from bed, spend the day in the
manner advised by the conference, converse
seriously, usefully and closely, and use all
the means of grace themselves, and enforce
the use on others.
The means of grace are, instituted and
prudential.
I. The Instituted means of grace are:
1. Prayer; private, family, and public;
consisting of deprecation, petition, interces¬
sion and thanksgiving. A preacher should
174 preachers' life and duties.
ask his brethren if they "use these means, if
they daily appoint a time for private devo¬
tion if they practice it, and if they have
private and family prayer mornings and
evenings and urge others to do the same?
2. Searching the Scriptures, by
(1) Reading some part every day regu¬
larly, all the Bible in order, carefully with
notes, seriously with prayer before and af¬
ter, faithfully, immediately practicing what
you learn?
(2) Meditating at set times by rule?
(3) Hearing at every opportunity, with
prayer before and after; always having a
Bible present?
3. The Lord's Supper: Do you use this
at every opportunity, with solemn prayer
before; with earnest and deliberate devo¬
tion?
4. Fasting and abstinence. Do you prac¬
tice as much fasting and abstinence every
week as your health, strength and labor
will permit?
5. Christian conference (or conversa¬
tion). Are you convinced how important
and how difficult it is to order your conver¬
sation aright? Is it always in grace seasoned
with salt; meet to minister grace to the
hearers? Do you not converse too long at
preachers' life and duties. 175
a time? Is not an hour commonly enough?
Would it not be well always to have a de¬
terminate end in view?
II. The Prudential means we may use as
Christians, as Methodists, as preachers:
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?
3. As preachers, have you considered
your duty thoroughly? 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 some means
that cannot; namely, watching, denying
ourselves, taking up our cross, exercise of
the presence of God.
(a.) Do you steadfastly watch against
the world, yourself; your besetting sin?
(b.) Do you deny yourself every useless
pleasure of sense; imagination; honor?
Are you temperate in all things? instances:
1. Do you use only that kind and that de¬
gree of food which is best for both your
body and your soul? Do you see the neces¬
sity of this? Do you eat no more at each
meal than is necessary? Are you not heavy
176 preachers' life and duties.
and drowsy after dinner? (2) Do you use
only that kind and degree of drink which is
best for your body and your soul? Do you
choose the use of water for your common
drink, and only take wine medicinally and
sacramentally?
3. Wherein do you take up your cross
daily? Do you cheerfully bear your cross,
however grievous to nature, as a gift of
God, and labor to profit thereby?
4. Do you endeavor to set God always
before you; to see his eye continually fixed
upon you?
Never can you use these means but a
blessing will ensue, and the more you use
them the more will you grow in grace.
2. Preaching.
1. The most effectual way of preaching
is to preach Christ in all his offices, and to
declare his law as well as his gospel, both
to believers, and unbelievers, and to strong¬
ly and closely insist upon inward and out¬
ward holiness in all its branches.
2. A preacher should first, choose the
plainest text he can find; second take care
not to ramble, but keep to his text and
make out what he takes in hand; third, he
should always suit his subject to his audi¬
ence.
preachers' life and duties. 177
3. The objects in view should be: (1.)
To convince. (2.) To offer Christ. (3.)
To invite. (4.) To build up. This, in
some measure, should be done in every ser¬
mon.
4. A preacher should frequently read
and enlarge upon a portion of the Scripture,
and young preachers should often exhort
without a text. He should avail himself of
the great festivals by preaching on such
occasions.
5. All our preaphers shall expressly
preach against Sabbath breaking, evil-
speaking, unprofitable conversation, light¬
ness, expensiveness or gayety of apparel,
contracting debts without due care to dis¬
charge them.
6. A preacher should begin at the desig¬
nated time and be sure never to disappoint
a congregation.
7. His whole deportment should be seri¬
ous, solemn and weighty.
8. He should guard against anything
awkward, either in gesture, phrase or pro¬
nunciation.
9. Usually he should not pray extempore
more than eight or ten minutes at most,
without intermission.
10. It is by no means advisable for us to
178 preachers' life and duties.
preach in as many places as we can with¬
out forming societies. We have made the
trial for a considerable time in various
places, but all the seed has fallen by the
wayside. There is scarcely any fruit re¬
maining.
11. We should, therefore, endeavor to
preach most where there are the greatest
number of quiet, willing hearers and the
most fruit.
12. We ought to diligently observe in
what place God is pleased, at any time to
more abundantly pour out His Spirit, and
then we should send more laborers into
that place.
3. Visiting from House to House.
I. We can further assist those under our
care by instructing them at their own
houses. What unspeakable need is there
of this! The world says, "The Methodists
are no better than any other people." This
is not true in general. But (1) personal re¬
ligion, either towards God or man, is too
superficial among us. We can but just
touch on a few particulars. How little faith
is there among us; How little communion
with God; How little living in heaven, walk¬
ing in eternity, deadness to every creature;
How much love of the world, desire of
preachers' life and duties. 179
pleasure and ease, and of getting money;
How little of brotherly love; What con¬
tinual judging of one another; What gos¬
siping, evil-speaking and tale-bearing;
What want of moral honesty. To instance
one particular: Who does as he would be
done by in buying and selling? (2) Family
religion is wanting in many branches. And
what avails public preaching alone, though
we could preach like angels? We must,
yea, every traveling preacher must instruct
the people from house to house. Till this
be done—and in good earnest—the Metho¬
dists will be no better. (3) Our religion
is not deep, universal, uniform; but super¬
ficial, partial, uneven. It will be so till
we spend half as much time in thus visit¬
ing 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 with¬
out delay. His whole tract entitled Gildas
Salvianus is well worth a careful perusal.
Speaking of visiting from house to house
he says (page 351): "We shall find many
hindrances, both in ourselves and the peo¬
ple."
4. Many Hindrances.
(1.) In ourselves there is much dullness
and laziness, so that there will be much ado
to get us to be faithful to the work.
180
preachers' life and duties.
(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-
fulness. We know not how to begin and
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 unskilled in the work.
How few know how to deal with men so as
to get within them and suit all our dis¬
course to their several conditions and tem¬
pers; to choose the fittest subjects, and fol¬
low them with a holy mixture of serious¬
ness, terror, love and meekness.
But undoubtedly this private application
is implied in these words, of the apostle; "I
charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus
Christ, who shall judge the quick and the
dead at his appearing, preach the word; be
instant, in season out of season; reprove, re¬
buke with all long suffering."
0 Brethren, if we could but set this
work on foot in all ourSocieties, and prose¬
cute it zealously, what glory would redound
to God! If the common lukewarmness
preachers' life and duties. 181
were banished, and every shop and every
house busied in speaking of the word and
works of God, surely God would dwell in
our habitations and make us his delight.
But it is objected: "This will take up too
much time, we shall not have leisure to fol¬
low our studies."
We answer, (1.) Gaining knowledge is a
good thing, but saving souls is a better. (2.)
By this very thing you will gain the most
excellent knowledge of God and eternity.
(3.) You will have time for gaining other
knowledge too; only sleep hot more than
you need. But, (4.)> If you do but one, let
your studies alone. We ought to throw by
all the libraries in the world rather than be
guilty of the loss of a soul.
It is further objected, "The people will
not submit to it."
If some will not, others will; and the
success with them will repay your labor.
O, let us herein follow the example of St.
Paul:
(1) For our 'general business—"serving
the Lord with all humility of mind."
(2) Our special work—"Take heed there¬
fore to yourselves and to all the flock."
(3) Our doctrine—"Repentancetowards
God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ."
182 preachers' life and duties.
(4) The place—"I have taught you pub¬
licly and from house to house."
(5) The object and manner of teaching
—"I ceased not to warn every one night
and day in tears."
(6) His innocence and self-denial herein
—"I have coveted no man's silver or gold."
(7) His patience—"Neither count I my
life dear unto myself."
Above all things let us keep before our
eyes; "the church of God which he hath
purchased with his own blood;" and let us
remember that it is written "Grievous
wolves shall enter in among you, not spar¬
ing the flock." Write these things 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 to do. Then, likewise, will no
preacher, who is as salt that has lost its
savor, stay with us. To such this employ¬
ment would be mere drudgery. In order
then, to perform your duty, far above your
knowledge, you will have need of all the
grace you can obtain.
5. Causes of Spiritual Poverty.
Why are we not more holy for the per¬
formance of these duties?
preachers' life and duties. 183
Why do we not live more in eternity and
walk with God all the day long?
Why are we not all more devoted to God
and breathing the whole missionary spirit?
Chiefly because we are enthusiasts, look¬
ing for the end without using the means.
Let us touch upon only two or three in¬
stances. Who of us rises at four, or even
at five, when we do not preach? Do we
know the obligation and benefit of fasting
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 habitual neglect
of our plain duty. Let us amend from this
hour.
184
DUTIES OF PASTORS.
CHAPTER II.
Duties of Pastors.
(Ordained and Unordained.)
1. A traveling preacher must be diligent;
never unemployed: never triflingly em¬
ployed.
2. He shall attend the superintendent
when in his charge and give him all neces¬
sary information by letter, when absent.
3. He shall take charge of all the local
Elders, Deacons, Preachers and Exhorters
in his charge and see that they behave well.
He shall organize the Local Preachers and
Exhorters in a class for mutual improve¬
ment. The Quarterly Conference shall re¬
prove, or remove, if it think best, those
who refuse to unite in the class.
4. He shall call, and preside over all
meetings for the transaction of spiritual or
temporal business in his charge, excepting
those called to inquire into complaints or
charges against him.
5. He shall hold Watch Night meetings,
Love-feasts—which he may allow to con-
DUTIES OP PASTORS. 185
tinue one hour and a half—and quarterly
meetings, in the absence, or at the request
of the Presiding Elder.
6. In large societies he shall meet the
men, and women apart once a quarter, and
form those of them who are believers in
bands of four each, where this is practi¬
cable.
7. He shall meet the Quarterly Confer¬
ence, also he shall meet the trustees, the
stewards, the leaders, the general bands,
the societies and other organizations of his
charge as often as possible, and shall over¬
look their accounts from time to time.
8. He shall travel and labor in his charge,
conduct divine service, visit the sick, recom¬
mend decency and cleanliness, and enforce
vigorously but calmly, all the rules of the
societies, and every part of the Discipline.
9. He shall regulate the bands and see
that every band leader has the rules of the
band.
10. He shall read the general rules in ev¬
ery society once a quarter and in every
congregation once a year; especially the
thoughts or dress; exhorting the people to
conform to the spirit of the Apostolic pre¬
cepts concerning gold, pearls and costly ar¬
ray, I Tim. ii: 9; I Pet. iii: 3. He shall also
186 DUTIES OF PASTORS.
put off all superfluous and costly apparel
himself. The violation of this rule sub¬
jects a minister to the liability of suspen¬
sion.
11. He shall assign all persons received
on probation to a separate and special class,
keeping them in it at least three months;
and shall not admit any to full membership
till they have passed a satisfactory exam¬
ination before him and the church, as to
correctness of faith and willingness to ob¬
serve and keep the rules, been baptized and
recommended by a leader whom they have
met in class three months.
12. He shall give love-feast tickets to all
full*members in good standing—but to no
others—and shall renew said tickets quar¬
terly. He may with the utmost caution, is¬
sue a note of permission to attend love-
feast, to any serious person who has at¬
tended class three times or is recommended
by a responsible person known to him, but
never to two consecutive love-feasts, nor
more than three times, without his becom¬
ing a member.
13. He shall see that a fast be held in
every society in his charge on the Friday
next preceding every quarterly meeting and
have a memorandum made of it on the
class papers.
DUTIES OP PASTORS. 187
14. He shall see that every society is duly
supplied with our books.
15. He shall receive, try and expel mem¬
bers, according to the Discipline, and at
every quarterly meeting shall read the
names of those who have been received, and
who have been excluded.
16. He shall appoint all class-leaders and
when he deems it necessary, or the good
of the church demands it, remove them.
17. Where there are no stewards, he shall
appoint a person to receive the quarterly
collections in the classes, and a committee
to receive, and assist in applying any money
subscribed to makeup allowance to preach¬
ers or assist the most needy places in build¬
ing churches and paying debts.
18. He shall suspend a steward from of¬
fice for sufficient cause, and appoint a stew¬
ard in his stead; the course and action to
be reviewed and finally disposed of by the
quarterly conference.
19. He shall not allow any person to of¬
ficiate as a preacher or exhorter in his
church without obtaining a license from
the quarterly conference, and he shall in¬
sist that this license be renewed once every
year.
188
DUTIES OF PASTORS.
He shall not allow any preacher under
suspension, expulsion or charge of immoral
conduct to officiate in his pulpit or at the
altar.
20. He shall take exact account of the
members in the charge, report the same
to the Annual Conference, and, on being
removed, shall submit to his successor an
accurate account of the charge.
21. He shall not cease to labor in the
itinerancy, except in case of sickness,
without the consent of the Annual Confer¬
ence, certified by the hand of the Bishop.
22. He shall frequently warn his mem¬
bers against moving from one charge to
another, without a note of recommenda¬
tion from him; informing them that they
will not be received into other societies
without this note of recommendation.
[Form of Certificate of Membership.]
19
To the Rev Pastor of the __
A. M. E. Church at This is to
introduce to you and commend to your Christian
consideration, M who is an accept¬
able member of our Society.
Pastor of the A. M. E.
Church.
23. (1) Every pastor shall gather in the
children, and wherever there are ten whose
parents will permit it, he shall meet them
DUTIES OF PASTORS.
189
once a week, or once in two weeks for
the purpose of giving them instruction and
training them in the catechism. To this
end he shall procure our catechism, and
have it committed to memory by all who
can read.
(2) He shall expressly preach on educa¬
tion; talk with the children at home; ex¬
plain the nature of religion to them and
impress the necessity of it upon their hearts.
He shall earnestly pray for them and exhort
their parents at home.
(3) He shall take the names of those
who have been truly awakened and admit
them to society. But if he should say, "I
have no gift for this," he should pray for
it and use every other means to obtain it.
(4) He shall, so far as it is practicable,
take the children of his congregation and
form them into "Sabbath-schools.
(5) He shall take their names and form
them into classes for the purpose of giving
them religious instruction, and do this as
regularly himself as his other duties will
permit.
(6) He shall teach them the nature of re¬
ligion; and also the nature, privileges, de¬
sign and obligations of baptism.
(7) He shall appoint a suitable leader
190
DUTIES* OF PASTORS.
for each class"to instruct it in his absence
and recommend to him those who are suit¬
able to be admitted on trial.
(8) He shall leave his successor a correct
account of each class formed and also the
name of its leader.
PREACHERS IN ANNUAL CONFERENCE. 191
CHAPTER III.
Preachers in Annual Conference.
I. Preachers Admitted on Trial.
1. A preacher, not over 40 years old, be¬
ing duly recommended by the District Con¬
ference, or having been previously appoint¬
ed to a charge by the Bishop or Presiding
Elder, in the interim of Annual Confer¬
ences, may be received on trial in the An¬
nual Conference by vote; provided he give
us satisfaction as to his knowledge of the
discipline and doctrines of the Church, the
connections necessary in a discourse, church
history (especially ours), and of all the
studies prescribed in the Appendix to the
Book of Discipline, for admission on trial.
Then let him carefully read and weigh the
contents of the Book of Discipline, that if
he have any doubt it may be removed.
If he should be destitute of the foregoing
qualifications he may be referred to a com¬
mittee which shall examine him thoroughly,
at least twice during the ensuing year, and
report the results to the next Annual Con¬
ference.
192 PREACHERS IN ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
2. When he is admitted on trial the form
of discipline shall be given him, inscribed:
To You think it your duty
to call sinners to repentance; make full
proof of it, and we shall rejoice to receive
you as a fellow laborer.
3. One on trial may be either admitted,
or rejected without doing him any wrong;
otherwise it would be no trial at all.
2. Preachers Admitted to Full Connection.
1. A preacher who has maintained a
good character, two years on trial, proved
his fitness, given the Annual Conference
satisfaction in the studies for the second
year, and in the Special Examination for
admission, may be admitted to full connec¬
tion in the itinerancy.
2. In receiving a traveling preacher into
full connection, there shall be an offering of
solemn prayer, and the following Special
Examination—with other questions, if
necessary:
1. Have you faith in Christ?
2. Are you going on to perfection?
3. Do you expect to be made perfect in
love in this life?
4. Are you groaning after this perfect
love?
5. Are you resolved to wholly devote
PREACHERS IN ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
193
yourself to God and His work?
6. Do you know the rules of the Society
and of the bands?
7. Do you keep them?
8. Do you constantly attend the sacra¬
ment?
9. Have you read the form of disci¬
pline?
10. Are you willing to conform to it?
11. Have you considered the rules of a
Preacher, especially the 1st, 7th and 9th?
(See Page 197.)
12. Will you keep them for conscience
sake?
13. Are you determined to employ all
your time in the work of God?
14. Will you endeavor not to speak too
loud or too long?
15. Will you instruct the children in
every place?
16. Will you visit from house to house?
17. Will you recommend fasting or ab¬
stinence, both by precept and example?
18. Are you in debt?
3. Preachers from other Denominations.
1. Preachers from other denominations,
coming to either the Quarterly Conference
or the Annual Conference, for admission,
shall be questioned as follows:
194 PREACHERS IN ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Question. Have you read our form of
discipline?
Ansiver. I have.
Ques. Do you possess such discipline?
Ans. I do.
Ques. Do you believe in the doctrine,
discipline and polity of our Church as set
forth therein?
Ans. I do fully believe and will willing¬
ly receive, adopt and be governed by the
doctrines, discipline and polity of the A.M.
E. Church.
Ques. Will you refrain from teaching
or practicing any other form of doctrine,
discipline or polity?
Ans. I will.
2. Anunordained Preacher from another
denomination can enter the itinerant min¬
istry of the A. M. E. Church only by
becoming a member of the church and
entering the Annual Conference regularly.
3. An ordained Preacher may come in
the same way, or he may be received by an
Annual Conference on proving his ordina¬
tion, accepting our doctrine, discipline, us¬
ages and government, giving satisfactory
evidence of gifts, graces and usefulness,
sustaining an examination in the studies for
the "second year," and taking the ordina-
PREACHERS IN ANNUAL CONFERENCE. 195
tion vows. Provided, however, that min¬
isters who come from churches that recog¬
nize only one order of the ministry shall be
received as deacons, and be required to
travel two years as itinerant ministers be¬
fore being eligible to the order of Elders.
4. On being admitted, every minister
shall receive the following certificate:
This is to certify that
having been ordained to the office of
19 .according to the usages of the
Church, of which he has been a
member, has been admitted into the
Conference of the A. M. E. Church, and is here¬
by authorized, so long as his life and conversation
become the Gospel of Christ, to exercise the func¬
tions of his office in the African Methodist Epis¬
copal Church (limited in paragraph 3, above).
Given under my hand and seal, this
day of 19-j__
Presiding Bishop.
5. Every Preacher admitted to full
traveling connection shall receive the form
of Discipline inscribed as follows:
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.
4. Rules of a Preacher.
1. Be diligent. Never be unemployed or
triflingly employed. Never trifle away any
196 PREACHERS IN ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
time; neither spend any more at one place
than is strictly necessary.
2. Be serious. Avoid all lightness, jest¬
ing and foolish talking. Converse sparing¬
ly and conduct yourselves prudently with
women. I Tim. v. 2. Be ashamed of noth¬
ing but sin. Let your motto be "Holiness
unto the Lord."
3. Take no step toward marrying with¬
out consulting your brethren. A Methodist
Preacher ought not to be married to a
woman without the consent of her parents.
4. Believe evil of no one without good
evidence; unless you see it done, take heed
you credit it not. Put the best construction
on everything. You know the judge is al¬
ways supposed to be on the prisoner's side.
5. Speak evil of no one, because your
word especially doth eat as a canker. Keep
your thoughts within your own breast un¬
til you come to the person concerned.
6. Tell everyone 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.
7. Be punctual. Do everything exactly
at the time: and do not mend our rules, but
PREACHERS IN ANNUAL CONFERENCE. 197
keep them; not for wrath, but for con¬
science's sake.
8. Avoid all affectation. A Preacher of
the Gospel is a servant to all. 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. It is not your
business only to preach so many times and
to take care of this or that society, but to
save as many as you can: to bring as many
sinners to repentance as you can; and with
all your power to build them up in that hol¬
iness, without which they cannot see the
Lord. Remember a Methodist Preacher is
to mind every point great and small in the
African Methodist Discipline. You will,
therefore, need to exercise all the sense and
grace you have.
9. Act in all things not according to your
own will but as a son in the gospel. As such
it is your duty to employ your time in the
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.
198 PREACHERS IN ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
5. Preachers' Conduct in Conference.
1. It is desired that all things be consid¬
ered on these occasions, as in the immediate
presence of God and that every person shall
speak freely whatever is in his heart.
2. That we may improve our time at
Conference, while we are conversing let us
have an especial care to set God always be¬
fore us. In the intermediate hours let us
redeem all the time we can for private ex¬
ercises. Therein let us give ourselves to
prayer for one another and for a blessing
on our neighbors.
6. The Itinerancy.
The extension of the Church is best se¬
cured through an itinerancy operating un¬
der a General Superintendency which pro¬
vides, as nearly as possible, for each con¬
gregation of believers a minister qualified
to present the doctrines of Holy Scripture,
and to direct the temporal economy of our
Societies. The glorious triumphs attendant
upon the labors of our itinerants attest the
presence of the Holy Spirit as a witness
directing the pulpit and pastoral ministra¬
tions of itinerant preachers.
DEACONS.
199
CHAPTER IV.
Deacons.
1. A Deacon is constituted by election of
the Annual Conference, and the imposition
of the hands of a Bishop.
2. A Traveling Preacher of two full
years standing in the Annual Conference is
eligible to the office of Deacon, provided he
satisfy the Annual Conference of his fit¬
ness for the office.
3. If the necessities of the cause of min-
sions require his ordination earlier, the time
qualification may be disregarded, if it is
judged expedient; provided he give satis¬
faction in the course of studies prescribed
in the Book of Discipline for the "second
year," and has been carefully instructed in
the nature of the vows of the office of a
Deacon.
4. On the request of his Quarterly Con¬
ference, a Local Preacher of four years
good standing may be eligible to the office
of Deacon, if recommended by the District
Conference; provided he satisfy the Annual
Conference in the course of studies pre-
200
DEACONS.
scribed in the Book of Discipline for the
"second year."
5. The duties of a Deacon are, to preach
the Word of God, assist the Elder in dis¬
tributing the communion, and, in the ab¬
sence of the Elder, administer the Sacra¬
ment of Baptism and solemnize matrimony.
6. A traveling Deacon shall not act as
Deacon, or preach in our churches, if he
cease to travel without the consent of the
Annual Conference, certified to by the
Bishop; except he is incapacitated by sick¬
ness,debility or unavoidable circumstances.
ELDERS.
201
CHAPTER V.
. Elders.
1. An Elder is constituted by election of
the Annual Conference, and the imposition
of the hands of a Bishop and the examining
Elders. The Conference shall be certain
that he is thoroughly instructed in the vows
of an Elder.
2. A Traveling Deacon of two full years
good and regular standing is eligible to the
office of Elder; provided he give satisfac¬
tion in the course of studies prescribed in
the Book of Discipline.
3. A Local Deacon of four years good
and regular standing as a Deacon, is
eligible to the office of Elder on the request
of his Quarterly Conference; provided he is
recommended by the District Conference,
on at least a two-thirds majority vote, and
satisfies the Annual Conference of his fit¬
ness and the local necessity of his ordina¬
tion.
4. The duties of an Elder are, to preach
the Word of God, administer the sacra¬
ments of the Lord's Supper and Baptism,
and perform the rite of matrimony.
202
PRESIDING ELDERS.
CHAPTER VI.
Presiding Elders,
1. Qualifications
Presiding Elders are appointed by the
Bishop. They must be able to keep a faith¬
ful record of the quarterly conference min¬
utes, and give proper directions to all the
affairs of the Church.
2. The District.
The territory of every Annual Confer¬
ence (except mission conferences too small)
shall be divided in districts, each embracing
from twelve to twenty pastoral charges
and from two thousand to three thousand
lay members. In cases of conferences of
very large territory but only few churches,
each presiding elder may be assigned to a
pastorate but his charge must be in the
district of another presiding elder.
3. Duties.
1. The Presiding Elder shall take charge
of all the Elders, Deacons, Preachers, itin¬
erant and local, and the Exhorters in his
district.
PRESIDING ELDERS. 203
2. He shall travel at large in his district,
preside in the District Conference, Sunday-
school conventions and all the Quarterly-
Conferences, assist pastors at quarterly
meetings, see that the business of the con¬
ference is in strict accord with the Disci¬
pline; and preach at least once on each
charge quarterly.
3. He shall give decisions on all questions
of law in the Quarterly Conferences and the
District Conferences, subject to appeal to
the Annual Conference. In all cases he shall
leave the application of law with the dis¬
trict conference and quarterly conference.
4. He shall change or remove a preacher
in the interval of Annual Conferences, after
strict investigation, where the interests of a
church demand it; or when a majority of
the membership is dissatisfied and the Offi¬
cial Board, in a written petition, requests
him to do so; provided he assign said
preacher to another field of labor. He may
call a committee to investigate or try n
case of a pastor under charges.
5. He may employ a preacher who has
been rejected by an Annual Conference be¬
cause of failure to pass examination; pro¬
vided the Annual Conference grant permis¬
sion, and the preacher is a man of good
204
PRESIDING ELDERS.
moral character; but he shall not employ
nor allow to exercise in any church of his
district, any preacher under suspension, ex¬
pulsion or charges of immoral conduct, in
our own or other church.
6. He shall thoroughly acquaint himself
with the efficiency and acceptability of all
the pastors in his district, and endeavor to
have satisfactory appointments for all the
people.
7. He shall see that all moneys collected
on connectional Sabbaths: Educational
Day, Children's Day, and Easter Day—are
forwarded to the offices to which they are
due, promptly, and shall demand no part
of the collections on those days, as payment
of assessment for support.
8. He shall not cease to travel without
the consent of the Annual Conference or
the Bishop.
9. He shall be removed for imprudence
in administration, or impurity of life.
BISHOPS.
205
CHAPTER VII.
Bishops.
I. Election.
1. A Bishop shall be elected by the Gen¬
eral Conference, by ballot only: provided
he shall be blameless in character and qual-
fications; a majority of all votes cast shall
be necessary to choice.
2. After his election he shall be conse¬
crated to the office of Bishop by the imposi¬
tion of the hands of a Bishop and six
Elders.
2. Filling Vacancies.
1. If by death, resignation, or expulsion,
there should be no one to exercise the epis¬
copal office, an extra session of the General
Conference shall be called at once, accord¬
ing to the Discipline.
2. The said extra session of the General
Conference shall proceed to fill the vacancy,
and seven Elders, by imposition of their
hands, shall ordain the one elected.
3. Duties of a Presiding Bishop.
1. He shall preside in all the confer-
206 BISHOPS.
ences, fix, in conjunction with the Presiding
Elders,all the appointments of the traveling
preachers at the Annual Conferences, and
cause all his decisions in Annual Conference
to be entered in the journal.
2. He shall entertain all motions duly-
made and seconded in an Annual Confer¬
ence, when they do not come in conflict
with positive law.
3. He shall decide all questions of law in
the Annual Conference; but his decisions
may be subjected to an appeal to the Court
of Triers of Appeals. He shall in all cases
leave the application of law with the An¬
nual Conference.
4. He shall select the most experienced
and best qualified elders, and of the best
moral character, for the office of Presiding
Elders.
5. He shall appoint a District Book
Steward and, when requested by an Annual
Conference, appoint an agent or agents to
labor for embarrassed churches and literary
"institutions in the Conference.
6. In the interval of the Annual Con¬
ference sessions, he shall change, receive
and suspend preachers, wherever necessary,
as directed by the Book of Discipline.
7. He shall not permit any preacher to
BISHOPS. 207
remain on any circuit or station, nor a Pre¬
siding Elder on any given district longer
than five years. This rule does not apply
to foreign work, except in Canada.
8. He shall not permit any preacher to
remain on a circuit or a station when he
has become unacceptable or it is evident
that his continuance is injurious to the
prosperity of the Church.
9. He shall not remove" a preacher with¬
out his consent, beyond the bounds of his
district, until he' shall have given him at
least three months notice prior to the time
appointed for his removal. Nor shall the
Bishop accept a transferred preacher
against whom there is a charge, till after
the conference shall have full time to ex¬
amine his character and pass upon the same.
Any Bishop who shall knowingly violate
this prohibition shall be proceeded against
by the Annual Conference, as per Disci¬
pline.
10. He shall not admit to the Annual
Conference, transfer nor appoint to the
Pastorate, Presiding Eldership, Missionary
Work, Evangelistic "Work or Agency, nor
allow to officiate in any of our Pulpits or at
the altar, any Preacher under the disability
of suspension, expulsion or charges of im-
208 BISHOPS.
moral conduct, whether formerly in our own
church or from another church.
11. Whenever he transfers a member of
the Annual Conference, he shall give the
following form of Certificate:
This is to certify that a
in good and regular standing, has been transferred,
from the Annual Conference
of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to the
Annual Conference of the same
Church, the transfer to take effect on and after
,19
_* ,Presiding Bishop.
12. He shall travel at large through his
district and visit every circuit and station
and oversee the spiritual and temporal busi¬
ness of the societies in his district.
13. He shall, whenever the officers of any
church call him and necessity requires
him, visit any Episcopal District and act
alone, in the absence of its Bishop, or con¬
jointly with him, in all cases in which the
interest of the connection demands his
service.
14. He shall not ordain any woman to
the order of Deacon or Elder in the A. M.
E. Church.
15. He shall not exercise his episcopal
office in any degree over the Church un¬
less he travel at large throughout his dis¬
trict.
BISHOPS. 209
16. His duty in this respect shall be
regulated by the General Conference, and
it shall make provision for his traveling ex¬
penses.
17. He shall see that all funds of the
Conference are appropriated according to
Discipline but shall not interfere with said
appropriations when consistent with the
Discipline, and shall not receive any money
from the Annual Conference for residence,
traveling or any other purpose, contrary
to the Discipline.
18. The bishops shall publish a year book
of African Methodism. The book shall be
issued, in May annually. It shall be pub¬
lished immediately upon his compilation,
by the Connectional publishing house
making the lowest bid, and be sold at a
small price for the benefit of said house.
PART V.
CONFERENCES.
I. General Conference.
II. Annual Conferences.
III. District Conferences.
IV. Quarterly Conferences.
V. Official Boards.
VI. Church Conferences.
212 THE GENERAL CONFERENCE.
CHAPTER I.
The General Conference.
Composition.
1. The General Conference shall be com¬
posed of all the Bishops, all the General Of¬
ficers, all the College and University Presi¬
dents, the Deans of Theological Semina¬
ries, and two ministerial delegates from
every Annual Conference actually existing,
but for each Annual Conference of more
than sixty ministerial members, one minis¬
terial delegate for every thirty ministerial
members or final fraction exceeding fifteen,
also two lay delegates for every Annual
Conference. (Probationary members are
included in the basis).
Qualifications of Delegates.
1. Every minister elected a delegate by
an Annual Conference shall be an elder
who has traveled four full years next
preceding the General Conference, in good
and regular standing in an Annual Confer¬
ence of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church; shall at the time of his election be a
member of the conference that elects him,
THE GENERAL CONFERENCE. 213
and shall be in actual service within the
bounds of the conference that elects him,
at the time of his election.
2. Every layman elected delegate by an
Electoral College shall be a member of said
college and a man of good natural and ac¬
quired ability, who knows and loves the A'.
M. E. doctrines and discipline and has
maintained a full, good and regular mem¬
bership in said Church four consecutive
years next preceding the General Confer¬
ence.
Election.
1. Ministerial delegates shall be elected
by the Annual Conference next before the
General Conference; except that Annual
Conferences, sitting in or after January
shall elect a year earlier.
2. All preachers regularly on the roll of
the Annual Conference are electors. Lay
members cannot vote for ministerial dele¬
gates.
3. A delegate elected by an Annual Con¬
ference shall represent said Annual Con¬
ference in General Conference, though he
may have been transferred to another
Annual Conference after his election.
4. The Annual Conference shall give a
certificate of election, signed by the Bishop
214 THE GENERAL CONFERENCE.
and Secretary to every delegate elected,
both ministerial and lay.
Electoral College.
1. The Annual Conference next before
the one that is to elect ministerial delegates
shall appoint the place and time for the
Electoral College; the time shall be at least
three months before the Annual Confer¬
ence that is to elect ministerial delegates.
2. The Electoral College shall be com¬
posed of one layman from each station, cir¬
cuit and mission in the Annual Conference
district.
3. Every pastor shall publish the meet¬
ing that is to elect a representative from his
charge t6 the Electoral College, two weeks
before it is to take place, and shall preside
at that meeting, and only full members of
said charge shall vote or be elected dele¬
gates.
4. The Electoral College shall assemble
at the place and time designated by the
Annual Conference, and shall organize ac¬
cording to the custom of delegate bodies;
a delegate moving that a given delegate be
elected temporary chairman, another, tem¬
porary secretary. After devotional service,
the College will effect a permanent organi-
THE GENERAL CONFERENCE.
215
zation, electing a chairman, secretary, two
tellers and two clerks of election, and then
proceed to elect from its members by ballot
two lay delegates and two lay alternates to
the General Conference.
5. The Electoral College shall give each
lay delegate and alternate a certificate of
election, signed by the Chairman and
Secretary, to be presented to the Annual
Conference for record.
Election Rules.
1. Both Annual Conferences and Elec¬
toral Colleges shall elect alternates in same
number, qualify and by same method as
delegates.
2. Tellers and Clerks of Election shall
be elected by the Conference and Electoral
College, and all delegates and alternates to
the General Conference shall be elected by
ballot, a majority of ballots determining
the election.
3. It shall be unlawful for any minister
to interfere in any way with the Electoral
College.
Sessions.
The General Conference shall meet per¬
petually, once in four years.on the Wednes¬
day next after the first Sunday in May.
216 THE GENERAL CONFERENCE.
The Entertainment Commission.
1. This Commission shall consist of three
Bishops, five elders, and three lay delegates,
all of whom shall be designated by the pre¬
ceding General Conference.
2. The Commission shall approximate the
expense of entertaining the General Con¬
ference, and apportion it among the several
Annual Conferences, which shall raise one-
fourth of the required amount each year,
and deposit the same with the Financial
Secretary, who shall keep it under the title,
General Conference Entertainment Fund.
3. At least twelve months before the as¬
sembling of the General Conference, the
Commission shall meet on the call of the
Senior Bishop and shall cause it to be
known throughout the Connection that ap¬
plications will be received for the enter¬
tainment of the General Conference.
4. The Commission shall take into con¬
sideration, in passing upon applications, the
ability of the people to properly entertain
the Conference, accessibility from all parts
of the country, railroad facilities, rates and
such other matters as, in their judgment,
will contribute to the proper entertainment
of the General Conference.
5. Should there be no application for the
THE GENERAL CONFERENCE. 217
General Conference, the Commission shall
proceed to locate it at some point which
shall most fully satisfy the foregoing
conditions; provided, that they shall not
select a place whose people, through their
pastor, shall file an objection to such selec¬
tion.
6. As soon as a proper selection shall
have been made, notice thereof shall be
given in all the Church papers four con¬
secutive weeks.
7. The Commission shall create a Sub-
Committee which, in conjunction with the
Secretary of the Council of Bishops and
the Financial Secretary, shall perfect all
arrangements for the proper entertainment
of the General Conference.
8. In case of the neglect or failure of the
Senior Bishop to call the Commission to¬
gether, three members of the Commission
may make such a call.
Extra Sessions.
1. The Bishops, with the advice of two-
thirds of the Annual Conferences, when
necessary shall call an extra session of the
General Conference; but if there be no
Bishops, three Elders, with the advice of
two-thirds of the Annual Conferences shall
call it.
218 THE GENERAL CONFERENCE.
2. The Bishops, or said three Elders,
shall then, in writing notify the preachers
in charge of circuits and stations to inform
all the delegates in good standing, as mem¬
bers of the last quadrennial session, to at¬
tend the extra session at the time and place
appointed by the Bishops, or said three
Elders. After notice being thus duly given,
if two-thirds of the delegates be present
at the appointed time and place, they shall
proceed to business and their proceedings
shall be lawful.
3. If any Annual Conference should be
without representation, on receiving notice
of the extra session, the Bishops, or, if
there are no Bishops, three Elders of that
Conference shall call it to an extra session
when it shall elect both ministerial and lay
delegates.
Restrictions of the General Conference.
1. The General Conference shall have
full power to make rules and regulations
for the Church, but they shall not repeal or
change the articles of religion nor estab¬
lish any new rules of doctrine.
2. They shall not alter any rule of gov¬
ernment to the effect of doing away with the
Episcopacy or General Superintendency.
3. They shall not do away with the privi-
THE GENERAL CONFERENCE. 219
leges of our ministers or preachers, of trial
by a committee of trial, and an appeal.
Neither shall they do away 'with the privi¬
leges of our members of trial before th6
society of which they are members, or by
a committee, and of an appeal.
4. They shall not revoke or change the
General Rules of the United Societies.
5. They shall not appropriate the surplus
of the Book Concern to any purpose other
than for the benefit of the Bishops, itiner¬
ant, supernumerary and superannuated
preachers, their widows and orphans. Pro¬
vided, nevertheless, That a ma jority of two-
thirds of the General Conference shall suf¬
fice to alter the fifth restriction and none
other.
Expenses of Delegates.
Every Pastor shall collect a part of the
money needed in his Annual Conference
to defray the traveling expenses of its dele¬
gates to the General Conference.
The part to be collected shall be accord¬
ing to the per capita taxation of all the
members of the Annual Conference Dis¬
trict.
The amount to be paid to each delegate
shall be calculated at the rate of ten cents
220 THE GENERAL CONFERENCE.
per mile, going to the General Conference,
but not on returning.
The amount of traveling expenses to be
collected by each pastor shall be presented
to the Annual Conference at which the del¬
egates are to be elected; and in no case shall
he fail to collect and present, or have pre¬
sented in due time to said Conference, the
amount decided to be his quota. The dele¬
gates' board while attending the General
Conference shall also be paid by the An¬
nual Conferences.
The traveling expenses of the Bishops
of the General Conference shall be paid out
of the general treasury.
The Finance Committee, at the rise of
every General Conference, shall pay the in¬
cidental expenses of the Conference, and
turn over the balance (if there be any) to
the Business Manager of the Book Concern,
to defray the expense of printing the Book
of Discipline. The General Conference
Minutes shall be published by the publish¬
ing house of the A. M. E. Connection
which makes the lowest bid.
THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE. 221
CHAPTER II.
The Annual Conference.
I. Composition.
The Annual Conference shall be com¬
posed of all the traveling Elders, Deacons
and Licentiates, and all the Local Elders
and Local Deacons, together with two lay¬
men from each District Conference within
its bounds, whose traveling expenses shall
be paid by their District Conferences.
Visiting members from any other Annual
Conference in the Connection, may par¬
ticipate in debates but shall not vote.
2. Sessions.
1. Each Conference, at every annual
session, shall designate the place at^which
it will hold its next annual session."
2. The time for holding the session shall
be appointed by the Presiding Bishop, and
should be done at each session.
3. An Annual Conference year shall be¬
gin when the appointments are read in the
Conference and shall continue until they
are read at the next ensuing session.
222 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
4. Every session shall be held at least
one week.
3. Organization.
1. After devotional services, the secre¬
tary of the preceding Conference, by order
of the chairman, shall call the Conference
roll.
2. The Conference shall proceed to elect
a Recording Secretary, an Engrossing Sec¬
retary, and Statistical Secretary. The Pre¬
siding Officer, unless otherwise ordered,
shall appoint all committees, except the
Finance Committee, which shall be nomi¬
nated and elected by the Conference.
3. The Recording Secretary shall record
all the transactions and minutes of the Con¬
ference. The Engrossing Secretary shall
engross all the proceedings of the Confer¬
ence, and all the decisions rendered by the
Bishop, in the journal.
4. One Bishop, at least, shall be present
and preside at each Annual Conference;
but in the absence of the Bishop, the' Confer¬
ence shall elect a President pro tem. The
Bishop, or Chairman, and the Secretary
shall sign the Record at the close of each
Annual Conference, and at the close of the
quadrennium, present the journal to the
General Conference.
THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE. 223
5. All Conference moneys shall be paid
oyer to the Finance Committee which shall
disburse the same as directed by law, sub¬
ject to the approval of the Conference, at
least one day before the Conference ad¬
journs.
4. Pastors' Reports.
A. Numerical Statistics of Churches and
Sunday Schools.
1. Number of Churches.
2. Seating Capacity.
3. Number of Parsonages.
4. Number of Full Members.
5. Number of Probationers.
6. Number of Local Preachers.
7. Number of Exhorters.
8. Number of Sunday Schools.
9. Number of Sunday School Officers
and Teachers.
10. Number of Sunday School Pupils.
11. Number of Sunday School Books.
12. Number of Conversions in Church
and S. S.
13. Number of Adults Baptized.
14. Number of Infants Baptized.
15. Number of Accessions.
16. Number of Deaths.
17. Number, of Missionary Societies.
18. Number of A. C. E. Societies.
224 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
B. Local Finance of Churches and Sunday
Schools.
1. How much money has been collected
for support of the Presiding Elder?
2. For the Pastor?
3. For the Bishop's traveling?
4. For the Churches?
5. For the Sunday Schools?
6. For the local A. C. E. League?
7. For Benevolence?
8. For all local purposes?
9. What is the value of the Church and
S. S. Property?
10. What is the Indebtedness of Charge?
11. What Balance in Stewards' Treasury?
12. What Balance in Trustees' Treasury?
C. Connectional Finance of Churches and
Sunday Schools.
1. How much money has been collected
for the One Dollar Fund;
2. For the Home Missionary Fund;
3. For the Foreign Missionary Fund;
4. For the Education Fund;
5. For the Church Extension Fund;
6. For the Conference Contingencies;
7. For the A. C. E. Department;
8. For all Connectional Purposes;
9. Total for all Purposes?
THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE. 225
5. Questions by the Bishop', Answered by
the Secretary.
1. What preachers are admitted on trial ?
2. Who remain on trial?
3. Who are admitted or re-admitted to
full connection?
4. Who are the Deacons?
5. Who have been elected and ordained
Deacons and Elders this year?
6. Who have located this year?
7. Who have been elected by the General
Conference to exercise the Episcopal office
in, and to superintend the African Metho¬
dist Episcopal Church?
8. Who are the supernumerary preach¬
ers?
9. Who are the superannuated preach¬
ers?
10. Who have been expelled from the
connection by this Conference?
11. Who have withdrawn this year from
this Conference and the connection?
12. Are all the preachers blameless in
life and conversation?
13. What members of the Conference
have died this year?
14. Have all the preachers subscribed to
one of our connectional weekly journals,
226 THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
and also to the Quarterly Review or the
Voice of Missions'?
15. What preachers are indebted to any
of the Departments or Church publications?
16. When shall we hold the next annual
session of this Conference?
17. Where shall our next Annual Con¬
ference be held?
18. Where are the preachers stationed
this year?
6. Conference Literary Exercise.
1. One day at each Annual Conference
session shall be devoted to literary exer¬
cises; namely, to discussions, essays, ad¬
dresses, and such other literary exercises
as may be determined by the Bishop and
Conference. If time be not convenient at
Conference, a literary convention should
be held during the year, at the call of the
Bishop of the District.
2. The Bishop, or a President elected by
the Conference, shall preside at the meet¬
ing held for these exercises, and shall ap¬
point the ministers who are to read and
give addresses on these occasions.
THE DISTRICT CONFERENCE. 227
CHAPTER III.
The District^ Conference.
I. Composition.
The District Conference shall be com¬
posed of all traveling ministers and local
preachers, and one steward from each
Quarterly Conference within a Presiding
Elder's District.
The Steward shall be elected by ballot at
the first Quarterly Conference after the
Annual Conference session.
The Secretary of the Quarterly Confer¬
ence shall count the ballots and the chair¬
man shall declare the result.
2. Sessions.
The District Conference shall meet once
a year, in the second quarter, at the time
and place appointed by the Presiding Elder.
It shall continue in session not less than
two days nor more than three.
3. Organization.
The Presiding Elder of the District shall
be the chairman of the conference; but if
228 THE DISTRICT CONFERENCE.
a Bishop be present he shall be invited to
preside. In the absence of both Presiding
Elder and Bishop the conference shall elect
a chairman pro tem. It shall also elect a
Secretary for the purpose of recording the
proceedings.
The chairman shall appoint all commit¬
tees, unless otherwise ordered.
4. Business of the District Conference.
1. The District Conference shall make
provision for obtaining the Presiding El¬
der's support, should the Annual Confer¬
ence fail to do so.
2. The District Conference shall exam¬
ine, by committee, all applicants for admis¬
sion into the traveling connection. But it
shall recommend to the Annual Conference,
such persons only as have the books re¬
quired to be studied, give evidence of effici¬
ency possess the necessary qualifications of
an itinerant preacher and have been full
members of the A. M. E. Church at least
one year. Each District Conference shall
elect annually two laymen as members of
the Annual Conference; it shall also ex¬
amine local preachers presented for
Deacon's and Elder's Orders, and report
to the Annual Conference those only wh
THE DISTRICT CONFERENCE. 229
sustain a satisfactory examination. The re¬
port shall be signed by the Presiding Elder
and Secretary.
Preachers coming to the District Confer¬
ence for recommendation to the Annual
Conference not possessing the books re¬
quired for admission (page 438, Discipline)
should not be examined by the District
Conference committee.
3. The District Conference shall pro¬
vide for the expence of lay members at¬
tending the Annual Conference.
4. Committees shall be appointed and
shall submit reports on the following sub¬
jects:
(1) The financial ability of the people
throughout the district.
(2) Their moral condition.
(3) What the people are doing for mis¬
sions.
(4) The spiritual condition of the
churches.
(5) The condition of the public schools.
(6) The requirements of the Sabbath-
schools.
(7) The means necessary to make the
churches more prosperous financially.
(8) On Preachers for the Annual Con¬
ference.
230 THE DISTRICT CONFERENCE.
(9) On Preachers for orders.
5. The Presiding Elder shall preach the
opening sermon of the session; special ser¬
mons shall be preached on each evening
during the session; religious services shall
be observed at all the meetings.
6. The conference shall have a record of
all its proceedings kept in a book provided
for the purpose and it shall be the duty
of the Secretary to preserve it until de¬
manded by the Conference.
THE QUARTERLY CONFERENCE. 231
CHAPTER IV.
The Quarterly Conference.
I. Composition.
The Quarterly Conference shall consist
of the traveling preachers or pastors on a
circuit or station, the local preachers, ex-
horters, stewards, stewardesses,, class lead¬
ers, General Officers, deaconesses, Evange¬
lists and the superintendent of the Sunday
School, and the presidents of the Allen C. E.
League and the Missionary Societies, pro¬
vided the latter three are members, of the
A. M. E. Church. Trustees are answer¬
able to the Quarterly Conference for their
official conduct.
2. Sessions.
The sessions of the Quarterly Conference
shall be held every three months, or four
times a year, on every circuit and in every
station.
The time and place of meeting shall be
appointed by the Presiding Elder; but if
there be no Presiding Elder it shall be
appointed by the Pastor.
At each Conference there shall be a Sec¬
retary or Secretaries elected, who shall
232 THE QUARTERLY CONFERENCE.
faithfully and carefully record the pro¬
ceedings, in a suitable book, which shall be
preserved by the stewards.
If no efficient Secretary can be obtained,
the Pastor or Presiding Elder shall act as
Secretary of the Quarterly Conference.
3. Procedure.
The following questions shall be asked
and answered in general and in particular,
and recorded.
1. Are there any appeals from members
of this society?
2. Is there any application for license
to preach or exhort?
3. Is there any license to be renewed?
4. How many persons have been con¬
verted?
5. How many persons have been re¬
ceived on probation?
At A
At B
AtC
Total
6. How many persons have been received
into full membership?
At A
At B
AtC
Total
TttE QUARTERLY CONFERENCE. 233
7. How many persons are now ready to
be received into full membership?
8. How many members have been re¬
ceived by certificate?
9. How many have left with certificate?
10. How many have left without certifi¬
cate?
11. How many have been expelled from
this society?
12. How many members have died this
quarter and what are their names?
13. What number of full members in
this society, or on this circuit?
If on a circuit—At A
AtB__, AtC
14. What number of probationers in this
society or on this circuit?
If a circuit at A B
C Total. __
15. Have the probationers been instruct¬
ed in the Doctrine, Discipline and history
of our Church during this quarter?
16. What has been the increase of full
members this quarter?
17. How many infants have been bap¬
tized this quarter?
Their names
How many adults?
Their names
234 THE QUARTERLY CONFERENCE.
18. How many Sunday Schools:
19. What number of pupils are on the
charge?
If a circuit, at A
B
C
Total
20. What number of books in the library,
or libraries?
At A B C
21. How much money has been collected
for Sunday School purposes?
AtA B C
22. How and for what purpose has this
amount been appropriated?
23. How much has been collected to pay
the minister or ministers this quarter?
For Presiding Elder at A
For Presiding Elder at B
For Presiding Elder at C
Total
For Pastor at A
For Pastor at B
For Pastor at C
Total
THE QUARTERLY CONFERENCE. 235
24. How much for other uses by Stew¬
ards?
25. How much has been collected by the
Trustees?
How has it been expended?
26. What is the present indebtedness?
Of the Trustees
Of the Stewards
Of the Sunday School
27. How much money has been collected
for general purposes?
(1) Dollar Money
(2) Education Money
- (3) Missionary Money
(4) Children's Day Money
28. How many subscribers secured this
quarter; for
The Christian Recorder; ^
The Southern Christian Recorder;
The. Voice of Missions;
The A. M.E. Review;
The Western Christian Recorder;
The South African Recorder?
236 THE QUARTERLY CONFERENCE.
4. Reports.
The chairman shall call for reports from
The Trustees;
The Stewards;
The Sabbath School Superintend¬
ents;
The President pf the Allen C. E.
League; and
The Choir Leader.
Other reports may be received.
All reports shall be carefully written out
previous to the Quarterly Conference ses¬
sion. The Conference may receive and
adopt these reports at once, or send them
back to their respective departments for
correction, if necessary, to be returned to
the next Quarterly Conference, unless
otherwise ordered.
2. Miscellaneous Business.
1. The Conference shall examine the
moral, religious and official character of its
members; the person whose character is on
its passage (at the request of a member)
shall withdraw.
2. The Conference may act upon such
motions and resolutions as may come before
it touching upon various pertinent topics.
THE OFFICIAL BOARD.
237
CHAPTER V.
The Official Board.
I. Composition of Board.
1. The Official Board shall be composed
of all the class leaders, exhorters, stewards
and stewardesses of a station, circuit or
mission.
2. The pastor shall be a member of the
Board and its chairman ex-officio.
3. Local preachers shall be regarded as
honorary members of the Board and shall
be required to visit it at its regular sessions.
4. The Board shall elect annually, a sec¬
retary and a treasurer. A steward should
be elected secretary, where there is one
competent.
2. Sessions.
1. The Official Board of every station
shall meet at least once every week.
2. The Official Board of every circuit or
mission shall meet at least once in every
two weeks.
3. Extra meetings shall be called by the
238
THE OFFICIAL BOARD.
pastor whenever he sees it necessary, and
shall be promptly attended by the mem¬
bers, of a station or circuit.
4. All meetings of the Board shall be
opened with religious service.
3. Business.
1. The secretary shall keep a strict ac¬
count of the proceedings.
2. The treasurer shall hold all moneys
obtained under the auspices of the stewards,
and disburse the same, on order of the
Board.
3. The Board shall require the leaders to
pay over to the stewards, at its sessions,
whatever sums they may have collected
for the church, the Pastor, Presiding Elder
and the poor.
4. It shall see, at its sessions, that the
Pastor receives his regular support; and it
shall devise ways and means to pay him
and the Presiding Elder all that is due them.
5. It shall receive of the leaders, reports
on the following subjects:
(1) Those who walk disorderly and will
not be reproved.
(2) Those who are sick and need the
attention of the pastor.
(3) The death of members.
(4) Those who wilfully and persistently
THE OFFICIAL BOARD
239
neglect their classes, and other religious
duties.'
(5) Those who have left the society
with certificate.
(6) Those who .have left the society
without certificate.
(7) The Board shall have power to send
out committees for the purpose of making
investigation concerning rumors affecting
the moral standing of any member; and
shall moreover, have members to appear
before it that they may explain such ru¬
mors.
(8) It shall, after examination and due
deliberation, drop the names of those pro¬
bationers who wilfully and continuously
absent themselves from the church and
disregard its authority.
(9) The board shall have power to de¬
clare withdrawn, without certificate, mem¬
bers who unite with other churches, absent
themselves from public worship or class, or
fail to contribute to the support-of the gos¬
pel, church or poor, for the period of one
year, provided they will not be reproved
and give evidence of amendment.
240
THE OFFICIAL BOARD.
4. Restrictions of the Official Board.
1. It shall not have power to try and
expel members of the church. Such a course
would make the chairman liable to the
charge of mal-administration.
2. It cannot overrule the pastor, or re¬
verse his decisions, or change his plans for
the government of the charge.
THE CHURCH CONFERENCE. 241
CHAPTER VI.
The Church Conference.
1. A Church Conference is a meeting of
the members and minister residing and
worshiping at a given place, for the consid¬
eration and transaction of local Church
business, the minister in charge being the
presiding officer.
2. The duties of the Conference may be
many and varied; such as calling the roll
of membership, for the correction of the
same; recommending persons to the Presid¬
ing Elder and members of the Quarterly
Conference for license to preach the Gos¬
pel; adopting petitions to the Bishtip, Dis¬
trict and Annual Conferences for the or¬
dination of local Deacons and Elders for
the use - of the Church; encouraging
Church love, patriotism and unity; lec¬
turing upon and explaining the duties
of the members toward the Dollar Money
Fund, Easter Sabbath, Education and
Children's Day collections; giving members
information of what is being done in church
work, mission fields, Church schools and
242 THE CHURCH CONFERENCE.
colleges; presenting the claims of our
Church literature—and periodicals—bene¬
fits of supplying themselves with hymn
books, Disciplines, etc., as well as having
Literary Societies, Mite Missionary Soci¬
eties, Women's Home and Foreign Mission¬
ary Societies, and seeking the co-operation
of the members in measures of benevolence
and mercy, for the sick, poor and needy;
enlisting their efforts to build up the Sab¬
bath school, searching out poor children
and engaging in whatever will promote the
kingdom of God on earth.
3. The Pastor ought to report to the
Church Conference his labors, burdens,
cares, and point out places where the mem¬
bers, or a portion of them could work for
the glory of God. The officers, also, should
give information of their work, explain the
indebtedness of the Church, agree upon
rallies for the payment of the same; estab¬
lish additional prayer-meetings, either in
the Church or at the houses of members;
find places, if possible, where exhorters
can be employed, and applicants for license
to preach or exhort may exercise their gifts
beforehand, by permission of the Pastor.
4. A Church Conference should never be
held on the Sabbath Day, unless that day
THE CHURCH CONFERENCE. 243
should afford the only opportunity to get
the members together, and then not at regu¬
lar preaching hours. A Secretary should
be elected at least "once a year to keep the
proceedings.
5. As all Pastors are required to preach
or lecture upon the Holy Scriptures one
night in the week, or, if absent, to have
their local preachers to so do, the Church
Conference should endeavor to enforce at¬
tendance upon the same, and get others
to attend who are not Church members.
PART VI.
JUDICIAL DIRECTIONS.
I. Trial of Bishops.
11. Trial of Itinerant Preachers.
III. Trial of Local Preachers.
IV. Causes for Impeachment.
V. Ministers' Debts.
VP. The Trial of Lay Members.
VII. Debts and Arbitrations.
VIII. The Order of Appeals.
246
TRIAL OP BISHOPS.
CHAPTER I.
Trial of Bishops.
I. Intervening Committee.
1. In the interval of the General Confer¬
ences if a Bishop be accused of any crime
expressly forbidden in the word of God,
the Presiding Elder of the district in which
the said crime is alleged to have been com¬
mitted, shall notify the Senior Bishop—or
if the senior be the accused, the Bishop next
in seniority—who shall appoint a commit¬
tee of trial, composed of one Bishop and
four Elders; over which he shall preside,
but shall have neither voice nor vote in
making up the verdict.
2. He shall call the committee to meet at
a given place and time, and shall summon
the accused in writing, placing in his hand
the bill of complaints or charges at least
one week before the date set for trial.
2. Committee's Decision.
1. If at this examination the Bishop be
found guilty of crime sufficient to exclude a
tterson from the kingdom of grace and
TRIAL OF BISHOPS.
247
glory, or to have acted so improperly as to
justify punishment, said committee shall
have power to suspend him from all offi¬
cial functions until the ensuing Annual
Conference.
2. The Annual Conference, if it de¬
termine in his favor, shall have power to
reverse the decision of the committee and
tor restore him to his former functions: If
it should find him guilty it shall continue
his suspension until the next ensuing Gen¬
eral Conference.
3. The Episcopal Committee.
1. The General Conference at each ses¬
sion shall choose a committee before which
each Bishop in person shall pass an exam¬
ination.
•2. The examination shall concern his
traveling among the people in his district,
his administration and decisions.
3. If he should be condemned by the
committee, he shall be allowed to appeal to
the General Conference in whole, and may
be permitted to object to any one of said
committee.
4. Final Determination.
1. The General Conference shall have
power to reverse or approve the decision
248
TRIAL OF BISHOPS.
of the committee, and if it approve, its de¬
cision shall be final.
2. If on examination, it be found that a
Bishop's character is not fair—or that he
has neglected his duty, or violated the dis¬
cipline, or been guilty of any crime suffi¬
cient to exclude a person from the king¬
dom of grace and glory, or has acted so
imprQperly as to justify suspension, or ex¬
pulsion the General Conference shall sus¬
pend or expel him from his episcopal func¬
tions.
TRIAL OP ITINERANT PREACHERS. 249
CHAPTER II.
Trial of Itinerant Preachers.
I. Presiding Elders.
1. If a Presiding Elder be accused of a
crime expressly forbidden by the Word of
God, or any practice sufficient to exclude a
person from the kingdom of grace and
glory, a charge covering the same shall be
made known to the minister in charge of
the circuit, station or mission where the
crime or practice is alleged to have taken
•place, and the said minister shall refer it to
the Presiding Elder of an adjacent district
who shall proceed as in <5ases of other
preachers for investigation.
2. The committee formed to try a Pre¬
siding Elder shall be composed of Elders
or Elders and Deacons.
2. Traveling Elders, Deacons and
Preachers.
1. If any traveling Elder, Deacon or
Preacher shall be accused of any crime ex¬
pressly forbidden in the Word of God or
any practice sufficient to exclude a person
250 TRIAL OF ITINERANT PREACHERS.
from the kingdom of grace and glory, a
charge shall be made known to the stewards
of the circuit or station, and they shall
speedily lay it before the official board.
2. The board shall then, if deemed neces¬
sary, authorize the stewards to call the Pre¬
siding Elder to bring accused to trial.
3. The Presiding Elder shall form a com¬
mittee of not less than three traveling
preachers, if they can be obtained; if not;
then of local Elders, Deacons or Preach¬
ers. If possible the accused and the ac¬
cuser shall be brought face to face.
4. If the accused flee from trial, it shall
be taken as presumptive proof of guilt, and
out of the mouth of two or three witnesses
he shall be condemned.
5. If he should be clearly convicted, he
shall be suspended from all official stand¬
ing in the church until the ensuing An¬
nual Conference.
6. When the case is laid before the An¬
nual Conference it shall fully consider and
determine it, even though it be one in which
the accused has fled from trial.
7. If the result be expulsion, the Annual
Conference shall demand the credentials
of . the aecused which, on being obtained,
shall be filed away among the Conference
records.
TRIAL OP ITINERANT PREACHERS. 251
8. If the accused be expelled for the
crime of adultery or fornication, he shall
not be admitted again to the ministry un¬
der four years from the time he joins the
church, whether he be a traveling or local
preacher. He must join on probation and
come from his class.
9. If any Preacher, Deacon or Elder,
whatever, traveling or local, be accused of
immoral conduct, the Presiding Elder shall
if he be proved guilty on trial, demand and
receive from him his credentials which shall
be retained among the records of the church.
And should he refuse to deliver them up
his name shall be published by the Presid¬
ing Elder without delay as a refractory
preacher.
3. General Officers.
A General Officer accused of a crime suf¬
ficient to exclude a person from the king¬
dom of grace and glory, if a minister, shall
be subject to the rules for trying minis¬
ters; if a layman, shall be subject to the
rules for trying layman; as every min¬
ister is connected with a Quarterly Con¬
ference, and every layman, a society.
252 TRIAL OP LOCAL PREACHERS.
CHAPTER III.
The Trial of Local Preachers.
1. Examination by the Committee.
1- If the accusation be brought against
a local Elder, Deacon or Preacher, the min¬
ister in charge shall summon three or more
local preachers of the neighborhood, or for
want of preachers, as many exhorters or
leaders.
2. If said committee, or a majority of
them, on due examination, find the accused
guilty of whatever crime, or that he has
been guilty of publicly or privately dissem¬
inating such falsejioctrines as require sus¬
pension from all "public offices and privi¬
leges in our Church, the committee shall
suspend him until the ensuing Quarterly
Conference.
2. The Case Before the Conference.
1. When the case is laid before the Quar¬
terly Conference it shall proceed to the
trial of the accused local preacher, deacon
or elder, and shall have power to clear, cen-
TRIAL OF LOCAL PREACHERS. 253
sure, suspend or expel him, according to
their judgment..
2. The Presiding Elder, at the com¬
mencement of the trial before the confer¬
ence, shall appoint a secretary to take reg¬
ular minutes of the evidence and proceed¬
ings.
3. The said minutes when completed
shall be read and approved, and signed by
the Presiding Elder and also by the mem¬
bers of the Quarterly Conference or by a
majority of them.
3. Concerning the Condemnation.
1. In case of condemnation the local
elder, deacon or preacher, by giving notice
to the Quarterly Conference of his deter¬
mination to do so, shall be allowed an ap¬
peal to the next Annual Conference.
2. When said appeal is presented to the
Annual Conference, the minister in charge
of the said circuit, or station from which
the appeal comes, shall also present the
minutes of the trial, kept in the Quarterly
Conference.
3. The condemned local elder, deacon or
preacher may then appear in behalf of his
appeal, and the Annual Conference after
hearing it shall finally render its judgment
upon the minutes laid before it.
254 CAUSES FOB IMPEACHMENT.
CHAPTER IV.
Causes of Impeachment.
1. Dealing in Liquors.
1. No preacher among us shall distill,
retail, or drink spiritous liquors without
forfeiting his official standing.
2. Mal-administration.
1. A preacher charged with badly admin¬
istering the law, improper temper, words
or actions, shall be reproved by the Bishop
or the Presiding Elder.
2. In case of a second transgression, one,
two or three preachers, or if preachers can¬
not be obtained, exhorters or leaders shall
be taken as witnesses.
3. If the foregoing admonitions be of no
avail, he shall then be tried either before
the Bishop, or the Presiding Elder and a
committee in the interval of the Annual
Conference, and if found guilty, be sus¬
pended by the Bishop, or committee.
The Annual Conference ensuing shall
try the case fairly, and if the suspended
preacher be found guilty, and impenitent,
CAUSES FOR IMPEACHMENT. 255
his suspension shall be continued and note
in the minutes.
3. Concerning Heresy and Schism.
1. A minister or preacher who holds and
publicly or privately disseminates doctrines
which are contrary to our Articles of Re¬
ligion shall be dealt with as in cases of gross
immorality, proceeded against as provided
for in chapter II {Trial of Itinerant Preach¬
ers).
2. But if he solemnly promise not to dis¬
seminate any more such doctrines, either
in public or private, he shall be endured
until his case can be laid before the next
Annual Conference, and it shall finally dis¬
pose of it.
4. Unacceptability in the Ministry.
1. When any member of an Annual Con¬
ference is charged with having conducted
himself in such a manner as to render him
unacceptable to the people as a traveling
preacher, his case shall be investigated by
the conference, and if it appear that the
complaint is well founded, and he should
give no satisfaction that he will amend his
ways, and will not consent to voluntarily
retire, the Annual Conference shall locate
him.
2. In this event, he shall be at liberty be-
256 CAUSES FOR IMPEACHMENT.
fore the conference, to defend himself in
letter or by representative. If he should
be located in his absence, and without hav¬
ing been previously notified of the inten¬
tion/thus to proceed against him, he shall
have the privilege to apply to the next ses¬
sion of the conference for a hearing in his
defense, and shall have a reconsideration
of his case.
5. Neglect of Appointment.
1. Should any local elder, deacon or
preacher neglect to fill any of his appoint¬
ments, and give no sufficient reason for do¬
ing so, the minister in charge shall reprove
him for the first offense.
2. If a local elder, deacon or preacher
persist in neglecting his appointments, he
shall be summoned to appear before a com¬
mittee: and should he then fail to give sat¬
isfaction, said committee shall silence him
until the ensuing Quarterly Conference,
which shall have power to take his license
from him.
3. If any local preacher, without a pre¬
vious agreement between himself and his
pastor, attempt in the absence of the
pastor to collect money for his services, he
shall upon conviction be silenced for three
months.
CAUSES FOR IMPEACHMENT. 257
6. Pastoral Interference.
* 1. No Elder, Deacon or Preacher in any
charge shall interfere with the business of
an adjoining charge.
2. If any should be found guilty of so
doing, without having been called accord¬
ing to discipline, or by the Bishop or Pre¬
siding Elder, he shall be dealt with as in
other cases of violation of the discipline.
258
ministers' debts.
CHAPTER V.
Ministers' Debts.
I. The Complaint.
1. Complaint may be made to the Pre¬
siding Elder or a steward of the circuit or
station against a minister or preacher, in
the interval of the Annual Conferences, for
non-payment of debt or for contracting
debts without a probability of paying them,
or for borrowing and refusing to pay.
2. The Elder shall call the indebted
preacher and contending parties together,
and have each choose for himself an ar¬
biter, and the two arbiters to choose a third,
all of whom shall be preachers, or official
members of the church.
2. The Examination.
1. It shall be the duty of said arbiters to
examine the claims upon said minister or
preacher; and if it be proved that he has
neglected or refused to pay his debts, they
shall determine how long a time shall be
given him to make a settlement.
2. If either party be not satisfied with the
Ministers' debts. 259
decision, he or they may apply for a second
arbitration; and each shall be permitted to
choose two more, and the four shall choose
a fifth, all of whom shall be preachers or
official members of the church, and their
decision shall be final.
3. Second Arbitration.
1. If judgment in the second arbitration
be given against said minister or preacher,
and the time be specified for him to make
payment, and he refuse to comply with the
decision, after sufficient time has been given
him, he shall be suspended from all official
standing in the connection until the ensuing
Annual Conference.
2. At the Conference Session the con¬
tending parties shall appear either in person
or by representatives, and the case shall be
brought up for consideration.
3. Should the Annual Conference reject
the decision of the arbiters, it shall deter¬
mine what is due and grant the time for
payment. If the indebted preacher fail to
comply with its decision he shall be sus¬
pended or expelled, according to the judg¬
ment of the ensuing Annual Conference.
4. Intervening Omissions.
1. Should the proper officials in the inter¬
val of the Annual Conference sessions fail
260 ministers' debts.
to bring any traveling preacher to account
in case of crime it shall by no means pre¬
vent the fullest and fairest investigation of
his character at the Annual Conference.
2. Provisos. All accusations against a
preacher shall be given to him in writing
before the first examination. In all cases
of trial and conviction he shall be allowed
an appeal to the ensuing General Confer¬
ence.
TRIAL OF LAYMEN.
261
CHAPTER VI.
The Trial of Lay Members.
I. The Arraignment.
1. When a lay member is accused of any
crime or misdemeanor he shall be brought
to trial before the Society or a committee
selected from it.
2. The trial shall take place in the pres¬
ence of an Elder, Deacon or Preacher, and
the accused and accuser shall be brought
face to face; but if this cannot be done the
next best evidence shall be procured.
3. If the accused person evade a trial by
absenting himself after due notice being
given him, and the circumstances of the ac¬
cusation be strong and presumptive, let him
be esteemed as guilty and be accordingly
excluded. Witnesses from without shall
not be rejected.
2. The Verdict.
1. If the accused person be found guilty
by the decision of a majority of the mem¬
bers before whom he is tried and the crime
be suclj as is expressly forbidden by the
262
TRIAL OF LAYMEN.
Word of God, or sufficient to exclude a
person from the kingdom of grace and
glory, let the preacher who has the charge
of the circuit or station expel him.
2. If the minister or preacher in charge
differ in judgment from the majority of
the society, or the select number, as to the
guilt or innocence of the accused person,
the trial may be referred by him to the en¬
suing Quarterly Conference.
3. On Insubordination.
1. Should any member or members of
any of our incorporated churches refuse to
be governed by the Discipline by which he,
or they was or were made a member, or
members of said incorporated church, he or
they shall be called before the society or a
select number of it according to Discipline,
and tried for insubordination.
2. If said person or persons should be
found guilty of insubordination, and will
not retract, then he or they shall be ex¬
pelled for insubordination or disobedience
to the order and discipline of the church.
3. Should any class leader or steward in¬
timate that he adheres to the Charter and
discards the law of the church, as set forth
in the book of Discipline, said class-leader
TRIAL OF LAYMEN. 263
or steward shall be removed at once by the
preacher in charge.
4. Should any local Elder, Deacon or
Preacher favor by word, act or influence
the Charter instead of the Discipline, he
shall be called before a committee according
to the Discipline, and if found guilty of pur¬
suing such a course, shall be suspended
from all official standing in the African
Methodist Episcopal Church.
4. Sowing Dissension.
1. If any member of our Church should
be clearly convicted of endeavoring to sow
dissension in any of our societies by in¬
veighing against either our doctrines or
Discipline he shall first be reproved by the
minister or preacher in charge.
2. Should he subsequently persist in such
a pernicious practice he shall be expelled
from the society.
5. Wilful Neglect of Class Meetings.
1. Those members of our Church who
wilfully and repeatedly neglect to meet their
classes shall be visited by the Elder, Deacon
or Preacher, whenever it is practicable, and
informed that exclusion will be the conse¬
quence of their neglect. If they should not
amend, they shall be tried before the so¬
ciety, or a select number of it and expelled
264
TRIAL OF LAYMEN.
by the preacher in charge, who at the same
time shall state that they are expelled for a
breach of rules and not for immoral con¬
duct.
6. Improper Conduct.
1. Whenever a member shows disobedi¬
ence to the order and discipline of the
Church, or neglects duties of any kind; or
indulges in imprudent conduct, sinful tem¬
pers, words or quarreling; or in speak¬
ing evil of ministers; or in dealing in lot¬
teries or policies, attending dances or horse
races; or engages in playing cards, or in
the pursuit of such other games, or diver¬
sions as cannot be carried on in the name
of our Lord Jesus, let private reproof be
given by a leader or the preacher in charge.
2. If the member on being reproved ac¬
knowledges the truth and show proper hu¬
miliation he may remain on trial. If he
should be charged with the second offense
the leader or preacher may take one or two
faithful friends with him to give reproof.
On the third offense the case must be
brought before the society, or a select num¬
ber of it, and then the offender must be cut
off if there be no real humiliation.
7. Spiritous Liquors.
1. No member of our society shall give,
TRIAL OP LAYMEN. 265
distill, drink, or traffic in spiritous liquors;
or rent, lease, or permit his house or other
property to be used for such purpose.
2. Whosoever violates this rule shall be
dealt with, by the preacher in charge, as he
would be dealt with in other cases of gross
immorality. If found guilty he shall be
deemed censurable, or liable to suspension
according to his conduct.
8. Frauds and Insolvencies.
1. The preachers who have charge of cir¬
cuits and stations are required to fully and
strenuously execute all our rules against
all fraud, and particularly dishonest insol¬
vencies.
2. In all cases, in which a member of our
Church is accused of such crimes and is
summoned by the minister in charge to
answer said accusation, it shall be the duty
of the minister, by request of the parties
concerned, to give his official authority for
the summoning of such witnesses as either
party may name.
3. He shall also order the submission of
all documentary evidence which may be
demanded by either party; and it shall be
the duty of church members, who possess
said evidence, to attend the investigation
and submit it according to order.
266
TRIAL OP LAYMEN.
4. The minister shall deliver a copy of
the charges preferred to the accused person
when ordered for trial.
5. V/e will receive no person in our so¬
ciety as a member who is a slave holder
and members who have slaves and refuse
to emancipate them shall be excluded.
Debts and arbitration. 267
CHAPTER VII.
Debts and Arbitration.
I. Disputes Between Members.
1. On any dispute between two or more
members of our society, concerning the
payment of debts, or other subjects which
cannot be settled by the disputants, the
preacher in charge of the circuit or station
shall inquire into the case and recommend
an arbitration.
2. The committee for the arbitration
shall be formed by the disputants on each
side selecting some member of the society
as an arbiter, and the two arbiters selecting
the third from the society.
2. The Decision.
1. When the judgment is given and any
of the parties be dissatisfied be may apply
to the ensuing Quarterly Conference of the
circuit or station for permission to have a
second arbitration.
2. In this event, if the Quarterly Con¬
ference see sufficient reason, it shall grant
the request.
268 DEBTS AND ARBITRATION.
3. The disputants on each side, shall
choose two arbiters from the society; and
the four shall choose the fifth one from the
society, and the judgment rendered by a
majority of them shall be final. "Should any
refuse to abide by this decision he shall be
excluded from the society.
3 Rejecting Arbitration.
1. If any member of our society in a dis¬
pute over debt or any other cause, refuse
an arbitration when recommended by the
minister in charge, or should he, before
submitting to arbitration, enter into a law¬
suit (except the case be of such a nature
as to justify a process of law) with another
member, he shall be expelled.
4. Non-payment of Debts.
1. Whenever any of our members fail in
business, or contract debts which they are
not able to pay, in order to prevent scandal,
let their accounts be inspected by two or
three judicious members of the society.
2. If it be discovered that they have acted
dishonestly or borrowed money without a
probability of paying it, let them be ex¬
pelled.
3. Whenever a complaint is made against
any member of our church for non-payment
of debts after the accounts have been ad-
debts and arbitration. 269
justed and the amount ascertained, the
preacher in charge shall call him before a
committee of three at least, to inform them
why he has not made payment.
4. The committee shall determine what
further time shall be granted him and
what security, if any, shall be demanded of
him.
5. If he should refuse to comply he shall
be expelled; but he may appeal to the Quar¬
terly Conference, and its decision shall set¬
tle the case.
6. If the creditor complain that justice
has not been done him, he may appeal to
the Quarterly Conference for its decision;
but if he refuse to abide by it he shall be
expelled.
5. Expelled and Withdrawn Members.
1. If any expelled person, except those
who absent themselves from trial after re¬
ceiving due notice to attend, should com¬
plain that he has not received justice, he
shall have the right to appeal to the Quar¬
terly Conference of the circuit or station.
His case shall be settled by a decision of[a
majority of the Conference. Ip
2. After such form of trial and expulsion
no person, without contrition, confession
and acceptance on probation, shall have
270 DEBTS AND ARBITRATION.
any privilege of society or sacrament in the
church; neither shall any elder, deacon or
churches in the same city, unless he com¬
ply with the law governing his case in the
church from which he was expelled. If any
minister violate this provision, he shall be
dealt with as in other cases of mal-admin-
istration.
APPEALS.
271
CHAPTER VIII.
The Order of Appeals.
1. The Triers of Appeals.
1. Each Annual Conference shall select
five judicious and experienced Elders, to be
known as the Triers of Appeals.
2. Formation of the Court.
1. Whenever a member of an Annual
Conference takes exception to his trial and
expulsion from the Conference, or to the
decision of a Bishop, he shall make it known
to the Bishop that he appeals and desires
him to call the Court of Triers.
2. When such notice is given to the Bish¬
op, he shall designate three of the nearest
Conferences from which he will call the
triers to meet at a given place within three
months after notification. They shall have
a reasonable time for their session.
3. Rights of Appellants.
1. The appellant shall have the right to
object to any member of the court, provid¬
ed his objection does not reduce the num-
272 APPEALS.
ber to less than ten, which number shall be
necessary to form a quorum.
2. In all cases where an appeal is made,
he appellant, or his representative, shall
tate the grounds of his appeal, showing
cause why he appeals; and no interruption
shall be allowed in the exercise of his right.
4. Method of Proceeding.
1. When the appeal is taken from a Bish¬
op's decision the triers may be called from
only two neighboring Conferences, as the
appellant's Conference may be the third.
2. The Court shall have one of its mem¬
bers to act as president and one to act as
secretary.
3. The secretary shall keep a faithful
record of the court's proceedings, which
shall be subject to the order of the next
General Conference for its review.
' 4. In all cases which are brought up as
appeals, the following method shall be ob¬
served :
(а) A statement or communication from
the appellant setting^forth his^appeal and
the grounds of it.
(б) The charges, specifications and the
judgment of the court below are heard.
APPEALS. 273
(c) Inquiring if conditions of appeal are
met.
(d) Reading the records "of the trial.
(e) The appellant himself, or counsel, is
heard. *
(f) The court below, i>y its representa¬
tives, replies.
(g) The appellant closes.
(h) The appellant and other representa¬
tives retire, and the Conference decides the
case.
PART VII.
CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES AND
EPISCOPAL DISTRICTS.
1. Conference Boundaries.
II. Episcopal Districts.
276 CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES.
CHAPTER I.
Conference Boundaries.
1. Alabama Conference.—The Ala¬
bama Conference includes that part of the
State of Alabama in the counties of Bar¬
bour, Coffee, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Hous¬
ton, Montgomery, Pike, Covington, and all
of Bullock County south of the Montgom¬
ery and Eufaula Railroad; and Lowndes
county along the line of the "W estern Rail¬
way of Alabama; and all of Dallas county
south of the city of Selma, and east of the
Alabama River, to the northern boundary
of Wilcox county.
2. North Alabama Conference.—The
North Alabama Conference consists of all
the territory in the state north of the
Rome and Decatur Southern Railroad, and
shall include all of each of the following
named counties: Etowah, St. Clair, Bibb,
all of Perry and Hale counties not included
in the central Alabama Conference, and all
of Jefferson County including Oxmoor and
Cleveland, all of Pickens county, and all
CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES. 277
that part of the state lying north and west
of these counties named.
3. Central Alabama Conference.—
The Central Alabama Conference includes
all of Dallas county not included in the
Alabama Conference and all the territory
lying south and west of a line begin¬
ning at the north extremity of Wilcox
county and running southeast and includ¬
ing the territory embraced within Butler,
Conecuh and Escambia counties, and all
the territory south and west of the Soath-
ern Railway, beginning at Marion Junction
and running to Akron, thence west to the
line of Mississippi and including all of
Green county.
4. East Alabama Conference.—The
East Alabama Conference includes the
territory lying north of a line beginning
northwest of Barbour county, including the
Glennville circuit, and running east to the
Chattahoochee River, and all the territory
of Bullock county lying north of the Mont¬
gomery and Eufaula Railroad to the Ala¬
bama River. It shall embrace all the coun¬
ties of Macon, Elmore, Autauga, Chilton,
' Coosa, Talladega, Shelby, Calhoun, Clay-
bourne, and all the territory lying east of
278 CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES.
these counties to the state line of Georgia
and south of the Decatur and Southern
Railroad to Rome, Georgia.
5. Arkansas.—The Arkansas Confer¬
ence includes all that part of Arkansas
north of the "base line" of the State.
6. South Arkansas.—The South Ar¬
kansas Conference remains as agreed upon
by the committee dividing the conferences,
excepting that Mount Pleasant circuit,
South Bend and Saint John are attached
to the East Arkansas Conference.
7. West Arkansas.—The West Arkan¬
sas Conference includes all that part of the
state south of the "base line" and west to
the Saline River to its confluence with the
Ouachita River, and an imaginary straight
line thence to the Louisiana state line, and
Benton, east of the Saline River; excepting
that part of Bradly County west of the
Saline River, which is embraced in the
Sotfth Arkansas Conference.
8. East Arkansas.—The East Arkan¬
sas Conference embraces all of the state not
included in other conference descriptions.
9. Baltimore—The Baltimore Confer¬
ence comprises Maryland and the District
of Columbia.
CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES. 279
10. Bermuda.—The Bermuda Confer¬
ence corresponds with the Islands of Ber¬
muda.
11. California—The California Con¬
ference comprises California and Nevada.
12. Colorado—The Colorado Confer¬
ence comprises Colorado, Wyoming, Utah,
New Mexico and Arizona.
13. Florida—The Florida Conference
embraces &11 that part of the state west of
the eastern boundary of Jefferson county
and the western boundary of Madison
county.
The line dividing the East, South and
Central Florida Conferences begins at
Halifax River, following the East Coast
Railroad, to the east bank of St. John's
River, to the terminus of the Georgia
Southern Railroad, following the said line
to Olusti Creek; excepting Lake Butler,
which shall remain in the Central Florida
Conference, and following said creek to the
Suwanee River and said river to the Gulf
of Mexico. The line between the South
Florida and Central Florida Conferences
remains" unchanged.
14. South and Central Florida—The
Southern and Central Florida Conferences
280 CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES.
are described as follows: Beginning at
Palatka, with the S. F. & "W. R. R. to the
St. John's River, thence to Sanford; from
Sanford, the S. F. & W. R. R. to Bartow
Junction, except the territories of Eaton-
ville circuit, Winter Park station and Or¬
lando station, which places on the west¬
ern side of the S. F. & W. R. R., belong to
the South Florida Conference; St. Cloud,
which is east of said R. R., is included in
the Central Florida Conference. From Bar¬
tow Junction to Port Tampa, the S. F. &
W. R. R.except Tampa, Robles Pond, Seff-
ner, and the Turpentine Still north of Lake¬
land, on the north side of the S. F. & W. R.
R., belong to the South Florida Conference.
All places west and north of the S. F. & W.
R. R., except the places named, belong to
the Central Florida Conference.
15. South florida—-The South Florida
Conference is described as -follows: Begin¬
ning at Palatka with the A. C. L. Railroad,
and extending to the St. John River, thence
to Sanford, from Sanford on the A. C. L.
R. R. to where the counties of Orange,
Lake, Osceola and Polk join, and from
thence following the' lines of Polk, Sumter,
Pasco and Hillsborough to the Gulf of
Mexico, and on the east following the Flor-
CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES. 281
ida East Coast Railroad to Ormond; all on
t-he south side of the railroad, and then all
the entire territory south of the two above
lines lying between the Gulf of Mexico and
the Atlantic Ocean, including the Bahama
Islands; except the territories of Eatonville
circuit and "Winter Park and Orlando sta¬
tions, which charges belong to the South
Florida Conference; and Saint Cloud,
which is included in the Central Florida
Conference.
16. East Florida—The East Florida
Conference is composed of the following
counties, to wit: Franklin, all of Liberty
west of the Appalachicola Northern Rail¬
road, and that part of Gadsden west of said
railroad line, together with all of Jackson,
Calhoun, Washington, Holmes, Walton,
Santa Rosa and Escambia counties.
17. West Florida Conference—The
West Florida Conference begins where
the Georgia and Florida line begins and fol¬
lows the state line 7 and a half (7 1-2)
miles east on said state line to the Appala¬
chicola Northern Railroad, thence south
across said river to the Appalachicola Bay.
All the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, and
continue this railroad down to where Frank¬
lin and Liberty counties join ^thence south-
282 conference boundaries.
east to the Oklockonee river, thence down
south of this river being in the west Florida
Conference and north and east to the Flori¬
da Conference. The "West Florida Confer¬
ence shall be composed of the following
counties, to wit: Franklin, all of Liberty
west of the Appalachicola Northern Rail¬
road, and that pare of Gadsden west of said
railroad line, including Jackson, Calhoun,
W ashington, Holmes, W alton, Santa Rosa,
and Escambia counties, and said descrip¬
tion will constitute the east boundary of the
said line of the "West Florida Conference.
18. Georgia—The Georgia Conference
includes that part of the state south and
southeast of the Macon Conference, and
east of the Southwest Georgia Conference.
19. North Georgia—The'North Geor¬
gia Conference consists of all that part of
Georgia not included in the other confer¬
ences of the state.
20. Macon—The Macon Conference is
bounded op the north by and including the
counties of Columbia, McDuffie, "Warren,
Hancock, Putnam, Jones and Monroe to
and including Barnes\ ille, in Pike County ;
on the east by the Savannah River; on the
south by the northern boundary lines of
the counties of "Worth, Turner, "Wilcox,
CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES. 283
Pulaski, Montgomery and Emanuel; also
that part of Burke County west of the Cen¬
tral Railroad.
21. Southwest Georgia—The South¬
west Georgia Conference includes that part
of the state bounded on the west by the
Chattahoochie River, on the north by and
including Harris,Talbot,Taylor and Macon
counties; east by Flint River, and including
the counties of Dougherty, Mitchell and
Thomas; and on the south by Florida.
22. Atlanta—The Atlanta Conference
includes the counties of Fulton, DeCalb,
Rockdale, Walton, Morgan, Jasper, Butts,
Newton, Henry, Spalding, Fayette, Clayton,
Campbell, Upson and Pike, except Barnes-
ville station.
23. Indiana—The Indiana Conference
comprises the state of Indiana, excepting
Fort Wayne, South Bend, and the Wabash
Circuit.
24. Illinois—The Illinois Conference
includes that part of the state south of
an imaginary line, beginning at the junc¬
tion of the state lines of Indiana and Illinois
on Lake Michigan, and thence diagonally
through Streator, Yates City, Chillicothe
and Bushnell, to Warsaw on the Missis¬
sippi River.
284 CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES.
25. 'Chicago—The Chicago Conference
consists of all that part 6f the state of Ill¬
inois not embraced in the Illinois Confer¬
ence, together with the States of Iowa, Wis¬
consin, Minnesota, North Dakota and
South Dakota.
26. Kansas—The Kansas Conference
comprises Kansas and Nebraska.
27. Kentucky Conference—The Ken¬
tucky Conference comprises all that part
of Kentucky east of an imaginary line
from Carrollton, on the Ohio river, to Bach-
dad, on the Louisville and Nashville Rail¬
road, then to Wadda, on the Louisville
Southern Railroad, then to Campbellsville,
then to Greensburg, thence due south to
Tennessee.
28. West Kentucky Conference—
The West Kentucky Conference includes
that part of the state not described^in the
Kentucky Conference.
29. Louisiana—The Louisiana Confer¬
ence embraces that part of Louisiana south
of the 31st parallel.
30. North Louisiana— The North
Louisiana Conference comprises that part
of the state north of the 31st parallel.
31. Missouri Conference—The Mis-
CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES. 285
souri Conference shall comprise that part
of_ the state lying south of the Missouri
River, including the counties of Cooper,
Pettis and Johnson.
32. North Missouri—The North Mis-'
souri Conference comprises all that part of
the state not described in the Missouri and
the Southwest Missouri Conferences.
33. Southwest^Missouri Conference
—The Southwest Missouri Conference
comprises the Presiding Elder Districts of
Kansas City and Sedalia, without Cooper,
Pettis and Johnson counties.
34. Mississippi—The Mississippi Con¬
ference comprises all that part of Missis¬
sippi south of an imaginary straight line
from Warrenton through Macon to Ala¬
bama; excluding Jackson, but including
Meridian, and also Yellow Pines, Alabama.
35. North Mississippi—The North
Mississippi Conference embraces that part
of the state north and west of the Southern
Railroad, including Greenville and West
Point; except that a line between the North
Mississippi Conference and the Northeast
Mississippi Conference, beginning at the
Southern Railroad, east of Greenwood and
that said line go north to Tennessee, leav-
286 CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES.
ing to the Northeast Mississippi Confer¬
ence all the territory not occupied by the
North Mississippi Conference.
36. Northeast Mississippi Conference
'—Let Greenwood be the southwestern
boundary line, then let the Y. M. V. R. R.
(called Peavine) line from Greenwood to
"Whaley, going toward Grenada, thence up
line between Carroll and LeFlore counties,
directly north through Tallahatchie county,
thence between Quitman and Panola coun¬
ties, thence between Tunica and Tate coun¬
ties, thence north to eastern boundary of
Tunica, through DeSota county north to
the Tennessee line, constitute the eastern
boundary of the Northeast Mississippi Con¬
ference.
. 37. East Mississippi Conference—
The East Mississippi Conference boundary
line shall begin twelve miles west of Jack¬
son, Miss., at the northern line of the Missis¬
sippi Conference and run north to Clinton
to the Yazoo River up to Greenwood, Miss.,
south of the Southern R. R. up to Colum¬
bus, Miss, (except West Point, which is in
the Northeast Conference) shall constitute
the East Mississippi Conference.
38. Central Mississippi—The Central
Mississippi Conference includes Jackson
CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES. 287
and all parts of the state not included in
descriptions, of other conferences; except
the White Cemetery in the town of Green¬
ville, between the North Mississippi Con¬
ference and the Central Mississippi Con¬
ference. The Central Mississippi Con¬
ference shall include all the territory south
of the Southern Railroad.
39. Michigan—The Michigan Confer¬
ence comprises all the State of Michigan,
and also Fort "Wayne, South Bend, and t\\e
Wabash Circuit, Indiana.
40. New York—The New York Con¬
ference coincides with the State of New
York.
41. New England—The New England
Conference embraces the New England
States.
42. New Jersey—The New Jersey Con¬
ference comprises all the state and Easton
in Pennsylvania.
43. North Carolina—The North Car¬
olina Conference includes that part of the
state east of the eastern boundary line of
the counties of Vance, Franklin, Wake,
and the southeastern section of Chatham,
Moore and Richmond counties.
44. Western North Carolina—The
288 CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES.
"Western North Carolina Conference in¬
cludes that part of the state not included
in the description of the North Carolina
Conference.
45. Nova Scotia—The Nova Scotia
Conference comprises Nova Scotia, Prince
Edward's Islands and New Brunswick.
46. Ohio—The Ohio Conference com¬
prises that part of the state south of the
B. & 0. Railroad from Bellaire to, and in¬
cluding, Columbus, also Cambridge; and
south and southeast of the Pennsylvania
Lines to, and including Cincinnati, also
South Charleston, Cedarville, Wilberforce
and Xenia; excepting London, Harveys-
burg and Mainville.
47. North Ohio—The North Ohio
Conference includes that part of the state
not described in the Ohio Conference.
48. Ontario—The Ontario Conference
comprises Ontario and Quebec.
49 Oklahoma Conference—The Okla¬
homa Conference embraces all that part
of the State known as Oklahoma Territory
up to statehood, and also Chickasha, Dun¬
can and W auricks and Oklahoma.
50. Central Oklahoma Conference—
Shawnee, Brooksville and Earlsboro are
CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES. 289
detached from the Oklahoma Conference
and attached to the Central Oklahoma
Conference, and the boundary line shall
be known as the 0. C. R. R., runniiig by
Blanchis, coming to Purcell, one mile
north to the Canadian River, and a base
line running northeast to the Rock Island,
one mile west of Shawnee, Okla., and five
lniles north, thence direct north to the
Seminole Nation.
51. Northeast Oklahoma—The North¬
east Oklahoma Conference consists of the
Creek, Cherokee and Osage Nations.
52. Philadelphia— The Philadelphia
Conference comprises the counties of Pike,
Northampton, Schuylkill, Dauphin, Cum¬
berland, Franklin. Fulton: the city ^f Sha-
mokin, all the state of Pennsylvania east of
said^counties, excepting Easton, together
with the State of Delaware.
53. Pittsburgh—The Pittsburgh Con¬
ference includes those parts of the State of
Pennsylvania not included in the Philadel¬
phia and New Jersey conferences.
54. Puget Sound—The Puget Sound
Conference comprises all the states of Ore¬
gon, "Washington, Montana, Idaho, the ter¬
ritory Alaska, and the provinces of British
290 CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES.
Columbia, Alberta, Assiniboia and Sas¬
katchewan.
. 55. South Carolina Conference—
The South Carolina Conference includes
the counties of Hampton, Dorchester,
Beaufort, Colleton, and Charleston; except
Morris Brown, St. Luke, Ebenezer and
Francis Brown churches in the City of
Charleston, which are in the Palmetto
Conference. • It shall also include The
Target and Eutawville Circuits in the
county of Orangeburg.
56. Northeast South Carolina Con¬
ference—The Northeast South Carolina
Conference comprises the Presiding El¬
der Districts—Marion, Manning, Florence
and Sumter.
57. Columbia (South Carolina) Con¬
ference—The Columbia (South Carolina)
Conference includes the Presiding Elder
Districts—Columbia, Lancaster, Orange¬
burg, Wateree and "Winnsboro.
58. Piedmont (South Carolina) Con¬
ference—The Piedmont (South Carolina)
Conference is composed of the Presiding
Elder Districts—Abbeville, Greenville,
Greenwood and Newberry.
59. Palmetto (South Carolina) Con¬
ference—The Palmetto (South Carolina)
CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES. 291
Conference shall be composed of the coun¬
ties Georgetown, "Williamsburg and Berke¬
ley; and Morris Brown, Ebenezer, St. Luke
and Francis Brown churches in the city
of Charleston.
60. Tennessee—The Tennessee Confer¬
ence is bounded on the east by and includes
the counties of Giles, Marshall, Bedford,
Cannon, DeKalb, Smith, Jackson and Ma¬
con; on the west by and includes Robert¬
son, Davidson, Williamson, Lewis and
Wayne and that part of Harding, lying east
of the Tennessee River; on the south by
Alabama and on the north by Kentucky.
61. West Tennessee—The West Ten¬
nessee Conference embraces all that part of
the state west of the Tennessee Confer¬
ence; and also the towns Hickman and Ful¬
ton in Kentucky.
62. East Tennessee—The East Ten¬
nessee Conference includes Lincoln, Moore,
Coffee and Warren counties, and all the
territory east of the North Carolina and
Virginia line.
63. Texas—The Texas Conference com¬
prises that part of the state east of the
Brazos River, south of a line corresponding
with the south boundary of Falls, Lime-
292 CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES.
stone, Freestone, Henderson, Smith, Gregg
and Harrison counties.
64. Central Texas—The Central Tex¬
as Conference embraces that part of the
state south of the T. & P. Railroad and west
of the M. K. & T. Railroad, from Fort
Worth to McLennan county; the eastern
boundary of McLennan and Falls counties;
the Brazos River to the I. & G. N. Railroad
and said road to Bexar county, and on the
south by a line corresponding with the
north boundary line of the counties of
Bexar, Medina, Uvalde and Kenney, con¬
tinuing to Mexico, including all towns in
the above lines, excepting Fort Worth. The
Republic of Mexico is included.
65. Northeast Texas—The Northeast
Texas Conference comprises that part of
the state north of the Texas Conference
and the Central Texas Conference.
66. West Texas Conference—The
West Texas Conference: The M. K. & T.
R. R., from Brazos River, on the east to
Smithville, on the north, the M. K. & T.
R. R. to Smithville, west to San Antonio,
to the I. G. R. R. from San Antonio
west to Laredo, Texas, and a corresponding
line through the Republic of Mexico, and
including New Hope and Rockdale, marks
CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES. 293
the division line of the "West Texas Confer¬
ence. Smithville and La Grange are in¬
cluded.
67. Southwest Texas Conference—
The Southwest Texas Conference com¬
prises that territory south and east of the
above-mentioned lines.
68. Virginia—The Virginia Conference
comprises the State of Virginia.
69. "West Virginia—The West Virginia
Conference includes the state of West
Virginia.
70. Liberia Conference—The Gold
Coast Conference is merged into the Li¬
beria Conference, and the Liberia Co infer¬
ence shall extend from the colony of Sierra
Leone, so as to take in Liberia, French
Ivory Coast, Gold Coast, Upper and Lower
Nigeria and Lagos.
71. Sierra Leone—The Sierra Leone
Conference includes Sierra Leone and ad¬
jacent country.
72. Cape Colony—The Cape Colony
Conference comprises all of Cape Colony,
Pondoland and Namaqualand.
73. Transvaal Conference—The
Transvaal Conference comprises Trans-
294
CONFERENCE BOUNDARIES.
vaal, Swayzland, Portuguese Coast (Africa)
and Bechuanaland.
74. Orange River Colony Conference
—The Orange River Colony Conference
comprises Orange River Colony and Basu-
to land.
75. The Zambesi Conference—Com¬
prises Rhodesia.
76. Natal—The Natal Conference com¬
prises Natal, Matogoland, Grequoland,
East and Zululand.
The General Conference of 1900 passed
enabling acts for the organization of an
additional conference in each of the states
of Georgia and Arkansas.
EPISCOPAL DISTRICTS.
295
CHAPTER II.
Episcopal Districts and Assignments.
First District—Bishop Evans Tyree,
M. D., D. D., Philadelphia, New York,
New Jersey, New England Conferences.
Second District—Bishop Levi J. Cop-
pin, D. D., Baltimore, Virginia, North
Carolina, "Western North Carolina Confer¬
ences.
Third District—Bishop Cornelius T.
Shaffer, M. D., D. D.,Ohio, North Ohio,
Pittsburg, "West Virginia Conferences.
Fourth District—Bishop Benjamin F.
Lee, D. D. Indiana, Illinois, Chicago, Ken¬
tucky, West Kentucky Conferences.
Fifth District—Bishop H. Blanton
Parks, D. D., LL. D., Missouri, North Mis¬
souri, Southeast Missouri, Kansas, Colora¬
do, California, Puget Sound Conferences.
Sixth District—Bishop Joseph S. Flip¬
per, D. D., LL. D., Georgia, North Georgia,
Macon, Atlanta, Southwest Georgia Con¬
ferences.
296
EPISCOPAL DISTRICTS.
Seventh District—Bishop Henry M.
Turner, D. D., LL. D., D. C. L. South
Carolina, Columbia, Northeast South Caro¬
lina, Piedmont, Palmetto Conferences.
Eighth District—Bishop James M.
Connor, D. D., Mississippi, North Missis¬
sippi, Northeast Mississippi, Central Mis¬
sissippi, East Mississippi, Louisiana, North
Louisiana Conferences.-
Ninth District—Bishop Joshua H.
Jones, A. M., D. D., Tennessee, "West Ten¬
nessee, East Tennessee, Alabama, North
Alabama, East Alabama, Central Alabama
Conferences.
Tenth District—Bishop Charles Spen¬
cer Smith, D. D., Texas, "West Texas,
Northeast Texas, Central Texas and
Southwest Texas Conferences.
Eleventh District—Bishop John
Hurst, D. D., Florida, East Florida, South
Florida, Central Florida and West Florida
Conferences.
Twelfth District—Bishop "William D.
Chappelle, A. M., D.D., Arkansas, "West
Arkansas, South Arkansas, East Arkansas',
Oklahoma, Central Oklahoma and North¬
east Oklahoma Conferences.
Thirteenth District—Bishop "William
EPISCOPAL DISTRICTS.
297
H. Heard, D. D., Liberia, Sierre Leone,
Conferences.
Fourteenth District—Bishop John
Albert Johnson, D. D., Cape Colony,
Transvaal, Orange River, Zambesi, Natal
Conferences.
Fifteenth District—Bishop William
B. Derrick, D. D., LL. D., Bermuda, Nova
Scotia, Ontario, Michigan Conferences and
all the West Indies and South America.
PART VIII.
MISSIONARY SOCIETIES.
I. Parent Home and Foreign Mis¬
sionary Society.
II. Local Home and Foreign Mis¬
sionary Society.
III. Parent "Woman's Mite Mission¬
ary Society.
Annual Conference.
Auxiliary Societies.
IV. Woman's Home and Foreign Mis¬
sionary Society.
Auxiliary Societies.
V. Board of City Missions.
300
p. h. & f. missionary society.
CHAPTER I.
Parent Home and Foreign Missionary
Society.
I. Preamble and Constitution.
Whereas, We the members of the African M.
E. Church, in General Conference assembled, have
seen for years, and still see, with deepest Christian
anxiety, the deplorable spiritual and mental condi¬
tion of our people—cur brethren, "bone of our
bone, and flesh of our flesh,"—who inhabit both
hemispheres, which the word of God declares
shall be lighted up with the glorious rays of the
"Sun of Righteousness;" and
Whereas, We further remember with deep
emotion the last command of our ascending Lord,
"Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel,"
and trying to prove our love by our obedience, we
therefore resolve hereby to form ourselves into a
Parent Missionary Society for the purposes and
object hereinafter mentioned:
1. Title.
This institution shall be designated the
Home and Foreign Missionary Department
of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
2. Objects.
Its objects are to diffuse more generally
P. H. & P.. MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 301
the blessings of education and support
mission schools and churches throughout
the United States and in foreign lands, un¬
der such rules and regulations as the Gen¬
eral Conference and General Missionary
Board, may from time to time prescribe.
3. Conditions of Membership.
Any person of good moral character
may become a member, and said member¬
ship is continued upon the annual payment
of one dollar. The payment of ten dollars
at one time constitutes a life membership,
or twenty dollars an honorary manager for
life, and the contribution of fifty dollars
shall constitute the donor an honorary pa¬
tron for life. Any such manager or patron
shall be entitled to a seat, with all the priv¬
ileges of regular members, except voting.
4. Board of Managers.
The management shall be vested in a
Board, consisting of the Bishops, one of
whom shall be President, eleven traveling
ministers, nine laymen, the Presidents of"
• the "Woman's Parent Mite Missionary So¬
ciety, and the Woman's Home and Foreign
Missionary Society, and the Corresponding
Secretary, elected at the General Confer¬
ence. Vacancies in the Board shall
302 p. H. & F. MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
be filled by the Bishops. The Board
shall have power to make by-laws not in¬
consistent with the constitution, _ or the
genius of Methodism, fill, all vacancies that
may occur among the officers of its own
election, select'fields to be occupied, appoint
missionaries, and arrange for the general
conduct of the affairs of the Society. It
shall also present a statement of its trans¬
actions to the Church annually, and submit
a report to the General Conference quad¬
rennially. The Board shall organize at the
General Conference, by electing a president
and recording secretary, submitting the
organization to the General Conference for
ratification. Nine Managers at any meet¬
ing of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
5, Corresponding Secretary.
There shall be a Corresponding Secretary
of this Department elected by the General
Conference, whose salary shall be thirteen
hundred and fifty dollars per year. The sec¬
retary shall be subject.to the direction of
the General Missionary Board, and be ex¬
clusively employed in conducting the cor¬
respondence of the Society, providing the
Church with missionary intelligence, su¬
pervising all missionary interests, deviling
P. H. & P. MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 303
ways and means for the collection of funds
and by all the means at his command, labor
to bring the Society into the broadest field
of Christian activity and usefulness. Should
the office become vacant by death, resigna¬
tion or otherwise, the Bishops shall appoint
his successor.
6. Auxiliaries.
Each Annual Conference shall have a
Missionary Society, composed of all its
members and any others who may elect to
unite; said society shall be auxiliary to the
parent body, and shall be under such regu¬
lations as the Annual Conferences shall re¬
spectively prescribe. Provided, however,
that said regulations do not conflict with
the general missionary plan.
7. Missionary Committee.
The General Conference shall constitute
each Annual Conference a mission district
represented by a Board elected for that pur¬
pose, whose duty it shall be to confer with
the general managers as to ways and means
and assist in carrying out the plans of the
Society in the district, that the church may
be the more speedily organized and the
largest amounts of money raised for mis¬
sion purposes. The Board shall in con-
304 P. H. & F. MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
junction with the Corresponding Secretary,
hold or cause to be held, an Annual Mis¬
sionary Convention in the Conference Dis¬
trict. The place of meeting to be fixed
by the Presiding Bishop. The objects of
said meetings are:
1. To diffuse missionary intelligence, by
adopting plans to circulate the Voice of
Missions and other missionary literature.
2. To organize our churches'and Sab¬
bath schools into missionary societies.
3. To collect missionary funds.
The Board of each Conference District
shall furnish a report of all the doings of
the district to the Annual Conference and
to the General Corresponding Secretary,
for publication. Blanks for reports shall
be supplied by the General Missionary De¬
partment.
8. Collection and Appropriation of Funds.
1. That there may be uniformity in work,
and a more judicious and equitable dis¬
bursement of mission funds, it is made the
duty of the General Board of Managers to
determine each year the amount necessary
to carry on the home and foreign mission¬
ary enterprise of the Church, and divide
the same pro rata among the several An¬
nual Conferences for collection.
P. H. & F. MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 305
2. Each Annual Conference, through its
Bishop and Conference Missionary Board,
shall apportion the above assessment to the
churches within the district, severally, ac¬
cording to the membership, or the ability
to pay.
3. Each pastor knowing the amount due
from his charge, shall use every exertion
by all fair means to collect the same, and
report to his conference, on the Bishop
asking the question, "How much collected
for missions this year?" Said collection to
embrace the following:
(1) The pastor's annual dues to the Con¬
ference Missionary Society.
(2) The dues of local members of the
Conference and of the so'ciety, who cannot
attend its meetings.
(3) The annual dues of the laity in each
charge.
(4) The collections on Easter Day in all
churches and Sunday Schools, on which day
no collection shall be taken for any other
purposes than missions, one-half of which
shall be sent within ten days to the Confer¬
ence Secretary-Treasurer and appropriated
by the Annual Conference to the support
of home missions. It shall be used for
306 P. H. & F. MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
no other purposes. The other one-half of
Easter day collections shall be forwarded
to the General Secretary of Missions with¬
in ten days after Easter day.
(5) One-half of all moneys collected on
Children's Day—the second Sunday of
June.
(6) Eight (8) per cent, of the Dollar
Money which shall be paid to the General
Secretary of Mission, who shall apply one-
half of said fund to the support of foreign
missions and pay one-half to aid Home
Missionary work.
(7) Every congregation and Sunday
School is a missionary society, and our pas¬
tors and superintendents shall so rule and
so teach the people.
(8) The pastors of our churches shall
adopt and enforce the general missionary
plan for raising funds not only on Easter
Sabbath, but by lifting Annual Conference
Missionary collections, giving concerts, etc.
(9) Any conference or church is at lib¬
erty to engage in local missionary enter¬
prises, after it has complied with the fore¬
going requirements.
(10) It is an indispensable part of our
Christian duty to pray to Almighty God
for a blessing upon this and similar
P. H. & P. MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 307
organizations engagediin the propagation
of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To this end
Easter Sunday is set apart to be observed
in all _ our churches and Sabbath schools as
Missionary Day, and monthly or quarterly
concert prayer meetings are to be made
special seasons of invocation and offering
for the sacred cause of missions.
(11) Pastors are required to lift a mis¬
sionary collection independently of Easter
Sunday, and report the same to their An¬
nual Conferences, which may be divided
thus: fifty per cent, for the work within its
bounds; the remaining fifty per cent, shall
be transmitted to the General Secretary of
Missions.
(12) Wilful violations of these rules
shall be treated as all other cases of neglect
of duty.
9. The Annual Conference Society.
The Bishop, all members, local and itin¬
erant, and probationers of each annual con¬
ference with others shall constitute a Mis¬
sionary Society and shall pay one dollar
each on entering, and one dollar annually.
10. Sessions and Officers.
The sessions shall be held annually at
the place and in the time of the Annual
Conference. The Bishop being president
308 P. H. & F. MISSIONARY SOCIETY-
ex-officio; the Society shall elect a Vice
President, a Recording Secretary, a Cor¬
responding Secretary, a Treasurer and an
executive board annually, whose duties
shall be such as are common to their res¬
pective offices in similiar bodies, excepting
that the executive board shall co-operate
with similar boards and the Bishop, in all
the conferences of their episcopal district,
to devise ways and means for enlarging
the missionary collection on Easter Day
and for the holding of a great episcopal
district missionary mass meeting once a
year, for the purpose of diffusing the mis¬
sionary spirit and collecting funds for the
cause of missions.
11. The Annual Conference Board.
Each Annual Conference Missionary
Society shall elect a board consisting of
five members; three traveling ministers and
two laymen, yearly; whose duty shall be to
consider the ability of the Annual Confer¬
ence, and report the same to the Annual
Conference society with recommendations;
distributing these responsibilities among
the several pastors and charges. This board
shall also find out the necessities of the mis¬
sionaries in the conference and recommend
P. H. & P. MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 309
to the conference the sum that should be
allowed to each. All funds of this society
shall be divided between the Parent Home
and Foreign Missionary office and the Mis¬
sionary Board of the Annual Conference
for application according to the laws for
distribution of the several classes of mis¬
sionary funds fifty per cent, to the An¬
nual Conference and the Connectional
Office,—General Conference—1912.
310
LOCAL H. & F. MISSIONARY SOCIETIES.
CHAPTER II.
Constitution for Local H. and F. Mis¬
sionary Societies.
Article 1.
The object of this organization shall be
to bring into its folds all those in the A. M.
E. Church who are desirous of laboring
for the promotion and extension of Chris-
tion missions at home and abroad.
Article 2.
The officers of this society shall consist
of a President, Vice President, Recording
Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, and
an Executive Board of five persons.
Article 3.
The duty of the President shall be to pre¬
side at all meetings of the Society, to settle
all questions of law and rules of order, to
sign all documents and labor assiduously
for the promotion of this society. The Vice
President shall perform all duties of the
President in his absence.
The duty of the Recording Secretary
shall be to keep a correct minute of all meet-
LOCAL H. & P. MISSIONARY SOCIETIES. 311
ings of the Society and record the same
properly in a book provided for that pur¬
pose, call the roll at each meeting, credit
every member with the amount of dues
paid in, keep a correct account of all mon¬
eys paid into the Society, and countersign
all legal documents.
Article 4.
The Corresponding Secretary shall write
such letters as the good of the Society.may
require from time to time, or as may be or¬
dered by the society to sister organizations,
Bishops, General Officers and women's mis¬
sionary organizations, and submit a quar¬
terly report of the receipts and expendi¬
tures of the Society to the General Secre¬
tary of the Parent Home and Foreign Mis¬
sionary Department of the A. M. E.
Church, sending him 50 per cent, of all
moneys received by the society every quar¬
ter, and paying 50 per cent, to the pastor
in charge annually to be reported to the
Annual Conference, to be accounted for by
the conference board of missions.
Article 5.
It shall be the duty of the Treasurer of
this Society to receive all moneys paid in
to the Society and pay the same over to
the Corresponding Secretary, to be dis-
312 LOCAL H. & F. MISSIONARY SOCIETIES.
bursed to the persons and in the ratio set
forth in article fourth of this constitution.
Article 6.
It shall be the duty of the Executive
Committee, in conjunction with the pastor,
to arrange for the holding of such meetings
as will strengthen and enlighten the mem¬
bers of the Society on the subject of mis¬
sions, and to plan for such lectures, enter¬
tainments and such other gatherings as
shall aid in the accomplishment of this end,
and increase the revenue.'
Article 7.
The pastor shall report to the Annual
Conference all of the 60 per cent, raised
by the local H. and F. Missionary Society.
Article 8.
The Society shall hold a meeting every
month for the purpose of transacting busi¬
ness.
Article 9.
The order of business meetings shall be
as follows: Singing, prayer, Reading the
Scriptures, Singing, Calling Roll, Reading
the Minutes, Paying Dues, Regular Busi-
LOCAL H. & F. MISSIONARY SOCIETIES. 313
ness, Unfinished Business, Reading Com¬
munications. At each meeting an address
shall be made by the pastor, President or
an invited guest.
Article 10.
There shall be an entrance fee of 10 cents
imposed upon each member, and a monthly
fee of 5 cents.
Article 11.
All people of good moral character shall
be eligible to. membership in this Society.
314
P. W. M. M. SOCIETY.
CHAPTER III.
Constitution of the Parent Woman's
Mite Missionary Society.
Article 1.
This society shall be called the Woman's
Parent Mite Missionary Society of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Article 2.
The object shall be to aid the Home and
Foreign Missionary Society of the A. M.
E. Church in its effort to support mission¬
aries and extend the Foreign Missionary
work.
Article 3.
Every person paying $1 annually shall
be considered a member of this society.
The payment of five dollars shall constitute
life membership. Every conference branch
shall be entitled to two delegates, elected
by ballot.
Article 4.
A special meeting of the society may be
called at any time by the President, on th
e
P. W. M. M. SOCIETY.
315
request of five members of the Board and
a majority of the Bishops.
Article 5.
The officers of this society shall be a
president, two vice-presidents, two secre¬
taries, a treasurer and an executive board.
Article 6.
The constitution may be altered only by
the General Conference.
Article 7.
There may be a conference "Woman's
Mite Missionary Society organized in the
bounds of every Annual Conference, which
shall report quarterly to the Parent Society,
stating the number of its auxiliaries, the
work accomplished by them, the moneys
received from them, and forwarded 50 per
cent, of the same to the General Secretary
of the Parent Home and Foreign Mission¬
ary Society.
Article 8.
The Conference Woman's Mite Mission¬
ary Society shall organize auxiliaries in
every church within its boundaries. The
moneys of the Conference branches shall
be as follows: 50 per cent, to the Gen¬
eral Secretary of Missions, and 50 per cent.
316
P. W. M. M. SOCIETY.
to the annual conference under the direc¬
tion of the Bishop and Presiding Elder.
Duties of Officers.
The president shall preside at all meet¬
ings, appoint all committees not otherwise
provided for, and perform such other duties
as are common to the office. She shall call
special meetings at the request of five mem¬
bers and a Bishop, and shall be ex-officio a
member of all standing committees.
The vice-president shall in the absence of
the president perform all the duties of her
office.
The Recording Secretary, shall keep a
correct record of the proceedings of the
meetings held and give proper notice of and
arrange for all special and stated meetings.
The Corresponding Secretary shall con¬
duct the official correspondence of the so¬
ciety. She shall prepare the annual re¬
port of the Executive Board, and present
to the society the reports received from the
missionaries whom it supports wholly or in
part.
The Treasurer shall receive and hold and
keep an account of all money coming to
the society and disburse it as the Executive
Board, in co-operation with the General
Secretary of Missions, may direct, and shall
P. W. M. M. SOCIETY.
317
not retain more than $550 in the treasury,
subject to Article 2 of this constitution.
She shall report the state of the treasury at
each regular meeting. Her annual report
shall be examined by three auditors, ap¬
pointed by the society.
Meetings.
The annual meeting of the society shall
be held the first Thursday in November at
such place as the Secretary may designate.
-The election of officers by ballot shall take
place every four years.
Quadrennial Meeting.
Upon the call of the Parent Mite Society
there shall be a meeting of the women in
the church, within October, preceding
the General Conference.
Purpose.
The purpose of the meeting shall be to
consider the missionary situation and to
plan for the propagation of the gospel of
Christ.
Floor Privileges.
The following persons shall be eligible
to all floor privileges: Officers and mem¬
bers of the Parent Mite Society who have
paid dues for the entire quadrennium; del¬
egates elected by the conference branches
318 ANNUAL CONFER. W. M. M. SOCIETY.
one delegate being elected to each twenty
conference members.
Constitution of the Annual Confer¬
ence Branch, "Woman's Mite Mis¬
sionary Society.
Article 1—Object.
The object of the Conference Branch
Woman's Mite Missionary Society is to
act as an auxiliary body to the Parent Mite
Missionary Society of the A. M. E. Church,"
according to the constitutional provisions
of the latter.
Article 2—Officers.
The officers of the society shall consist of
a president, two vice-presidents, one re¬
cording secretary, one assistant secretary,
one corresponding secretary, and a treasur¬
er. The president, recording secretary and
five members elected annually at the con¬
vention, by ballot, shall constitute the
Executive Board.
Article 3—Duties of Officers.
The duty of the president shall be to
preside over all meetings of the society,
call extra meetings on request of one-third
of the members, oversee the execution of
the spirit of this constitution, draw orders
ANNUAL CONFER. W. M. M. SOCIETY. 319
on the treasurer for all funds of the society,
according to the constitution, and report
every order drawn to the recording secre¬
tary. She may travel through any part of
the work if so ordered by the society.
The vice-presidents shall perform the
duties common to their offices. The re¬
cording secretaries shall record the acts
of meetings in a regular and orderly book,
countersign all orders drawn on the treas¬
ury by the president, recording said orders,
fully described, and forward the same to
the treasurer. The corresponding secre¬
tary shall correspond quarterly with the
corresponding secretaries of the society's
auxiliaries of her conference district, and
report quarterly to the corresponding secre¬
tary of the P. W. M. M. Society, the first
Tuesday in August, November, February
and May, stating the amount of funds and
with the president of her Conference
Branch.
The Board shall print regular correspond¬
ence forms for the secretary's use, which
shall provide (1) for reports from the aux¬
iliaries, giving the state of membership and
funds, amounts forwarded, etc.; (2) for re¬
porting to the corresponding secretary of
the P. W. M. M. Society and the president of
320 ANNUAL CONFER. W. M. M. SOCIETY.
the Annual Conference Branch. The duties
of the treasurer shall be to receive all funds
of the Annual Conference Woman's Mite
Missionary Society, keep record of the
same, honor and record all orders drawn on
the treasurer by the president of the Con¬
ference Branch, and keep a full record of all
orders reported by the auxiliary societies.
The Executive Board shall prepare and
print the program for the annual conven¬
tion six months before the date of opening.
Article 4—M,embership.
Any woman or girl approved by the
society may become a member of the
society and hold said membership by
a payment of fifty cents admission fee
and fifty cents annually; or a life mem¬
ber by the payment of five dollars, at one
time. Auxiliary delegates to the conven¬
tion may become members by paying the
regular fee. Men and boys may become
honorary members by the payment of fifty
cents, and hold said honorary membership
by the payment of twenty-five cents each
annually.
Article 5.—Meetings.
The society shall hold a meeting annual¬
ly, at such time and place as may be agreed
ANNUAL CONFER. W. M. M. SOCIETY. 321
to by the meeting preceding. Besides the
members, the Conference Branch may in¬
clude one delegate from every auxiliary
society, and these societies having more
than twenty members, one delegate for
every twenty or fraction thereof. The busi¬
ness of the meeting shall be (1) To hear re¬
ports from each auxiliary society in its
respective jurisdiction. (2) To receive all
funds collected for its sustenance or other
purposes. (3) To render a dignified and
thoughtful program, remembering always
to give much time to spiritual services. (4)
To devise and formulate plans for strength¬
ening the work. (5) To stimulate subscrip¬
tions to the Voice of Missions. (6) At the
fourth annual meeting in each quadren-
nium they may elect delegates, one for
every twenty members, to the'quadrennial
convention of the P. "W. M. M. Society. (7)
To provide for the traveling expenses of
the same.
The expenses of the delegates must not
come out of the regular dues, but must be
provided for by special efforts.
Article 6.—Disbursement of Funds.
All funds received from admission fees,
membership dues, auxiliaries, and all such
322
LOCAL W. M. M. SOCIETY.
other funds as may be paid to the secretary
shall be disbursed, 50 per cent, to the Gen¬
eral Secretary of the Home and Foreign
Missionary office, and 50 per cent, to
the missionaries in the bounds of the An¬
nual Conference, under the advice of the
Bishop, recommended by the Presiding
Elder. Special funds may be raised for
special purposes.
Article 7.—Certificates.
The Conference Branch shall prepare
and issue a certificate to be given to mem¬
bers moving from one town to another,
commending them to the W. M. M. work¬
ers of the new town in which they may
settle.
By-Laws.
By-laws not inconsistent with this con¬
stitution may be added at the annual meet¬
ing.
Constitution of the Woman's Mite
Missionary Auxiliaries.
Article 1.
This society shall be called (here give
any chosen name as a prefix to ""Woman's
Mite Missionary Society") Woman's Mite
Missionary Society.
Its object shall be to aid the Parent
LOCAL W. M. M. SOCIETY. 323
"Woman's Mite Missionary Society in its
effort to support, the foreign work of the
Parent Home and Foreign Missionary
Society of the A. M. E. Church and to
support the home missionary work, within
the bounds of the Annual
Conference.
Article 2.—Membership.
The Pastor shall be ex-officio member of
the society.
Any woman or girl of good moral stand¬
ing may become a member and continue a
member of the society on the payment of
entrance fee and monthly dues. Men and
boys may become honorary members by
making a contribution to the society
monthly.
All moneys collected as fees and other¬
wise shall be forwarded by the treasurer
once every three months, on dates fixed by
the Annual Conference W. M. M. Con¬
vention, to the treasurer of the Annual
Conference W. M. M. Society, in the ratio
of 50 and 50 per cent.; respectively, to be
divided between the Home and Foreign
work.
Article 3.—Officers.
The officers of this society shall be a
324
LOCAL W. M. M. SOCIETY.
president, two vice-presidents, a recording
secretary, a corresponding secretary, a
treasurer, a librarian, and an executive
board of three. These officers shall be
elected by ballot, at the first monthly
meeting after the Annual Conference W.
M. M. Convention.
Article 4.—Duties of Officers.
The president shall preside at all meet¬
ings, draw orders on the treasurer for re¬
mittances to the Annual Conference . M.
M. treasurer quarterly, or oftener if neces¬
sary, and for all payments made by the sec¬
retary, and do all in her power to stimulate
activity. She shall supply through the re¬
cording secretary a certificate of member¬
ship to every member moving to another
town, the presentation of which shall be
her passport to any auxiliary W. M. M. So¬
ciety. The vice-presidents shall perform
the functions common to their office. The
recording secretary shall keep a record of
all transactions of the society's sessions
(suitable books being furnished), counter¬
sign all orders drawn on the treasurer by
the president, keeping careful record of the
same in an "order book," and perform such
other duties as may be assigned by the so¬
ciety. The corresponding secretary shall
local w. m. m. society. 325
correspond with similar officers in each
auxiliary society of her Conference Branch
at least once a year, publish at church meet¬
ings and at Sunday school, information
that will tend to enlighten the masses on
missionary subjects, act as agent for the
Voice of Missions and other missionary
journals, and write the corresponding sec¬
retary of the P. W. M. M. Society and her
annual'conference corresponding secretary
at least once a year, and transact any other
business referred to her by the society or
president. The treasurer shall receive and
account for all funds of the society, honor
all orders drawn by the president, counter¬
signed by the secretary. The Executive
Committee shall prepare a program and
call a public W. M. M. meeting at least
twice a year, for the dissemination of mis¬
sionary information, especially W.M. M.,
increasing funds and rendering a program.
The recording secretary shall make a re¬
port to the Quarterly Conference.
All officers shall report annually at the
meeting next before convention, oftener if
called upon.
Article 5.—Sessions
The society shall hold a meeting once a
month at such time as may be agreed upon,
326 LOCAL W. M. M. SOCIETY.
when it may render a program and receive
dues from members. At the meeting held
two months before the date of the annual
conference W. M. M. Convention, it shall
elect delegates to the same, providing
funds for their traveling and contingent
expenses. To increase the funds for inciden¬
tal purposes, the "W. M. M. Society may
cause collection baskets to be passed in the
public congregation once a month through¬
out the year, before or after all church
officers and ministers have taken their
collections, to be used only for missionary
purposes.
The auxiliaries shall organize "Juvenile"
societies in all churches, making simple
constitutions for their operation. The
"Juvenile" "societies shall be amenable to
the local auxiliary W. M. M. Society only,
not to the annual conference W. M. M. So¬
ciety, though they may send written re¬
ports, but not delegates to the latter. They
may hold anniversary meetings.
Special funds may be raised for special
local purposes, but all moneys raised for
special purposes be reported to the Annual
Convention in a supplemental report.
W. H. & P. SOCIETY.
327
CHAPTER IV.
The Women's Home and Foreign Mis¬
sionary Society.
Constitution.
Article 1
The society organized September, 1893,
by order of the Missionary Department, is
hereby formed and established a- connec-
tional organization by order of the Gen¬
eral Conference of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church, May 20th, 1896, at its
session in Wilmington, N. C., and shall be
known as the Women's Home and Foreign
Missionary Society of the African M. E.
Church.
Article 2.—Object.
The object of this society shall be to aid
and accelerate the mission work of the A.
M. E. Church. It shall receive and dis¬
burse missionary moneys, which shaH be
contributed by its subordinate societies,
branch organizations, private donations,
collecting agents or otherwise, as herein¬
after provided.
328
W. H. & F. SOCIETY.
Article 3.-
It shall be the duty of this connectional
society, or any of its officers or members,
to organize at every convenience, confer¬
ence and auxiliary societies in any of our
churches, or residences if convenient; said
societies shall report to the Conference or
State organizations in which territory they
are located. The officers and members thus
organized shall report all moneys collected.
Article 4.
The operations of this organization shall
be in connection with and subordinate to
the Missionary Department of the A. M.
E. Church; but in case the said department
should be oppressively exacting, the society
may appeal to the Council of Bishops, or to
the General Conference.
Article 5.
The officers of this society shall consist
of a president from each episcopal district,
a recording secretary, a treasurer, and an
executive committee, to consist of one from
each episcopal district, and such other of¬
ficers as may be found necessary.
Should any member of an episcopal dis¬
trict be absent from a meeting, the presi¬
dent may appoint one of the officers to rep¬
resent the absentee.
W. H. & P. SOCIETY. 329
This shall be the Connectional Board of
the Women's Home and Foreign Mission¬
ary Society, which must meet annually at
such time and place as the Board may agree
upon, or the president or Bishop shall des¬
ignate in the call.
Article 6.
The duties of the president and the re¬
cording and corresponding secretaries shall
be such as usually devolve upon said offi¬
cers; the e^cutive committee shall have
power to audit accounts, give directions,
propose methods, adjust troubles and make
appropriations in the absence of the regular
convention. The president shall have power
to remove inefficient agents and fill vacan¬
cies, subject to an appeal to the regular
convention, or to the executive board, when
two-thirds of the members are present.
Article 7.
The officers of the connectional society
shall be elected annually by the connection¬
al convention, which may consist of the of¬
ficers of the conference societies, viz.: the
president, first vice-president, secretary and
treasurer, or any part of them that may be
able to attend; or the conference societies
may elect not less than two nor more than
five to represent them in the connectional
330 W. H. & F. SOCIETY.
convention. Or if the connectional presi¬
dent shall decide not to call a connectional
convention yearly, the executive committee
may elect the officers.
Article 8.
The recording secretary shall record all
the business transactions of the conventions,
or executive committee, in a book kept for
that purpose, and read the same on demand.
The corresponding secretary ^Jjall corres¬
pond with the Missionary Department of
the A. M. E. Church, missionaries in for¬
eign fields, the secretaries and presidents of
the respective conference societies, and re¬
port what is being done for home and for¬
eign missions, through the women's con¬
nectional papers and such other official or¬
gans as the church may have.
Article 9.
The treasurer shall hold the funds of the
connectional society, and pay out the same
by order of the secretary, countersigned by
the president. She shall furnish the mis¬
sionary department of the A. M. E. Church
with semi-annual reports of all moneys re¬
ceived and apppropriated, and her accounts
shall be audited at the annual meeting, and
her books shall be subject to the inspection
W. H. & P. SOCIETY. 331
of the president or any connectional officer,
at any time desired.
Article 10,
The moneys .of the connectional society
shall consist of fifty per cent, of all moneys
raised by the conference societies and other
auxiliary and juvenile societies, which shall
be forwarded from the said societies to the
connectional society once in every three
months,or as often as necessary, which shall
also be forwarded to the Department of
Missions, or may be appropriated to foreign
mission fields, and the same reported to the
Missionary Department, that due credit
may be given and published. But should
any of the conference or auxiliary societies
forward the fifty per cent, intended for our
foreign mission work directly to the Mis¬
sionary Department of the A. M. E.
Church, they shall report the same to the
treasurer of the Connectional Women's
Home and Foreign Missionary Society, that
proper credit may be given, which should
only be done in very rare or emergent
cases by the appeal of the Secretary of the
Missionary Department.
Article 11.
"While the Women's Home and Foreign
Missionary Society is organized by the
332 W. H. & p. SOCIETY.
women of the A. M. E. Church, persons
of good moral character who have a mind
to work for the noble cause, may organize
special or select societies in halls, parlors,
and residences, subject to the rules and reg¬
ulations that govern other auxiliary socie¬
ties in the territory of the respective con¬
ferences.
Article 12.
The subordinate organizations of the
Women's Home and Foreign Missionary
Society shall consist of conference societies,
auxiliary societies, and juvenile societies.
Constitutions and By-Laws for the govern¬
ment of which will be provided in pamphlet
form, while the will of the Bishops is su¬
preme.
Auxiliary Society Constitution.
Article 1.
Any number of women may form an
auxiliary society within their respective
Annual Conference districts, by electing
the number of officers required by the con¬
stitution, as soon as organized, and take
any name they may choose to adopt, such
as: The Bishop Payne Auxiliary Society,
or the Frederick Douglass Society, Bishop
W. H. & F. SOCIETY. 333
Brown Society, Bishop Ward Society,
Bishop Allen Society, Cincinnati Society,
Nashville Society, New York Society,
Abraham Lincoln Society, etc. And the
corresponding secretary shall forward the
names of the officers to the corresponding
secretary of the Conference Missionary So¬
ciety in which they are located.
Article 2.
The officers of an auxiliary society shall
consist of a president, two vice-presidents,
a recording secretary, corresponding sec¬
retary and treasurer, who, with three di¬
rectors, shall constitute the local executive
Committee. A librarian may be elected
or appointed by the president if the auxil¬
iary desires a literary department.
% Article 3.
Any person may become a member of
the auxiliary society by paying ten cents
on joining the same, and such weekly
or monthly dues as the society may adopt
by a two-thirds vote.
Article 4,
The president, vice-president, and secre¬
taries shall perform the usual duties of such
officers, especially as relates to their duties
as defined elsewhere. The corresponding
334 W. H. & F. SOCIETY.
secretary and treasurer of the conference
society shall make a quadrennial report to
the connectional society at its sitting.
Article 5.
The recording secretary shall keep a true
record of the proceedings of the society,
and the corresponding secretary shall do
the correspondence and notify the pastors
when the society desires the use of the
church, unless it is understood that they
have the use of said church on a certain
night or a certain day. The president shall
have power to remove incompetent, disobe¬
dient or neglectful secretaries, and appoint
others till the regular meeting, when the
interest of the society demands it.
Article 6.
The treasurer shall receive $11 funds from
auxiliary societies and receipt for the same.
Fifty per cent, shall be appropriated at these
annual meetings, or, in case of emergency,
by the executive board for home work with¬
in the bounds of said Annual Conference.
Her accounts shall be audited annually and
her books kept subject to the inspection
of the conference president, or any other
officer. But should the treasurer send the
fifty per cent, that is for foreign missions
direct to the Missionary Department of the
W. H. & F. SOCIETY.
335
church through an appeal from-the Secre¬
tary of Missions, she shall immediately re¬
port the amount sent to the president and
to the secretary of the Connectional Wom¬
en's Home and Foreign Missionary
Society.
Article 7.
The officers should be elected every six
months, at the first meeting in June and
December, and the names of the officers
sent to the corresponding secretary of the
conference society. But when two-thirds of
the members present agree, the officers may
hold over for twelve months, when an elec¬
tion must be had by ballot.
Article 8.
Auxiliary societies, in addition to the
weekly or monthly dues, may solicit money
from the public, give lectures, festivals,
fairs, bazars, literary and musical enter¬
tainments, etc.; but in no instance shall ar¬
dent spirit, or intoxicating drinks be al¬
lowed at any entertainment.
Article 9.
The officers and members shall solicit
other members for their1 respective auxil¬
iary societies, and endeavor to interest every
female member in our church in the mission
336 W. H. & F. SOCIETY.
work; and- wherever consistent, organize
other auxiliary societies, whether the per¬
sons be members of our Church or congre¬
gational attendants. Gentlemen may be
honorary membeis, by paying the regular
fee, and may speak, but shall not be enti¬
tled to a vote in the transaction of any im¬
portant business.
Article 10.
Auxiliary societies are presumed to send
all moneys, both for the home and foreign
missions, to the treasurer of the conference
society. But they may make special efforts
for any particular mission and send the
same, should they so desire. And even this
must be reported to the corresponding sec¬
retary of the conference society. The
amount sent to the conference society by
the auxiliary for the home department shall
be appropriated equally for the purchasing
of church lands or for missionary ministers
by the conference treasurer or president of
said organization at each Annual Confer¬
ence. The secretary shall be furnished a
correct statement by the secretary of the
Annual Conference as to the number of
missions and members with their financial
strength within its bounds. Moneys paid tc
churches or donated to schools or students
W. H. & P. SOCIETY. 337
for Christian education from localities
where said societies abound shall be made
only by recommendation of the president,
signed by the secretary or president of the
conference society when requests are made
by written application, and said amounts
shall not exceed the fifty per cent, belong¬
ing to the home department.
Article 11.
Any auxiliary society so disposed may
elect a librarian, or the president may ap¬
point one, to collect books, minerals, bones,
shells, and various specimens of natural
history for the study and intellectual en¬
lightenment ot its members. Also, tele¬
scopes to examine the heavens, micro¬
scopes to examine the objects invisible to
the natural eye, and other literary and scien¬
tific apparatus, and preserve the same. And
members are expected to donate and collect
such apparatus for the librarian, and make
the auxiliary society a means of general en¬
lightenment as well as an assistance to the
cause of missions. Also mothers' meetings
may be established where plans and ways
for the rearing and bringing up of children,
and the care and protection of the poor
children of the community may be looked
after and discussed.
$38
W. H. & F. SOCIETY.
Article 12
'The auxiliary societies, after meeting
and disposing of their regular missionary
affairs, shall devote the remainder of their
time to reading original poems, lectures
upon the various subjects connected with
life, and thus carry the Missionary and
Literary Departments together. And any
member who shall write, discover, or pro¬
ject anything of high merit shall receive a
certificate of commendation, signed by the
president and secretary.
Article 13.
This constitution as well as the consti¬
tution of the conference societies, may be
amended or modified by the Connectional
"Women's Home and Foreign Missionary
Society, when assembled in conventional
form, but the president shall have power to
grant special privileges when desired in the
interval of the connectional conventions to
suit certain localities.
BOARD OF CITY MISSIONS.
339
CHAPTER V.
Board of City Missions.
An Act to Found City Missions
Section 1. A Board of City Missions,
consisting of all pastors of city churches,
with one influential layman from each city
church represented, shall be established for
the purpose hereinafter designated.
Object,
Section 2. It shall be the duty of the
City Board of Missions to secure a place of
meeting and .organize Sunday schools, fur¬
nish the same with supplies and officers and
teachers from the membership of estab¬
lished churches, and so soon as the time is
opportune, shall organize a class and sup¬
ply the same with a leader.
Section 3. It shall be the duty of the
City Board of Missions to secure the serv¬
ices of an accredited evangelist, to hold
services for the mission, at such time as op¬
portunities may occur after said evangelist
shall have visited all parts of the^section
from house to house, to secure the interest
of the people.
340
BOARD OF CITY MISSIONS.
Section 4. An Evangelist to be accredit¬
ed, must be a member of some Quarterly
Conference, have character examined quar¬
terly, and shall be required to present to
the City Board of Missions a certificate
from the Presiding Elder, in whose Dis¬
trict said Mission is located, of character
and qualification for evangelistic work.
PART IX.
DEPARTMENTS.
I. Publication Department,
II. Sunday School Union.
III. Educational Interests.
IV. Church Extension.
V. Allen Endeavor League.
PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT. 343
CHAPTER I.
The Publication Department.
1 The Book Concern.
The publication Department of the Afri¬
can Methodist Episcopal Church shall be
located in the city of Philadelphia, Pa., and
shall be designated by the corporate title of
1855, "The Book Concern" of the A. M. E.
Church.
2. Its Management.
1. The Department shall be under the
control of a General Business Manager.
The management, in all detail, including
the Christian Recorder, shall be in the
hands of the Business Manager.
2. The Business Manager shall have
charge of the business as printer and pub¬
lisher of the Department. He shall be the
custodian of its property and the treasurer
of its funds.
3. The general supervision of the depart¬
ment shall be in the hands of nine trustees
appointed by the Council of Bishops; six
ministers and three laymen, three of whom
shall be citizens of Pennsylvania as the law
requires. They shall be regularly ineorpor-
344 PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT.
ated according to law, and known as che
Board of Publication of the A. M. E.
Church. The Bishop of the First Episco¬
pal District shall be ex-officio Chairman of
the Board of Management, when sitting as
such. The control of all interests of the
Book Concern of the A. M. E. Church
shall be vested in the aforesaid Board of
Publication absolutely.
3. Duties and Powers of the Board.
1. The Board shall examine and audit
the quarterly and annual reports of the
Business Manager (and the Managing Edi¬
tor of the Review), give advice and instruc¬
tion concerning the business, and pass upon
the editorial management of the Christian
Recorder and the Review and the book
publications issued by the Book Concern;
decide as to the number of persons em¬
ployed, receive and receipt for any quar¬
terly balance in the hands of the Business
Manager and the Managing Editor of the
Review beyond the immediate needs of the
business.
2. The Board shall require of the Busi¬
ness Manager a good and sufficient bond,
properly executed in the sum of three thou¬
sand dollars ($3,000) within three months
from the date of his election, and this bond
PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT. 345
shall be a necessary qualification1 to perform
the functions of the office of Business Man¬
ager The same law applies to the Manag¬
ing Editor of the A. M. E. Review.
3. The Board shall prepare a code of by¬
laws for the regulation and government of
the Book Concern.
4. Upon the advice of the Manager the
prices of books shall be fixed by the Board.
5. It at any time the Business Manager,
Editor jof the Christian Recorder or Man¬
aging Editor of the Review shall be found
incapable of discharging the duties of his
office, the Board of Publication shall have
power, after thorough investigation, to de¬
clare the office or offices vacant.
•
6. When a vacancy occurs in the office
of Manager, Editor or Managing Editor it
shall be filled in the manner following: the
Bishop presiding over the Board of Publi¬
cation, together with two other Bishops of
next adjoining Episcopal Districts shall
name one or more persons to fill the va¬
cancy, and the Board of Publication shall
confirm the nominee, and he shall enter
upon the discharge of his duty and shall re¬
ceive such compensation as may be agreed
upon by the Board,
346 PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT.
7. In all cases of trial by the Board, of
Manager, Editor or Managing Editor, for
any offense, the Bishop, who is president of
the Board, shall preside
4. Publications of the Church.
1. The publications of this Department
shall be The Christian Recorder (the Re¬
view by provision of Council of Bishops),
♦Discipline, *Hymnal, and such books and
other publications as may be deemed neces¬
sary and profitable by the Manager and
Board of Publication.
2. The Editor of the Christian Recorder
shall be subject to the Board of Publication,
to which he shall report annually, but he
shall 'have entire control of the editorial,
reportprial and all literary matter of the
paper.
3. The A. M. E. Review shall be in the
control of a Managing Editor, subject
to the Board of Publication, to which he
shall report annually.
5. Books Sent to Preachers and Agents.
1. "When books are sent to an itinerant
preacher or district Book Steward by his or¬
der and he refuses or neglects to take them
out of the express office, charges shall be
* Evidently an error.—B.
PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT. 347
preferred against him at his Annual Con¬
ference by the General Business Manager,
either in person or by letter, and the same
preacher or agent shall be dealt with as in
cases of wilful dishonesty.
2. All books shall be sold, except to mer¬
chants and regular dealers, for cash only;
provided, however, that the Manager and
Board may adopt such regulations as the
nature of trade may require, taking care
that the rule be published, and that no bills
are allowed to run.
6. Boards of Management of the South¬
ern, Western and South African
Christian Recorders.
1. The supervision of the business of the
Southern Christian Recorder shall be vest¬
ed in a Board of Management, composed
of one Bishop, who shall be president; and
one person from each Episcopal District,
named by the Council of Bishops. This
board shall give advice and instruction
concerning the business, and shall audit
the reports of the Managing Editor or the
Southern Christian Recorder, who shall
submit an annua* report to the Board.
2. The supervision of the Western Chris¬
tian Recorder shall be vested in a Board of
348 PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT.
Management, composed of one Bishop, who
shall be its president, and one person from
each Episcopal District, appointed by the
Council of Bishops. This Board shall give
advice and instruction concerning the busi¬
ness and shall audit the annual reports of
the Managing Editor.
3. The supervision of the South African
Christian Recorder shall be vested in a
Board composed of the Resident Bishop of
South Africa, together with such persons
as he may^appoint, not to exceed five.
The duty of this Board shall be to audit
the annual report of the Managing Editor,
and give necessary advice and instruction.
4. The Managing Editors of the South¬
ern, "Western and South African Christian
Recorders shall present an annual report
to their respective Boards.
5. The columns of the church papers
shall be open to the Bishops and General Of¬
ficers of the Church/or all communications
on official matters pertaining to their sever¬
al departments.
6. All traveling preacheis in the connec¬
tion are required to subscribe to one of the-
Christian Recorders and to either the Voice
of Missions or A. M. E. Review. Presid-
PUBLICATION DEPARTMENT. 349
ing Elders at their Quarterly Conferences,
shall require all local preachers to subscribe
to one of the Connectional official journals.
7. All traveling preachers are agents for
the church periodicals, and are required
to solicit subscriptions in their churches
and report the number of paid subscribers
obtained during the year with their annual
reports.
8. The quadrennial reports of the Gen¬
eral Business Manager, Editors and Manag¬
ing Editor of the Review shall be submit¬
ted to the General Conference, after being
passed upon by the Council of Bishops.
350
SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.
CHAPTER II.
Sunday School Union.
1. Organization.
In order to enlarge and extend the work
and influence of the Sunday School in the
African Methodist Episcopal Church, be it
Resolved, That we hereby adopt the or¬
ganization known as the "Connectional
Sunday School Union of the African Meth¬
odist Episcopal Church," the constitution
of which shall be as follows:
Constitution.
Article 1.
The title of the association shall be "The
Connectional Sunday School Union of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church."
Article 2.
Its object shall be to unite, strengthen
and extend the Sunday-school work of the
African M. E. Church in the United States
and elsewhere; to provide an ample and
suitable literature for the same; to aid the
needy Sunday-schools thereof; to encourage
SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. 351
the ^ holding of Sunday-school Normal
Institutes and Conventions for the training
of teachers, and to impart information con¬
cerning the best methods of governing, con¬
ducting and equipping Sunday-schools, and
to secure the proper grading of our Sunday-
schools, and to gather whatever statistics,
and other data, may be necessary to keep
the Church continually informed of the
true condition of her Sunday-school work.
Article 3.
The officers of the Union shall be a presi¬
dent, who shall be a Bishop of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church, who shall be
selected by the Council of Bishops; vice-
presidents, consisting of the remaining
Bishops, ranking according to their sen¬
iority in office; a corresponding secretary,
who shall be elected by the General Con¬
ference, a board of managers, consisting
of seven members; four traveling preachers
and three laymen, four of whom shall re¬
side within the city of Nashville, Tenn.
Article 4.
The Board of Managers shall be nomi¬
nated by the Bishops and confirmed by the
General- Conference, and shall hold their
office for four years. Its control of all the
352
SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.
interests of the Sunday-school Department
shall-be absolute. The president, vice-
presidents, corresponding secretary and
treasurer, shall be ex-officio members of the
board of managers.
Article 5.
The Board of Managers shall have power
to frame its own by-laws; to locate the
headquarters of the Union; to select and
arrange for the supplying of Sunday-school
helps and requisites; to extend aid to needy
Sunday-schools; to provide for the payment
of the current expenses of the Union, and
to perform any other labors that may be
deemed necessary to further the legitimate
purposes of the Union.
Article 6,
The Secretary shall act as Treasurer of
the Sunday-school Union, and shall be re¬
quired to give bona fide bond of five thou¬
sand dollars ($5,000) for the faithful per¬
formance of his duty.
Article 7.
The Board of Managers ' may elect
worthy persons as honorary members.
Article 8.
There shall be elected in each -annual
conference a Local Board of Managers,
SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. 353
consisting of three, one of whom shall serve
as conference corresponding secretary,
whose duty it shall be to record the Sunday-
school statistics reported at each Annual
Conference session, and transmit a copy
thereof to the General Corresponding Sec¬
retary, and advise with him as to the time
and methods of conducting conferences or
district Sunday-school conventions.
Article 9.
Each Sunday-school within the bounds
of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
shall "be entitled to all the benefits and
privileges of the Union.
Article 10.
The payment by individuals, of ten dol¬
lars at any one time,^shall constitute life
membership, and the payment of fifty dol¬
lars at any one time, life directorship.
Article 11.
An anniversary meeting of the Union
shall be held each year, at such time and
place as the Board of Managers may direct,
when the corresponding secretary and
treasurer shall submit their annual report.
Article 12,
All moneys received from collections,
grants, or profits of Sunday-school supplies,
354
SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.
above the amount necessary to defray the
current expenses of the Union, shall be de¬
voted to the work of organizing new Sun¬
day-schools, and to aiding needy ones.
Article 13.
The work of the Union shall be divided
into the following four departments: 1.
Benevolence; 2, Business; *3, Normal; 4,
Statistical, and shall be under the general
supervision of the corresponding secretary,
who shall be the editor of all the Sunday-
school publications issued by the African
Methodist Episcopal Church.*
Article 14
This constitution cannot be altered or
amended except by the General Conference
of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
2. Sub-Districts.
1. It shall be the duty of each Annual
Conference at its first session after the ad¬
journment of this General Conference, to
provide for a division of the Sunday-schools
within its limits into one or more Sunday-
school districts. Each Annual Conference
shall also name the time and place for hold-
*And also the Southern Christian Recorder—
By arrangement of the Council of Bishops.
SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. 356
ing an annual meeting for pastors, super¬
intendents, and teachers in each district. At
each annual meeting a district superintend¬
ent shall be chosen.
2. Each pastor shall send, or cause to be
sent, a quarterly report to the District
superintendent, giving the statistics, and
describing the methods of instruction
pursued by the schools in his work.
3. It shall be the duty of the district sup¬
erintendent to make a quarterly report to
the Corresponding Secretary of the Sunday-
school Union, showing the condition of
the schools in his district for the quarter.
The Corresponding Secretary shall publish
a condensed report for the quarter, embrac¬
ing the returns from each Annual Confer¬
ence Sunday-school district.
4. The officers of each district meeting
may provide for the holding of teachers'
institutes, normal classes, or for a series of
meetings, the design of which shall be to
better prepare our teachers for the work
assigned them, and to awaken an increased
interest in, and improvement of the Sun¬
day-schools of the A. M. E. Church; pro¬
vided, that nothing shall be done contrary
to or in conflict with the plans and opera¬
tions of the Sunday-school Union.
356 SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.
5. To provide for the uniformity of the
reports to be presented at each annual and
quarterly district meeting, the Correspond¬
ing Secretary of 'he Sunday-school Union
shall furnish a series of blank forms, so
arranged as to suggest the information de¬
sired.
3. Constitution for the Government of the
Sunday-schools
1. This Sunday-school shall be under the
jurisdiction of the Connectional Sunday-
school Union of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church, and shall be known as
the Sunday-school, connected with
A. M. E. Church, at
2. The officers of the school shall be the
Pastor in charge, who shall be chief super¬
intendent; a superintendent, assistant su¬
perintendent, superintendent of the Home
Department, superintendent of the Cradle
Roll, a secretary, an assistant secretary, a
treasurer, a librarian and a chorister, and
such other officers as may be required to
properly conduct the school, each of whom
shall perform the usual duties of their re¬
spective offices, and together with the teach¬
ers and Home Department visitors, shall
constitute the Sunday-school Board.
3. The Pastor shall nominate the officers
SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. 357
and teachers, and they shall be elected by
the Sunday-school Board.
4. The Sunday-school Board shall hold
monthly meetings for the transaction of
business, at such time as may be agreed
on, when the following order of business
shall be observed: 1. Religious exercises.
2. Reports of officers. 3. Reports of teach¬
ers. 4. Reports of committees. 5. Unfin¬
ished business. 6. Miscellaneous business.
5. The nomination of any person for
teacher shall be made at a regular meeting
of the board, and of any person so proposed,
by the consent of a majority, and subscrib¬
ing to this constitution, may become a
teacher.
6. The teachers in all our schools, wher¬
ever the same is practicable, shall be relig¬
ious and of good report. In every case they
must at least possess a good moral char¬
acter.
7. By-laws may be adopted by the Sun-
say-school Board, provided the said by¬
laws are in accord with all the provisions of
this constitution and the constitution of the
Sunday-school Union.
8. An annual meeting of the Sunday-
school Board shall be held, at which time
all the officers shall be elected. The officers-
358
SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.
elect shall assume +he duties of their respec¬
tive positions the first Sunday after theii
election.
9. That there shall be held in connection
with each Annual Conference session a
Sunday-school anniversary to be conducted
by the committee on Sunday-schools, at
which time said committee shall make its
report. This anniversary shall be placed
on an equal footing with the missionary and
educational anniversaries, and shall be held
on some night during the Annual Confer¬
ence session. It shall be the duty of each
Bishop to see that this provision is strictly
enforced.
10. That the question, How much has
been collected on Children's Day shall be
inserted as question eleven, under the head
of Mode of Procedure, section 4, part I,
page 215 of the Book of Discipline.
11. That the traveling preachers in each
Annual Conference shall be required to re¬
port to the committee on Sunday-schools
the following Sunday-school statistics:
Number of Sunday-schools.
Number of officers.
Number of scholars.
Number of conversions.
Amount raised for support of school.
Number of books in library.
SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.
359
All laws and parts of laws that conflict
with these laws are hereby repealed.
12. Immediately after the annual elec¬
tion of officers, it shall be the «duty of the
pastor to send, or cause ta be sent, a certi¬
fied list of the names of the officers-elect to
the Corresponding Secretary of the Sunday-
school Union, and in every case the proper
post-office address of the superintendent
and secretary must be given.
13. It shall be the duty of the pastor, in
connection with the Sunday-school Board,
to arrange for the holding of weekly
teachers' meetings, quarterly reviews, and
the Children's Day anniversary.
14. The Pastor shall be ex-officio chair¬
man of the teachers' weekly meeting and
the meeting of the Sunday-school Board.
In his absence the superintendent shall pre¬
side, and if neither is present the assistant
superintendent shall preside.
15. Each Sunday-school shall observe the
order of the opening and closing services
of each session, that may be recommended
by the Sunday-school Union, copies of
which, together with this constitution shall
be furnished to each Sunday-school.
16. It shall be the duty of the Sunday-
360
SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.
school Board^to adopt such publications as
the Sunday-school | Union may be author¬
ized to issue in the name of the A. M. E.
Church, and each pastor is enjoined to see
that this provision is faithfully carried out.
17. In no case, or under no circumstan¬
ces shall any Sunday-school appropriate all
or any part of the money raised on Chil¬
dren's Day, for its own. use, but one-half
of the entire amount shall be immediately
forwarded to the Treasurer of the Annual
Conference Missionary Society, and the
other to the Church Extension Board, who
will return receipts showing the amount
received, and said receipts shall be read by
the secretary to the school in open session.
18. This constitution can only be altered
or amended at a session of the General
Conference of the A. M. E. Church.
EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS. 361
CHAPTER III.
Educational Interests.
1 General Board of Education.
How shall we promote the educational
interests of our church?
Answer. W e do hereby establish and or¬
ganize an Educational Department.
1. The management of this department
shall be placed in the hands of a general
board of education and a Secretary of edu¬
cation, who shall be elected by the General
Conference.
The Board of Education shall consist of
one member from each Episcopal District,
nominated by the Council of Bishops and
confirmed by the General Conference, not
less than one-third of whom shall be laymen
and whose tenure of office shall be four
years. The General Secretary shall be a
member of the Board ex-officio.
2. In the event of death, resignation, dis¬
ability, gross neglect of duty, or change of
district on the part of a member, the Board
shall declare the place vacant and from his
362
EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS.
district appoint his successor, or in an
emergency the Bishop of the district shall
have power to fill the vacancy till the regu¬
lar meeting of the Board.
3. The President of the Board shall be
a Bishop elected by the Council of Bishops.
4. The Board of Education shall hold
annual session at such place as may be se¬
lected by the former session. One-third of
the members shall constitute a quorum for
the transaction of business, when due no¬
tice has been given to all members. In
the absence of the president, a chairman
pro tem shall be chosen.
5. The Board shall exercise careful su¬
pervision over the educational work of the
Church, devise and execute plans to in¬
crease the educational funds, audit the
General Secretary's accounts, advance the
educational interests of the Church, consid¬
er all claims upon the treasury and make
such appropriations as have been author¬
ized by the General Conference and arrange
appropriations for all money not otherwise
provided for.
2. Duties of the Corresponding Secretary.
1. The Secretary of Education shall re¬
ceive, and receipt and account for all moneys
coming into his hands for educational pur-
EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS. 363
poses, and present to each Annual Con¬
ference an itemized report of all moneys
received by him from its district each year.
He shall present a report quadrennially to
the General Conference, which shall em¬
brace account of the Status and Business
of each of the connectional Universities,
Colleges and Theological Seminaries.
2. He shall open an account with a reli¬
able bank, and deposit all moneys coming
to his office and disburse the same under
the direction of the Board of Education.
3. In conjunction with the President, the
Secretary may call special meetings of the
Board when he judges it necessary, giving
ten days' notice.
4. He shall faithfully execute all orders
of the Board of Education and use his ut¬
most ability to make the department suc¬
cessful. He shall be an honorary member
of the trustee boards of all schools assisted
by the Educational Board, and shall
personally inspect them and report their
condition to the Board of Education.
5. He shall receive for his services the
sum of $1,350 per year from the Financial
Department.
6. For the faithful performance of his
duty, the Secretary shall give to the Board
364 EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS.
of Education a good and sufficient bond in
the sum of $5,000, and said bond shall be
necessary as a qualification to perform the
duties of the office. Said bond must be exe¬
cuted within ninety days from the date of
his election to office.
7. In case of death, resignation or inca¬
pacity of the Secretary of Education in the
interim, the board shall have power to ap¬
point his successor.
3. Executive Board.
The Board of Education shall have pow¬
er to appoint an executive committee of
five members, including the General Sec¬
retary, which shall meet as per Discipline
to transact such business as the case re¬
quires or the General Board orders.
4. Annual Conference Board.
1. At the first Annual Conference after
the General Conference on nomination by
the Bishop, the conference shall elect a con¬
ference Board of Education consisting of
three ministers and two laymen. This
Board shall continue in office 'four years,
except in case of death, resignation, ineffi¬
ciency or removal from the conference
district.
2. The Conference Board shall organize
immediately, electing a chairman, secretary
EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS. 365
and treasurer. The secretary and treasur¬
er shall keep in substantial books a proper
record of the doings of the Board.
3. The Annual Conference Board of
Education shall receive all moneys reported
to or raised at the Annual Conference for
the benefit of schools in the educational dis¬
trict and forward the same to the treasurer
or treasurers of the school or schools to
which they are due; or to such other per¬
son or persons as may be designated by the
trustee board or boards of said school or
schools. The eight per cent, of dollar
money shall be paid to the General Secre¬
tary of Education, according to Discipline.
In Conferences not listed in any educa¬
tional district, all moneys raised and report¬
ed by pastors for schools shall be paid
to the General Secretary. On the adjourn¬
ment of the Annual Conference the secre¬
tary of the conference board shall make full
report to the general Secretary of Educa¬
tion of all moneys raised in his conference
district on education day or collected at the
conference, or otherwise, for the cause of
education.
5. Educational Districts.
The educational districts shall embrace
and correspond with the Episcopal Dis-
366 EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS.
tricts; except that the first educational dis¬
trict shall comprise all of the first, third and
fourth Episcopal Districts, excepting the
two Kentucky Conferences
6. District Boards.
Each District Educational Board shall be
composed of one member from each An¬
nual Conference Board, to be elected for
four years at the first Annual Conference
after the General Conference.
2. This board shall have supervision of
the educational work, and regulate the es¬
tablishing of schools within its district, and
apportion the funds appropriated to its
schools.
3 It shall hold an annual meeting at
least one week prior to the session of the
General Board of education, to which it-
shall render a report with full statistics of
the work and status of the schools, annually
and—especially—quadrennially.
7. The District Secretary.
1. At the first meeting after the General
Conference, the board or boards of trus¬
tees of the school or schools in each edu¬
cational district shall elect a District Sec¬
retary for four years
2. The District Secretary shall co-oper-
EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS, 367
ate with the General Secretary of Educa¬
tion in advancing the interests of education,
and especially in reference to educational
day. He shall correspond with the pas¬
tors, and church and Sunday-school officers,
and visit and assist as many of them as pos¬
sible in organizing for the annual education¬
al collections. He shall correspond with the
General Secretary of Education and the
authorities of schools that are beneficiaries
of his department. He shall see that the
pastors and others report all educational
day moneys to the proper office or offices
within ten days after the anniversary.
3. A vacancy occurring in the conference
board, district board or secretaryship in the
interim of regular sessions shall be filled
temporarily by the Bishop in whose confer¬
ence it occurs; but the board shall elect reg¬
ularly at its next session.
4. All conference and district boards
-shall be subsidiary and amenable to the gen¬
eral board. Each officer who handles educa¬
tional funds shall give bond of not less than
$1,000.
8. Establishing Schools.
1. No school shall be established looking
to the support of the Church without first
368 EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS.
receiving the recommendation of the con¬
ference board within whose bounds it is
located.
2. The recognized connectional theologi¬
cal schools are those located at Wilberforce,
Ohio; "Waco, Texas; Columbia, South
Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Kittrell, North
Carolina; Quindaro, Kansas; Argenta, Ark¬
ansas; Selma, Alabama, and Jackson, Mis¬
sissippi.
3. For their maintenance an appropria¬
tion shall be made annually from the De¬
partment, and $1,000 each to Payne The¬
ological Seminary, Turner Theological
Seminary, and the Theological school at
Columbia; and $800 each to the Theological
schools at Waco, Kittrell, Quindaro, Ar¬
genta, Selma and Jackson from the Finan¬
cial Department for the support of the
deans of these schools; provided they are
duly organized and operative.
There may be established a chair of
Theology, or English Theological and Bibli¬
cal courses at such other schools as are
qualified to do the work.
4 All moneys raised by the connection
for educational work in the First Educa¬
tional District shall be divided equally be-
EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS. 369
tweeri "Wilberforce University and Payne
Theological Seminary;except that moneys
collected within the bounds of the Ken¬
tucky Conference and the "West Kentucky
Conference shall be paid to "Wayman Acad¬
emy
9. Annual Appropriations to Schools.
The following annual appropriations
shall be made by the Secretary of Educa¬
tion to our educational institutions:
To Wilberforce University. _ I $1700
" Allen University 1700
" Morris Brown College 1700
" ToPaulQuinn College 1700
" Kittrell College 1700
" Edward "Waters College 1700
" "Western University 1700
" Shorter College 1700
" Payne Theological Seminary 1100
" Campbell College 900
" Payne University 900
" "Wayman Institute 700
" Turner Normal Institute 500
" Payne Institute 400
" Lampton College 300
Assistance to Bethel Institute and Shaf¬
fer School is to be administered through
the Missionary Department.
370 EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS.
10. Sources of Funds.
How shall moneys be raised for this de¬
partment?
1. By appropriation from the Dollar
Money, eight per cent, of which shall be
paid to the Secretary of Education by the
Conference Finance Committee of each
Annual Conference, to be applied accord¬
ing to the order of the General Board of
Education and in keeping with the appro¬
priations ordered by the General Confer¬
ence—1912,
2. By private donations and bequests,
which shall be applied according to the
wish of the donor.
3. By the contributions of educational
societies formed in the churches of the con¬
nection, and which are recommended to be
established generally.
4. By public appropriations.
5. By maturing of life insurance and en¬
dowment policies or otherwise.
6. Each pastor shall pay to the Confer¬
ence Board of Education such amounts as
may be sent to Conference from his charge,
for educational purposes.
7. Every Annual Conference shall devote
one evening to the Educational anniver-
EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS. 371
sary at which a collection shall be taken
for the support of our education work.
8. By the establishment of a day through¬
out the connection on which all the church¬
es shall lift a collection, the avails of which
are to be used exclusively as an educational
fund for our several connectional institu¬
tions This anniversary shall be known as
Educational Day and be set for the third
Sabbath in each September. The services
of the day, both in churches and Sabbath-
schools, shall have special reference to edu¬
cational work, and the entire collections of
the day in both departments, shall be
sacredly set apart for this purpose.
10. Disposition of Educational Day Funds.
1. All pastors shall forward all the money
collected in the churches and Sunday-
schools of their charges on educational day
to the treasurers of the schools to which
it is due or to such person as the trustees
of these schools may direct, within ten days
after collecting. Each pastor shall fill out
such blanks as may be furnished by the
General Secretary of Education, and shall
report his receipts and duplicate blanks to
the Annual Conference Board of Educa¬
tion at the next session of the Annual Con-
372 EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS.
ference. The General Secretary shall pub¬
lish notice of Educational Day in all our
connectional papers at least one month
prior to the time appointed, and the pas¬
tors of all circuits, stations and missions
shall publish it from all their pulpits.
2. The dates for the Annual Conferences,
District Conferences and Quarterly Con¬
ferences shall be so arranged as not to re¬
quire the absence of any pastor from his
post of duty at this important period.
Each Bishop, Presiding Elder and Pas¬
tor is requested to lay before our well-to-
do members and friends the necessities of
our schools, and also to seek to obtain stu¬
dents for the same.
3. It is recommended that at least one
scholarship be established and maintained
in each Annual Conference, on the basis of
$50 annually, to be included in the appro¬
priations of the Finance Committee, and
made payable to the secretary of one of
the authorized Theological Seminaries.
CHURCH EXTENSION *SOCIETY.
873
CHAPTER IV.
Church Extension.
PREAMBLE.
The need of some plan by which weak and
struggling societies throughout our wide connec¬
tion, and also our mission work could be aided
in securing and erecting suitable houses of wor¬
ship, has been long felt in the African Methodist
Episcopal Church.
Next after the cry of perishing souls for the
Word of Life is that for a suitable place to feed
the hungry souls. Wherever the message of
God has been able to gather the outcast into an
organization * (called a church) then comes next
the urgent demand for a Christian home or church
building where the Word of God may be regularly
administered, and those forming new organiza¬
tions firmly settled through the aid of general
Church, thus enabling the missionaries to hold
the ground already taken without overburdening
the little band.
To this end the following Constitution, for the
working and government bf the Church Extension
Society of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church is adopted.
374 CHURCH EXTENSION SOCIETY.
CONSTITUTION.
Article 1.
There shall be a Board of Church Ex¬
tension consisting of one Bishop who shall
be President, a Corresponding Secretary
and Treasurer, and one member from each
Episcopal District in the United States.
The Secretary and Treasurer to be elected
by the General Conference. The other
members of the Board shall be nominated
by the Bishops and confirmed by the Gen¬
eral Conference. The Bishops shall be
ex-officio members.
Article 2.
The Board shall present a statement of
their business annually to the several An¬
nual Conferences, and a quadrennial report
to the General Conference. The Board shall
fill all vacancies that may occur during the
interval between General Conferences
Article 3.
The Board elected by this General Con¬
ference shall at once procure, under the
laws of the State where the Board shall
be located, an act of incorporation, whereby
they and their successors in office in perpet¬
ual succession shall be made a body cor¬
porate under the name of "The Board of
CHURCH EXTENSION SOCIETY. 375
Church Extension" with powers of con¬
tracting and being contracted with, suing
and being sued, and all other powers deemed
necessary for the successful prosecution
of the work, not mconsistent with these
articles.
Article 4.
The Corresponding Secretary shall con¬
duct the correspondence of the Board un¬
der its direction, and shall be subject to
the authority and control of the Board. He
shall be a member of the A. M. E. Church,
and shall reside where the Board is located.
He shall keep the Church constantly ad¬
vised of the work and wants of the De¬
partment of Church Extension. He shall
supervise and superintend the Church Ex¬
tension work of the connection, and exe¬
cute all official papers, devising ways
and means for collecting funds, and
labor to the extent of his power to bring
this department to the broadest field of use¬
fulness.
Article 5.
The Board shall be located at such place
as the General Conference may direct, and
shall meet annually at such time as it may
deem best for the interests of the depart¬
ment, and at such other times as the Presi-
376 CHURCH EXTENSION SOCIETY.
dent and Corresponding Secretary may ap¬
point. Five members shall constitute a
quorum
Article 6.
The revenues of this department shall be:
(1) Eight per cent, of the Dollar Fund.
Said percentage to be forwarded directly
to the Corresponding Secretary of the
Church Extension Society, by the Chair¬
man of the Committee on Finance in each
of our conferences, certified to by the Pre¬
siding Bishop, with such other moneys as
may be collected at the Annual Conference
for the cause of Church Extension.
(2) The day heretofore known and ob¬
served as Children's Day shall be continued,
at which time each church and Sunday-
school throughout the connection shall
raise a collection; fifty (50) per cent, of all
of which money shall be devoted to church
extension, and shall be forwarded imme¬
diately after collecting to the Corresponding
Secretary of the Church Extension Board;
the balance must be sent to the Treasurer
of the Annual Conference Missionary So¬
ciety immediately.
(3) The admission fees and annual dues
of the "Women's Department of Church Ex¬
tension.
CHURCH EXTENSION SOCIETY. 377
(4) Special collections by the Corre¬
sponding Secretary, Bishops, Presiding El¬
ders and Pastors.
(5) Gifts, devises and bequests.
(6) Collections at Annual Conference
Church Extension Anniversaries, for a
special fund, to be designated, The African
Church Extension Fund, to be applied ex¬
clusively in the erection of churches in the
most promising of our African missions.
Article 7.
It shall be lawful for the Board to accept
contributions to its funds, subject to annui¬
ties payable to the order of the person mak¬
ing such contributions, but all money so
received by the Board shall be invested in
adequate securities.
Article 8.
The Board shall have authority to regu¬
late its own proceedings, to appropriate
moneys to pay incidental expenses, to de¬
termine what amount may be donated or
loaned to each applicant, and to do such
business as may be legitimate and proper
for it to do; provided that the Board shall
not involve itself in debt beyond the
amount of its available assets.
' Article 9.
The Board shall haye authority to raise
378 CHURCH EXTENSION SOCIETY.
and administer a "Loan Fund." which shall
be held separate from funds raised for gen¬
eral distribution, which shall be used only
in loans on adequate security, said security
to be determined by a regular conveyancer,
the Board to receive and hold in trust for
the African Methodist Episcopal Church,
and convey the same for the uses and ob¬
jects herein declared. All indentures for
the conveyance of property of the Board
of Church Extension shall be on order of
the Executive Board, and executed by the
president and corresponding secretary, with
the seal of the Department.
Article 10.
All applications for aid shall-set forth:
1. A description of the building for which
aid is asked. 2. The estimate and probable
cost when completed. 3. The amount of
cash and reliable subscriptions on band. 4.
The nature of the title, its validity, whether
held in trust for the African Methodist
Episcopal Church. 5. The names of the
members of the Board of Trustees. 6. Any
additional facts that may be deemed nec¬
essary or useful to the board in making
a decision. In no case shall a loan be made
except on first mortgage, and that at not
more than 50 per cent, of the actual market
CHURCH EXTENSION SOCIETY. 379
value of the property; provided, however,
that a mortgage may be taken on good
property at 50 per cent, of its value above
first mortgage.
Article 11.
The Board of Church Extension shall—
through its Corresponding Secretary—give
reasonable notice to all debtor churches, of
all principal and accrued' interest due the
Board, and in case of neglect or failure of
said churches to pay, after proper notice,
the Board shall proceed to collect by due
process of law.
Every loan of one hundred dollars
($100) or upwards, to church or school,
shall be secured to the Board of Church
Extension by a bond duly executed by the
trustees and pastor, and a mortgage upon
the property.
In all cases of donation, the proper offi¬
cers shall be required to sign a bond, pro¬
viding and agreeing, that in case of dis¬
satisfaction and withdrawal from the A.
M. E. Church, the said donation shall be¬
come a bona fide claim against the church,
and collectible by law.*
*Any church applying for donation or loan
should write its application from an organized ses¬
sion of its Board of Trustees, and make record of
380 CHURCH EXTENSION SOCIETY.
Article 12.
. (1) Each Annual Conference shall elect
a Conference Board of Church Exten¬
sion, composed of four ministers and
one layman to be elected by the Annual
Conference. The Presiding Bishop shall
be president ex-officio. The board shall
elect a vice-president, a secretary and
treasurer. These officers shall constitute
the Executive Committee of the Confer¬
ence Board of Church Extension.
The Conference Board shall be amenable
and auxiliary to the Board of Church Ex-
tension of the A. M. E. Church.
(2) The Conference Board of Church
Extension shall pass upon all applications
for aid, made by churches within their con¬
ference, to the Board of Church Extension
of the A. M. E. Church, when duly en¬
dorsed by the Presiding Elders from within
whose districts they come.
(3) The Conference Board of Church
Extension shall receive quarterly reports
endorsed by the Presiding Elders from
the churches within their limits, that are in
debt to the General Board of Church Ex-
the application, the date and resolution and should
enclose a copy of same signed by the Chairman
and Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
CHURCH EXTENSION SOCIETY. 38f
tension of the A. M. E. Church. Any pas¬
tor whose church is a beneficiary of the
Board of Church Extension of the A. M.
E. Church, failing to report quarterly, shall
be deemed guilty of neglect of duty, and be
dealt with as in other cases of neglect or
failure of duty.
(4) The Conference Board of Church
Extension shall, through its secretary, sub¬
mit a report to the Annual Conference and
to the Corresponding Secretary of the gen¬
eral Board of Church Extension, as to the
mortgaged indebtedness of the churches
within the Annual Conference, and the gen¬
eral condition of its work.
Article 13.
It shall be the duty of the Bishops, Pre¬
siding Elders and Pastors to bring the sub¬
ject of church extension before the Annual
Conferences, District Conferences, Quar¬
terly Conferences, and churches, and see
to it that the most efficient plans are adopt¬
ed for raising the amounts apportioned to
the charges respectively.
Article 14.
At the Annual Conference the Bishop
shall call for the report of the conference
board, in the regular order of conference
proceedings, and devote one evening to a
382 CHURCH EXTENSION SOCIETY
Church Extension Anniversary, when ad¬
dresses shall be delivered on the work and
service of the Church Extension Society,
and a collection lifted for the African
Church Extension Fund.
Article 15.
There shall be a "Woman's Auxiliary
Church Extension Society organized in all
our churches and Sunday-schools, which
shall be auxiliary and amenable to the Con¬
ference Board of Church Extension.
Article 16.
The Corresponding Secretary of the
Church Extension Society shall give bond
and security in a sum not less than two
thousand dollars ($2,000). His salary
shall be thirteen hundred and fifty dollars
($1,350) per year.
THE LAW AS AMENDED 1904.
1. Responsibility of Annual Conferences.
1. Annual conferences are responsible
for the interest due on all loans within their
respective territories. W here churches fail
to pay, as obligated, the Annual Conference
must settle the claim out of any funds
not otherwise appropriated; in case of all
loans made after May, 1904.
CHURCH EXTENSION SOCIETY. 383
2. The Conference Board of Church Ex¬
tension consists of five members, elected
by the annual conferences (one to be a
layman.)
3. The "Woman's Department shall be
organized in all churches indebted to the
department, and in all churches desiring
loans.
2 The Donation Fund.
1. Children's Day money coming to this
department constitutes the donation fund,
to be applied to the aid of needy churches
in the territory in which it was collected; on
proper application.
2. The work and operation of the Ex¬
tension Department is confined to the home
field. Aid given to foreign work must be
conducted through the Missionary Depart¬
ment, which department will be required to
give its note for all moneys advanced to it
by the Extension Department, and repay
the same when due.
384
A. C. E. LEAGUE.
CHAPTER V.
The Allen Endeavor League.
We recommend the following law to
govern the Allen Christian Endeavor:
preamble and constitution.
Whereas, We see the great need of giv¬
ing closer attention to the religious and
moral training of the young people of our
Church., and
Whereas, We believe that the doctrines
and policy of the African Methodist Epis¬
copal Church should be the basis of religi¬
ous instruction and church training for
the young people of our Church, therefore
be it
Resolved, That this General Conference
does hereby obtain and establish a Young
People's Department and the following
shall be the constitution thereof:
Article 1. Name.
The name of this organization shall be
the Allen Christian Endeavor League of
the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
A. C. E. LEAGUE. 385
Article 2.—Objects„
The objects of the organization are:
1. To promote intelligent and practical
Christian living among the young people
and friends of the Church.
2. To train them in proper methods of
Christian work and helpfulness, both for
the support of the Church and relief of the
needy.
3. To strengthen and purify the social
life of our young people, and to make them
an uplifting force in all departments of
life.
Article 3.—Officers.
Section 1. The general management of
this organization shall be in the hands of
a Corresponding Secretary elected by the
General Conference and a Board of Con¬
trol consisting of seven members to be ap¬
pointed by the Bishops.
Sec. 2. The duties of the Corresponding
Secretary shall be to try to establish and
maintain the League in every Church in
the connection and to promulgate the gen¬
eral principles of the League among the
young. To do this, he shall devote his
time to canvassing the Church and to the
publishing and circulation of such litera¬
ture as may be deemed proper for the car¬
rying out of the obiects of the leacue.
386
A. C. E. LEAGUE.
He shall receive all moneys collected
for the support of the department, giving
receipts therefor, and shall keep a careful
account of all finances passing through the
department, whether by contribution or
from the sale of literature. He shall render
an account of the same to the Board of
Control at its regular meeting.
In conjunction with the President he
shall call special meetings of the Board of
Control whenever they may think it neces¬
sary.
Sec. 3. The salary of the Corresponding
Secretary shall be $1,350 per annum, which
shall be paid by the financial department.
Sec. 4. The Board of Control shall be
presided over by one of the Bishops elected
by the Bishops' Council.
The Board shall meet biennially and
one-third of the members shall constitute
a quorum, after due notice has been given
to all members.
The Board shall exercise careful super¬
vision over the work of the League, devise
ways and means for carrying out its ob¬
jects, endorse or reject all publications of
the League aod see that nothing but the
purest religious literature is circulated
through the League.
A. C. E. LEAGUE.
387
The Board of Control shall ordain a
constitution for the governing of the local
leagues, and shall provide that all members
of the local leagues shall subscribe to the
following:
Pledge.
I will earnestly seek for myself the high¬
est New Testament standard of Christian
experience and living, and will do what I
can to help others attain to the same. I
will read the Bible and pray every day and
I will abstain from all those forms of
worldly amusements, forbidden by the
Discipline of the African Methodist Epis¬
copal Church. I will attend all the religi¬
ous meetings of the League and Church
unless hindered by some reason which I
can conscientiously give to my Lord and
Master, and will take some part aside from
singing in all the prayer and class meetings.
Sec. 6. Unconverted persons may be ad¬
mitted as Associate Members by subscrib¬
ing for the following:
Associate Members' Pledge,
Believing in the Bible as tlje "Word of
God and the principles of Christianity,
when practiced, as promoting the highest
interest of all mankind, I will endeavor to
388 A. C. E. LEAGUE.
lead a moral life consistent with my associa¬
tion with the members of this League, and
will do all I can to promote the interests of
the League
Article 4 Conventions.
The Board of Control and Secretary-
shall arrange for annual or biennial con¬
ventions of the young people of the entire
Church, and encourage the holding of
State Conventions whenever practicable.
Article 5. Conference Superintendent.
The Bishop of each District, upon the
recommendation of the General Secretary
of the Allen Christian Endeavor League
Department shall appoint in each State
therein a man or woman of high Christian
character, intelligent and loyal as State
Superintendent of Leagues.
The State Superintendent shall be the
representative of the General Secretary,
and all business of the Leagues at the
Annual Conferences shall be transacted
through him in the absence of the General
Secretary. He shall organize Leagues, and
render all assistance possible in the circula¬
tion of League Literature. He shall hold
conventions in his state with the co-opera¬
tion of the General Secretary, and shall
A. C. E. LEAGUE. 389
keep the latter posted on the doings and
the status of the Leagues in his state,
The Bishop of each District, upon the
recommendation of the State Superintend¬
ent shall appoint in each Annual Confer¬
ence a suitable person as Conference Super¬
intendent of Leagues, whose duty it shall be'
to co-operate with the State Superintend¬
ent in the organization of Leagues within
the bounds of his Conference, and shall
superintend all Leagues within the bounds
of his Conference and report their condition
to the State Superintendent and hold Con¬
ference Conventions. In a State where there
is but one Annual Conference, the State
Superintendent and conference Superin¬
tendent shall be one and the same person.
The Conference Superintendent, upon
the recommendation of the Presiding Elder,
shall appoint a suitable person in each Dis¬
trict as District Superintendent of Leagues,
whose duty shall be to co-operate with his
superior officers in the organization of
Leagues in his District, and report the same
to his superior officers.
The Leagues shall defray the reasonable
expenses attendant upon the hoidlng of
conventions, and assist in defraying the
traveling expenses of the Superintendents
when visited.
390
A. C. E. LEAGUE.
Each Presiding Elder and Pastor shall
assist in building up and fostering the Allen
Christian Endeavor League in every way
practicable.
Article 6. Finances.
To maintain the work of the Allen Chris¬
tian Endeavor League, each Local League
shall be required to forward to the General
Secretary on or before the second Sunday
in February, each year, $1.
The pastor of each church shall see that
the same is forwarded promptly, and he
shall report the same at the Annual Confer¬
ence in answer to the question—HO'W
MUCH FOR THE ALLEN CHRIS¬
TIAN ENDEAVOR LEAGUE?
Bishop Richard Allen's birthday, or the
second Sunday in February, shall be known
as YOUNG PEOPLE'S DAY, and it shall
be the anniversary of the League. The of¬
fering for the day shall be used for the lo¬
cal church in any way it may choose.
Article 7.
Our pastors in all our Churches shall see
that the Christian Endeavor or similar
young people's societies now existing there¬
in, shall be transformed into Allen Chris¬
tian Endeavor Leagues as soon as practi¬
cable.
PART X.
TEMPORAL ECONOMY.
I. Financial Department.
II. Support of Itinerant Preachers.
III. Articles of Incorporation of the
A. M. E. Church.
IV. Church Property.
V. Trustees of Church Property.
VI. Church Stewards.
VII. Special Declaration.
FINANCIAL DEPARTMENT. 393
CHAPTER I.
Financial Department.
dollar money law as amended, 1912.
Question 1. "What shall be done to build
up the financial interests of our Church?
Answer "We do hereby establish a
Church Treasury.
1. Collection.
1. It shall be the duty of every minister
holding charge in the African Methodist
Episcopal Church to collect the sum of one
dollar, from or for, each member of his
church or churches for the maintenance of
the Church Treasury.
2. Should any minister having a charge
fail to raise the above collection, or a fair
proportion of it during the conference
year, according to the number of member¬
ship reported by him to the conference (the
number to be certified to by the Quarterly
Conference next preceding the sitting of the
Annual Conference) it shall be the dutj of
the Bishop and Conference to refer the mat-
394 FINANCIAL DEPARTMENT.
ter to the Committee on Dollar Money for
inquiry.
3. If on examination, they find that the
said minister has wilfully refused or wil¬
fully neglected his duty in raising the col¬
lection, he shall, upon vote of the Confer¬
ence, be reproved by the Bishop for the
first offense., and if he refuse or neglect a
second time, he shall upon the vote of the
Conference, be suspended or dismissed
from the itinerant work. This paragraph
shall be strictly enforced.
4. It shall be the duty of the Bishops and
the ministers to use the greatest possible
diligence in collecting the money thus
asked for.
The columns of all our connect!onal pa¬
pers shall be always open to the interests
of the Church Treasury.
2 Duties of the Financial Secretary.
1. The Financial Secretary shall publish
the appropriations item by item, for the
information of the conferences and the
whole Church.
2. The Financial Secretary shall open an
account in some safe and reliable bank or
banks, where he shall deposit all moneys
not otherwise provided for. His books; pa-
FINANCIAL DEPARTMENT. 395
pers and bank account shall always be
open to the inspection of the Bishops and
also of the traveling preachers.
3. He shall keep the Bishops and all the
traveling preachers informed of the state
and condition of the treasury, and shall ad¬
vise them, if necessary, to use more dili¬
gence to secure the success of our financial
interests.
4. He shalPgive bond in the]amount of
ten thousand ^dollars ($10,000) for the
faithful performance of his duty.
5. The Financial Secretary is authorized
to visit the Annual Conferences on invita¬
tion of the Presiding Bishops by the direc¬
tion of the Financial Board, or in case of
special business.
3. General Board of Managers.
1. There shall be a Board of Managers
for the Church Treasury, consisting of the
Financial Secretary, 12 itinerant Elders and
2 laymen, who shall be elected by the Gen¬
eral Conference, and shall serve for four
years, unless removed by death, resignation
or otherwise. No person shall be a mem¬
ber of the board to whom the connection is
indebted. The board shall present through
the Financial Secretary, a printed report
396 FINANCIAL DEPARTMENT.
annually, to each Annual Conference in
the connection, of all its proceedings, and
also a similar quadrennial report to the
General Conference.
2. The Board of Managers shall elect
its own vice-chairman.
3. The Board of Managers shall hold its
meetings on the third Wednesday in April
in each year, and eight members shall con¬
stitute a quorum for the transaction of
business, after due notice having been given
to all members. In the absence of the
President the Board shall elect a chairman
pro tem.
4. At their meeting the Board of Man¬
agers shall consider all the claims upon
the Treasury provided by law, and shall
make appropriations for the same. The
appropriations shall be on the pro rata
basis ^
5. The Board of Managers shall have
power to remove an inefficient or other¬
wise disqualified Financial Secretary, when
it is clearly necessary for the best interest
of the Church, provided an immediate in¬
vestigation be had in all such cases, as re¬
quired by our Discipline in like cases, as ap¬
plied to traveling preachers.
6. The Board of Managers,together with
FINANCIAL DEPARTMENT.
397
the Council of Bishops, shall fill all vacan¬
cies which may occur in the Board during
the interval of the General Conferences, in
the following manner: The Bishop of the
district in which said vacancy occurs shall
nominate some one of the same grade in the
Church to filL said vacancy. If the Coun¬
cil of Bishops, or a majority of them, agree
to said nomination, then the name shall be
sent to the Financial Secretary, who shall
report the same tp the Financial Board.
7. The Board shall have power to ap¬
point an Executive Committee of its mem¬
bers, which, in case of emergency, may
meet at the request of the Financial Secre¬
tary or call of the President, and transact
such business as the case requires.
8. The Board of Managers shall audit
the Secretary's accounts, and advise the
disbursement of all moneys not regularly
provided for.
4. The Dollar Money at Conferences.
1. All Dollar Money collected in the in¬
terval of the Annual Conference sessions
shall be sent immediately to the Financial
Secretary by the pastors so collecting; but
all Dollar Money so collected and brought
to the Annual Conference shall be turned
398 FINANCIAL DEPARTMENT.
over to the Finance Committee of the Con¬
ference, whose duty it shall be to ascertain
the amount forwarded to the Secretary, in
the interval (the same to be determined by
the receipts of the Secretary, or such other
evidence as shall be conclusive) together
with the amount returned to the Confer¬
ence. Having thus ascertained the exact
amount of Dollar Money, the chairman of
the committee shall report the same in open
Conference, when the Conference Finance
Committee shall transmit immediately an
official statement of the total amount of
Dollar Money collected by the said Confer¬
ence, to the Financial Secretary, the same
to be certified by the Presiding Bishop.
2. It shall be the duty of the Dollar
Money Committee to make the division of
the said Dollar Money as follows: Forty
per cent, to the Financial Secretary, eight
per cent, to the Secretary of Church Ex¬
tension Society, eight per cent, to the
Secretary of Education, eight per cent, to
the Secretary of Missions, and thirty-six
per cent, to the Annual Conference Secre¬
tary-Treasurer. This division shall be the
law governing the distribution of the Dol¬
lar Money by the Annual Conference of
the A. M. E. Church..
FINANCIAL DEPARTMENT.
399
2. Immediately after the amount and the
divisions of the Dollar Money are reported
and passed upon by the Conference, the
Dollar Money Committee shall forward to
the Secretary of each Department sharing
the same, the amount of percentage due his
office and pay the 36 per cent, to the
Finance Committee, who shall turn it over
to the Conference Secretary-Treasurer
No part of the Dollar Money shall be
paid to any person or persons by the Con-
feience Dollar Money Committee, for any
of the General Offices, except on a written
order signed by the Secretary of said office,
and bearing the official seal of his office.
The Annual Conference Secretary-
Treasurer.
The General Conference of 1912 created
the office of Secretary-Treasurer and or¬
dained that the Annual Conference shall
pay the said Secretary-Treasurer:
(1) All the 36 per cent, of Dollar Money.
(2) One-half the Parent Home and For¬
eign Missionary Money.
(3) One-half the Pastor's Mission Fee
Money.
400
FINANCIAL DEPARTMENT.
(4) One-half the Easter Missionary
Money.
(5) One-half the Woman's Mite Mis¬
sionary Money.
(6) One-half the "Woman's H. &- F.
Missionary Money.
(7) One-half the Children's Day Money.
3. That these funds shall be classified
in the Secretary-Treasurer's office as fol¬
lows:
(1) The Superannuate Preachers' Fund:
40 per cent, of the 36 per cent. Dollar
Money.
(2) The Widows' and Orphans' Fund:
25 per cent, of the 36 per cent. Dollar
Money.
(3) The Conference Missionary Fund:
(a) 25 per cent, of the 36 per cent. Dollar
Money, (b) One-half of all the mission¬
ary funds. (The one-half Easter Mission¬
ary Money must constitute a fund for the
establishment and advancement of Mission
organizations.)
(4) 10 per cent, of the 36 per cent. Dol¬
lar Money to the Conference Contingent
Committee, for use by the Conference.
FINANCIAL DEPARTMENT. 401
5." Uses of the Dollar Money.
1. The money collected under the provi¬
sions of this section shall be used for the
following purposes:
(1) For the support of effective and in¬
effective Bishops.
(2) For the' salaries of general officers
hereafter named in this chapter.
(3) To aid the Publication Department.
(4) To aid our needy colleges.
(5) To aid the cause of missions.
(6) For the relief of widows and or¬
phans of ministers and Bishops.
(7) To aid the Church Extension So¬
ciety.
(8) The balance shall constitute a char¬
tered fund, the interest of which shall be
used for the support of superannuated
Bishops, and preachers, and widows, and
orphans of Bishops and itinerant preachers.
6. The Support of Bishops.
Question 2. Should any provision be
made for the better support of the Bishops?
Answer 1. In order that the Bishops
should be untrammeled in their work, each
one should have a competent support.
2. The Episcopal Committee of the Gen¬
eral Conference, during the sitting thereof
402 FINANCIAL DEPARTMENT.
shall consult with each of the Bishops, and
make an estimate of the amount necessary
for their comfort and support, and report
the same to the next meeting of the Finan¬
cial Board, which shall pay the same month¬
ly, or as nearly as possible. The amount for
an effective Bishop shall not exceed two
thousand five hundred dollars ($2500) per
annum for salary. An ineffective Bishop's
allowance shall not exceed twelve hundred
and fifty dollars (.$1250) per annum.
3. The expense of Bishops' traveling to
foreign countries in the direct interest of
the church shall be paid by the Financial
Department; special allowance being made
also for travel to hold the California and
Puget Sound Conferences. The Bishops'
incidental and traveling expenses conse¬
quent upon holding Annual Conferences
shall be paid by said Conferences
Provided, that the traveling expenses of
the Bishops appointed to preside over the
work in the West Indies, West Africa and
South Africa shall not be paid more than
twice during the quadrennium from the
Financial or the Missionary Department.
The Board of Managers in all such cases
are hereby authorized to solicit, if it be nec-
sesary, contributions from our churches to
FINANCIAL DEPARTMENT. 403
aid, in defraying such traveling expenses
of the Bishop.
4. The traveling expenses of the Presid¬
ing Bishop of any given board only, shall
be paid by the department over which he
presides annually, together with the ex¬
penses of the members who constitute said
board.
7, Support of General Officers.
Question 3. How shall we provide for
the support of the general officers?
Answer 1. The following named officers
shall receive their salary from the Financial
Secretary out of the general treasury bf the
Church as follows, to wit:
Financial Secretary $1500
General Business Manager 1350
Editor Christian Recorder 1350
Managing Editor Christian Recorder 1350
Managing Editor A. M.E. Church Review 1350
Managing Editor South'n Christian Recorder.. 1350
Managing Editor West'n Christian Recorder 1350
Secretary of Education 1350
Secretary of AllenjC. E. League 1350
2. The following named officers shall re¬
ceive their salary from their respective de¬
partments as follows, to wit:
Financial Secretary .$1500
Secretary of Sunday School Union 1350
Secretary of Church Extension. 1350
Missionary Secretary 1350
404
FINANCIAL DEPARTMENT.
1. The traveling expenses of the several
general officers shall be on the basis of rigid
economy.
8. Superannuated Preachers
Question 4. "What provision do we make
for our worn out itinerant preachers?
Answer: 40 per cent, of 36 per cent, of
the Dollar Money shall be set aside as Su¬
perannuate Preachers' Fund.
9. Widows and Orphans of Traveling
Ministers.
The widows and fatherless children of
traveling preachers shall receive each his
pro rata share of the funds set aside as
Widow's and Orphan's Fund.
10. The Widows and Orphans of Bishops.
Question 6. What shall we do for the
support of widows and orphans of Bishops?
Answer. The Financial Secretary shall
pay twenty-five dollars per month to the
widow of a Bishop so long as she re¬
mains in a state of widowhood, and in
good standing in the A. M. E. Church, and
each of his children under fourteen years of
age $20 per year. In case the widow should
die before the children cease to be wards of
the Church, the Financial Secretary shall
FINANCIAL DEPARTMENT.
405
continue to pay $20 pei j^ear to each of the
children until they become fourteen years
of age.
11. Missionaries.
_ Question 7. How shall we assist oar mis¬
sionaries in their work?
Answer 1: The Secretary of Missions
shall receive 8 per cent, of the 36 per cent.
Dollar Money and shall pay out one-halt to
the support of home missionaries and one-
half to foreign missionaries.
2. The Financial Secretary shall receive
from each Annual Conference a statement
of the amount apportioned by the percent¬
age and keep an account of the same in a
book for that purpose.
3. Each Annual Conference shall dis¬
burse its own money within its bounds. *
Should there be a balance after disburse¬
ment, it shall be sent to the Financial Sec¬
retary, who shall place it to the credit of
the Chartered Fund.
12. Aid to Work of Education.
Question: "What shall we do to assist our
young people to acquire education?
1. The Board of Managers of the Church
*See law for division of the 36 per cent. Dolla
Money, 1912.
406 FINANCIAL DEPARTMENT.
Treasury shall endow scholarship in the
Theological Seminaries with as much ce¬
lerity as is compatible with the condition of
the treasury; provided, however, that they
shall endow at least one scholarship each
year. The scholarships so endowed shall
be known as the A. M. E. Church Scholar¬
ships. They shall be used for the purpose
of preparing young men for the ministry
of the African Methodist Episcopal Church,
and also for the purpose of preparing young
women to labor in the Missionary Depart¬
ment of our Church. These scholarships
shall be under the concurrent direction of
the Financial Secretary and the Deans of
the Theological Seminaries.
2. The salary of the Deans of each of the
following Theological Schools shall be
$1000, namely: Payne, Turner, Atlant?,
Ga., Allen, Columbia, S. C.; Shorter Theo¬
logical School, Argenta, Ark., and the sal¬
ary of the Deans of the Theological Schools
at "Waco, Kittrell, Quindaro, Argenta, Sel-
ma, Ala., and Jackson shall receive, provid¬
ed these theological schools are duly organ¬
ized, $800 each per annum. These funds
shall be paid by the Financial Department.
3. Eight per cent, of the 36 per cent.
Dollar Money Fund shall be paid by the
financial department. 407
Secretary of Education to the schools, re¬
spectively, in whose educational districts it
was collected.
13. Priority of Claims.
1. The Financial Secretary shall pay all
salaries first. The Financial Board shall
make all appropriations not authorized by
the General Conference." But all appro¬
priations of the General Conference shall be
paid as the state of the treasury will war¬
rant.
2. All proper allowances and claims of
superannuated preachers, and widows and
orphans of preachers shall have priority
over all other claims on the conference thir¬
ty-six per cent, fund of the Dollar Money.
3. Should the thirty-six per cent, fund be
insufficient the conference shall provide se¬
curity for the payment of the same.
4. The provisions of this paragraph shall
not take effect until the condition of the
treasury, in the judgment of the Financial
Board shall warrant it,
14. Protection of General Funds.
All moneys collected both in churches
and Sunday-schools as Dollar Money, or
on our connectional days, to wit: Easter
408
FINANCIAL DEPARTMENT.
Day, Educational Day or Children's Day
shall be sacredly applied to the object for
which they were collected, or for which the
day was set apart by the Church; and no
church officer, Sunday-school officer, pas¬
tor, Presiding Elder or Bishop shall divert
or use the said moneys otherwise. Any
person so offending shall, upon conviction,
be censured or suspended from official
standing.
15. Expenses of Visiting Bishops.
The General Conference passed the fol¬
lowing: It shall be lawful for an Annual
Conference to bear the expense of a visiting
Bishop—(General Conference, 1908.)
preachers' salary.
409
CHAPTER II.
Support of Itinerant Preachers.
1. Presiding Elders' Salary.
A Presiding Elder's salary shall be
$1250 per year, and this salary shall be ap¬
portioned in the district according to the
number of members in each charge. The
district shall pay the Presiding Elder an
allowance for House Rent and fuel. A
committee to make this apportionment
should be appointed by the Annual Con¬
ference, and the Presiding Elder shall
be an advisory member of it. The appor¬
tionment made to each circuit, station and
mission shall be submitted to the Annual
Conference and published in the minutes.
Each pastor shall collect the apportion¬
ment of his charge before Quarterly Con¬
ference, and have it for the Presiding Elder
when he comes, that he may be unincum¬
bered in laboring at the Quarterly Meeting
preaching, inviting persons to join the
church, raising the conference funds, and
doing all in his power to build up the
church and help the pastor. In case of fail¬
ure of a pastor to collect the Presiding El-
410
preachers' salary.
der's allowance he shall receive the same
from any or all moneys collected during his
Quarterly Meeting. All deficiencies of the
Presiding Elder's support shall be raised
by extra collections in his district ordered
by the Annual Conference to be collected
after its session, at those circuits and sta¬
tions which have failed .to pa> their appor¬
tionment.
2. Support of Pastors.
The salary of a married traveling preach¬
er shall be six hundred dollars each con¬
ference year, or any greater Sum the charge
is able to pay, and board for himself, wife
and children under fourteen years of age,
and his house rent, fuel and traveling ex¬
penses.
The salary of an unmarried traveling
preacher shall be three hundred and fifty
dollars per conference year, or any greater
sum the charge is able to pay, and his board
and traveling expenses. The pastor's sup¬
port shall be paid by the Church or churches
he may serve. Should his wife die he shall
have the same as if he were married, for the
support of his children, if he have any.
INCORPORATION.
411
CHAPTER III.
Articles of Incorporation of the A.
M. E. Church.
It is hereby certified that at a regular session
of the General Conference of the African Metho¬
dist Episcopal Church, begun and held on the 7th
day of May, A. D. 1900, at the city of Columbus,
Ohio, the following named persons, to wit: Ben¬
jamin W. Arnett, Wesley J. Gaines, Benjamin F.
Lee, Moses B. Salter, Joshua H. Jones, Richmond
H. W.Leak, Green E. Taylor, William D. Chap-
pelle, William S. Scarborough, Nelson T. Gant, all
of whom are members of said denomination, and
of whom Benjamin W. Arnett, Benjamin F. Lee,
William S. Scarborough, Nelson T. Gant and
Joshua H. Jones are resident freeholders, of this
State, were duly elected Trustees for four years
of the Endowment or other funds now on hand
or to be acquired, by said Church, or Board of
Trustees, for religious, educational, missionary,
benevolent or other uses and purposes of said
Church, to take charge of, hold, manage, rent,
lease, improve, sell or otherwise dispose of all real
estate belonging to or which may be acquired by
said church, or said Board for the use and benefits
of said Church, subject to such regulations as the
General Conference may from time to time pre¬
scribe; and in like manner to take charge of all
grants, gifts, donations, devises, legacies, bequests
or trusts made^to or in favor of said Church, or
412
INCORPORATION.
said Board of Trustees for 'the use, and to hold,
control, manage and invest same for the benefit
of said Church; also to receive and administer
any special societies now existing under the au¬
thority or by the sanction of said General Con¬
ference.
Said Board of Trustees shall consist of four
Bishops, four Ministers, and four laymen, of
whom four shall be appointed by the General Con¬
ference at each quadrennial session, and hold
office till their successors have been duly appoint¬
ed; which Board shall be known under the style
of "The Trustees of the African Methodist Epis¬
copal Church;" and its principal place of business
is fixed at Wilberforce, Greene County, Ohio.
Vacancies in said Board of Trustees occurring
more than six months before the session of the
General Conference, shall be filled by the Bishops,
and the person so appointed shall hold office un¬
til the next session of the General Conference,
when their places shall be filled as hereinbefore
provided.
Said Board of Trustees shall have power to
adopt by-laws for the transaction and regulation
its business, and to appoint the necessary offi¬
cers.
They shall make quadrennial Reports to the
General Conference and be amenable to that body
for the management of trusts confided to them.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, The General Con¬
ference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
has caused this certificate to be executed by Moses
B. Salter, Presiding Bishop, and Louis H. Rey¬
nolds, its Secretary, this 25th day of May, 1900.
LOUIS H. REYNOLDS.
INCORPORATION. 413
State of Ohio, Greene County, ss:
Before me, a Notary Public in and for said
County, personally appeared the above named
Louis H. Reynolds and Moses B. Salter, who
each signed the foregoing certificate in my pres¬
ence and acknowledged the same to be the free
act and deed of the said The African Methodist
Episcopal Church, and their free act and deed as
such officers thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto
set my hand and the official seal, this 31st day of
May, 1900.
(Seal) W. L. MILLER,
Notary Public, Greene County, Ohio.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
State of Ohio,
Office of Secretary of State.
I, Charles Kinney, Secretary of the State of
Ohio, do hereby certify that the annexed instru¬
ment is an exemplified copy, carefully compared
by me with the original record now in my official
custody as Secretary of State, and found to be
true and correct, of the Articles of Incorporation
of "The Trustees of the African Methodist Epis¬
copal Church."
Filed in this office on the 25th day of June, A.
D. 1900, and recorded in Volume 82, page 134, of
the Records of Incorporations.
WITNESS my hand and Official Seal at Co-
1 umbus, the 25th day of June, A. D. 1900.
CHARLES KINNEY,
Secretary of State.
414
CHURCH PROPERTY.
CHAPTER IV.
Church Property.
1. Property Deed.
1. For the security of our meeting houses
and the premises belonging thereunto let
the tor] lowing plan of a deed of settlement
be brought into effect in all possible cases
wherever the law will permit it in any State.
2. If necessary, each Annual Conference
may make such modifications in the deed as
may be required by the laws of any State,
so as to firmly secure the premises to the
African Methodist Episcopal Church.
3. It is necessary that all our deeds
should be recorded for legal as well as for
prudential reasons.
4. The incorporation of all our churches,
where the law will permit it, should be
attended to as soon as possible. And in
every corporation of the A. M. E. Church
the pastor shall be president of the corpor¬
ation and of the Board of Trustees, and the
method of electing trustees shall be the
same as prescribed in the book of Discipline
CHURCH PROPERTY. 415
Every pastor shall see that this provision
is a part of the articles in incorporation.
form of deed.
This Indenture, made this day of
, in the year of our Lord one thousand
hundred and , between 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 men¬
tioned, 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 presents, the receipt whereof is
hereby acknowledged, hath—or have—
given, granted, bargained, sold, released,
confirmed, conveyed, and by these presents
doth [do], give, grant, bargain, sell, re¬
lease, confirm, and convey unto them the
said trustees and their successors, [trustees
in trust for the uses and purposes herein¬
after mentioned and declared], all the es¬
tate, right, title, interest, property claim,
and demand whatsoever, eithei in law or
equity, which he, the said [if married
416
CHURCH PROPERTY.
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 be¬
ing in the and State aforesaid, bounded
as follows to wit: [here insert the several
courses and distances of the land to the
place of beginning], containing and laid
out for acres of land, together with all
and singular the houses, woods, water
ways, privileges, and appurtenances there¬
to belonging^ or in any wise pertaining: tc
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, water ways, and privileges thereto
belonging, unto the said- and their suc¬
cessors in office, forever in trust, that they
shall erect, or cause to be built thereon, a
house or place of worship, for the use of
the members of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church in the United States of
America, according to the rule and Disci¬
pline of said Church, which from time to
time may be adopted and agreed upon by
the ministers and preachers of the said
Church, at their General Conferences, in
the United States of America; and in fur¬
ther trust and confidence, that they shall
CftURCH PROPERTY. 417
at all times forever, hereafter, 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
Annual Conferences authorized by the said
Conferences to preach and expound God's
holy word therein; and in further trust and
confidence, that as often as any one or
more trustees, hereinbefore mentioned, shall
die, or cease to be a member or members
of said church, according to the rules and
it shall be the duty of the stationed minister
or preacher (authorized as aforesaid), who
shall have the pastoral charge of the mem¬
bers of said church, to call a meeting of the
members of the election of all the board,
or a part according to law, as soon as con¬
veniently 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 office
or offices has—or have—been vacated as
aforesaid: Provided the person or persons
so nominated shall have been one year a
member or members of the said church im¬
mediately preceding such nomination, and
be at least twenty-one years of age; and
418
CHURCH PROPERTY.
the said members, so assembled, shall pro¬
ceed to elect, and by a majority of votes,
appoint the person or persons so nominat¬
ed, to fill such vacancy or vacancies, 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 successors,
have advanced, or shall advance, any sum
or sums of money, or are, or shall be respon¬
sible for any sum or sums of money, on ac¬
count of said premises, and they, the said
trustees, or their successors, be obliged to
pay the said sum or 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 selling
the said premises, after notice given to the
pastor or preacher that has the oversight
of the congregation attending divine service
on the said premises, if the money due be
not paid to the said trustees, or their suc¬
cessors, after paying the debt, and other ex¬
penses which are due, from the money aris¬
ing from such sale, shall deposit i,the re¬
mainder of the money produced by the said
church property. 419
sale, in the hands of the steward or stew¬
ards of the society belonging to or attend¬
ing divine service on said premises, which
surplus or the proceeds of such sale, so de¬
posited in the hands of the said steward or
stewards, shall be at the disposal of the next
Annual Conference, authorized as afore¬
said; 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,
warrant and forever defend all and singular
the above mentioned and described lot 01
piece of ground with the appurtenances
thereto belonging, unto them the said
and their successors chosen and appointed
as aforesaid, from the claim or claims of
him, the said , his heirs and assigns, and
from the claim or claims of all persons
whatever.
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
in presence of us:
Grantor's [l.s.]
His Wife's [l.s.]
Two Witnesses.
420
CHURCH PROPERTY.
Received the day of the date of the above
written Indenture the consideration
therein mentioned in full.
Witnesses, Grantor's [L.S.]
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 01 the
within name (the grantor, if mar¬
ried, insert the name of his wife), and ac¬
knowledged the within deed of trust to be
their act and deed, for the uses and pur¬
poses 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 said acknowledg¬
ment, freely and with her own consent, with
out being induced thereto through fear or
threats of her said husband.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto
set my hand and seal, the day and year
first above written.
Here the Justice's name.
Note 1. Let all our churches be built
plainly and decently, but not more expen¬
sively than is absolutely unavoidable.
CHURCH PROPERTY. 421
Note. 2. Whereas, some of the States
and Territories [and Countries] have spe¬
cial acts on their statute books governing
religious bodies, therefore the meaning and
intent of this chapter wherever it refers to
the law of the State or Territory is to be
subject to the said statute law and not to
any individual church corporation that is
now or may be incorporated.
Note 3. Any church or congregation
among us that will not submit wholly to the
spiritual government of our General and
Annual Conferences shall be disowned.
Sec. 5. Abandoned Property.
Provided, that any church property
abandoned in consequence of the disband¬
ing of the Society, the title of said property
shall go to the Board of Ghurch Extension
of the Church Extension Society of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church, the
same to be sold and the proceeds of said
sale, less the expense to the Extension So¬
ciety, shall be set apart for the aid of mis¬
sion work of the Conference to which said
abandoned property belonged.
422
TRUSTEES.
CHAPTER V.
Trustees of Church Property.
1. The Number.
1. "Where proper persons can be procured
let nine trustees be elected for our meet¬
ing houses; otherwise seven, five or three.
2 Each board shall consist of not less
than three, nor more than nine persons.
2. Qualifications.
1. Each person to be elected trustee shall
be twenty-one years of age, and shall have
been not less than six months a member of
our Church—except in case of missions,
new work, or other emergencies.
2. No person shall be eligible as a trustee
of any of oar houses, churches or schools
who is not a regular member of our Church.
3. Mode of Election.
1. "Whenever the law of the land requires
a specified mode of election, that mode shall
be observed in electing trustees.
2. When the civil law does not intervene
the trustees shall be elected annually by the
members of the church.
TRUSTEES. 423
3. The minister in charge shall appoint
the time and place for holding the election
and give notice of the same from the pulpit
at least one Sunday previous to the time.
4. The minister at the meeting for elec¬
tion shall nominate twice the number of
persons to be elected.
5. Then every member of the church,
twenty-one years of age and in full com¬
munion shall have the right to vote foi
• the nominees, and if present at the meeting
shall cast his ballot for those of his choice;
and so the election shall proceed until by a
majority of votes cast the required number
of trustees are elected. The minister in
charge shall then make a declaration of the
result.
4. Chairman of the Board.
1. "Where the law of the State does not
otherwise direct, the minister in charge shall
be Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and
his signature shall be necessary to make the
acts of the trustees legal.
2. When he is Chairman of the Board
and is at any time unable to be present at
a meeting he shall appoint a president pro
tem., whose signature^also shall be legal.
424
TRUSTEES.
5. Duties of Trustees.
1. The trustees shall manage all the tem ¬
poral concerns of the church not otherwise
provided for, and shall have a treasurer of
the Board elected by the Board.
2. They shall guaid all the real estate;
churches, parsonages, school houses and
other property owned by the people in the
connection.
3. They shall make improvements upon
said property or real estate when authorized
to do so by a majority of the legal voters
of the church.
4. They shall procure by purchase or
hire, a house for the preacher's family and
also comfortably furnish it for them and
pay the expense of moving thereto.
6. Orders for Improvement.
1. Wherever improvements should be
made the minister in charge shall call to¬
gether the legal voters of the church and a
majority of them will have to give their
consent for the improvement to be ordered.
2. Should, however, a majority of them
not be present at a meeting after a proper
call has been made, then a majority vote of
those present shall be considered legal.
TRUSTEES.
425
7. Amenable to Quarterly Conference.
1. The trustees shall make a report oi
all their receipts and expenditures every
quarter to the Quarterly Conference; to
which body they shall be answerable for
their official conduct.
8. Effects of Expulsion.
1. No person who is a trustee shall be
ejected while he is a joint security for
money unless such relief is given him as is
demanded, or the creditors will accept.
2. Any trustee ceasing to be a member oi
our Church by reason of expulsion or other¬
wise, shall immediately cease to be a trustee
except in case of debt in which he is 2
joint security; but even then* he shall not
be continued any longer than such relief
can be given as the creditors will accept.
9. Decorum in Churches.
1. The men and women shall be per¬
mitted to sit together in all our churches
wherever practicable.
2. All ministers, preachers and officers
shall use their influence to put an end to
the habit of talking before and after serv¬
ices in our churches.
426
STEWARDS,
CHAPTER VI.
Church Stewards.
1. The Appointment of Stewards.
1. The number of stewards for each
church shall not be less than three nor more
than nine.
2. The preacher in charge shall nomi¬
nate the number of stewards needed for
his circuit or station and submit the nomi¬
nation to the Quarterly Conference, which
shall confirm it or, if it see proper, reject it.
3. The stewards so nominated and con¬
firmed, shall serve for the term of one year;
or be appointed annually.
4. To be qualified for their office they
must be men of solid piety, who both know
and love the Methodist doctrine and dis¬
cipline. They must be of good natural or
acquired ability to transact the temporal
business of the church.
2. The Duties of Stewards.
1. They shall take an exact account of all
the money or other provisions collected for
Stewards.
427
the support of the preacher or preachers in
the circuit or station.
2. They shall make an accurate return of
every expenditure of money, whether to
the preachers, church, sick or poor.
^ 3. They shall seek out the needy and
distressed in order to relieve them and
comfort them.
4. They shall attend the Quarterly Con¬
ferences of their circuit or station to give
advice, if asked, in planning the circuit or
station; attend committees for the applica¬
tion of money to churches and give coun¬
sel in matters of arbitration.
5. They shall write circular letters to
the societies of a circuit when occasion re¬
quires to let them know the state of tempor¬
al concerns at the last quarterly meeting
and to urge them to be more liberal in their
contributions.
6. They shall register the marriages and
baptisms and be subject to the Bishops,
Elders, Deacons and traveling preachers
of their circuit or station.
7. The stewards shall provide the ele¬
ments for the Lord's Supper.
428
STEWARDS;
3. The Accountability of the Stewards,
1. The stewards for a faithful perform¬
ance of their duty shall be accountable to
the Quarterly Conference of their circuit or
station and it shall have power to remove
them when they fail or refuse to do their
duty.
2. In the interval of the Quarterly Con¬
ference Sessions, the preacher in charge
shall have power to suspend a steward who
refuses, neglects, or fails to discharge his
duty, and to fill the vacancy until the next
meeting of the Quarterly Conference
which shall dispose of his case.
3. The Board of Stewards shall have a
regularly labeled Church Record for the
registration of baptisms, marriages, deaths,
probationers and members.
4. The preachers in charge of the circuits
and stations shall see that the foregoing is
enforced.
4. The Stewardesses.
1. The preacher in charge may nominate
a board of stewardesses composed of not
less than three nor more than nine sisters
of the church to assist the stewards in the
discharge of their duties.
2. "When the nomination is made the
STEWARDS 429
stewards shall either confirm or reject it;
and if confirmed shall hold the steward¬
esses responsible to their board for a faith¬
ful perfoimanee of their duty.
3. Wherever it is necessary for it to be
done the preacher and stewards shall re¬
move the stewardesses and supply their
places.
4. The stewardesses are members of the
Official Board and the Quarterly Confer¬
ence.
430
SPECIAL DECLARATION.
CHAPTER VII.
Special Declaration.
1. Apostolic Succession.
Whereas, "We have heard with deep re¬
gret the dogma of Apostolic Succession and
the distinct and separate priesthood of the
ministry preached in our pulpit. And
Whereas, There are those amongst us,
members of this body, who are said to be
seeking reordination at the hands of the
Episcopal Bishops; and
"Whereas, "We have strong reasons for
believing that what is thus reported has
some foundation in fact; therefore be it
Resolved, By this, the Eighteenth Gen¬
eral Conference, now assembled, that we
set forth the following declarations, and
that any person or persons who are not in
harmony with the same or cannot subscribe
thereto are hereby declared out of harmony
with the standard of Methodism and are
liable to impeachment for propagating error
and showing dissension, to wit.
We hold and believe—That there is no
SPECIAL DECLARATION. 431
separate priesthood under the Christian
system set over the Church. That the sac¬
erdotal theory of the Christian ministry
is a dishonor to our Lord Jesus, and is
especially condemned by the tenor of the
Epistle to the Hebrews.
Second—That whilst there is a separate
ministry in the New Testament represent¬
ing the universal priesthood or membership
of the church yet as has been affirmed
above, each and every member is a king
and priest unto God.
Third—That we recognize the two or¬
ders and the one office in our church to be
the regularly ordained ministry, and that
we are satisfied with the ordination of the
same, holding it to be valid and true in
every respect.
Fourth—That the doctrine of Apostolic
Succession, according to our belief as Meth¬
odists, is erroneous. That there is an unin¬
terrupted succession of ministers which the
divine eye can .trace up to the Apostolic
times, there can be no doubt. But it is ut¬
terly impossible to prove that in any part
of the world there is a ministry that can
trace its orders up through episcopal hands
to the Apostles.
432 SPECIAL DECLARATION.
Fifth—"That the Apostles had and could
have no successors from the fact that theii
authority, indicated in two ways, was first
to teach Christianity by word and writing,
for which they had the gift of inspiration
in a special sense; and secondly, to found
the church, for which they had the power
of the keys of binding and loosing that is,
of uttering unchangeable decrees of ecclesi¬
astical government, 'that a succession of
such men would not have been in harmony
with the known will of Christ' "
Sixth—That there is an identity between
the Bishops and Elders or Presbyters, as
is evident from Acts 20: 17-28; Titus
1:5-7; First Peter 5:1, 2; Phil. 1:1; First
Tim. 3:1-8. But as everybody must have
a head, the Bishops among us are Primi
inter pares—"Chiefs among the Elders."
Seventh—That a reordination of any
Bishop, Elder or Deacon by any other ec¬
clesiastical authority cannot and will not
be tolerated in the African Methodist Epis¬
copal Church.
Eighth—Any person or persons who shall
violate these Declarations by preaching the
Dogma of Apostolic Succession shall be
guilty of a breach of Discipline, and shall
SPECIAL DECLARATION. 433
be tried, and, if found guilty, be suspended
or expelled, at the discretion of the com¬
mittee before whom such person or persons
shall be tried.
2. Ritualism.
"Whereas, "We believe that the doctrines,
practices, usages and genius of "American
Methodism, as believed, observed and con¬
formed to by the founders of African Meth¬
odism and their successors to the present
day, should, in their entirety, without mod¬
ification, restriction or enlargement, be be¬
lieved, practiced and conformed to by us,
and by those entrusted with the continued
preservation and development of African
Methodism in its historic and progressive
relations; and
Whereas, "We further believe that in all
things essential as touching the doctrines,
government, service, order and work of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church, there
should be oneness of purpose concurrent
opinion, continuity of methods and har¬
mony of feeling and relation between the
several factors that compose the whole:
Resolved First—we hold as the result of
our best knowledge based upon the facts
of history and the teachings of experience,
434 SPECIAL DECLARATION.
(the same resulting primarily from the ori¬
gin and development of American Metho¬
dism, and secondarily from the origin and
development of African Methodism), that
it is highly expedient and unwise to per¬
mit any innovation on the concurrent be¬
liefs, practices and usages of African Meth¬
odism; and in view of this, we do not hesi¬
tate to affirm that the Dogma of Apostolic
Succession is foreign and repugnant to the
concurrent beliefs and teachings of African
Methodism, and that no Bishop or minis¬
ter of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church should be allowed to publicly pro¬
claim opinions and views favorable thereto.
Second—As touching the usages and
practices of the African Methodist Episco¬
pal Church, we are free to aver that while
it is desirable to secure uniformity in the
order of the public services, and to enlist,
so far as possible, the thought and spirit
of the people in the same, and while w<-
grant that the orderly repetition of the
Decalogue, the Apostles' Creed, and the re¬
sponsive reading of the Scriptures may
conduce to the attainment thereof, we
strenuously deny that the presence and use
of a heavy and prosy litualistic service in
SPECIAL DECLARATION. 435
our public congregations, will, in any sense,
increase their spiritual interest, and we
deprecate any and all efforts that favor the
introduction of ritualism in connection with
our public service.
Third—That all laws or parts of laws in
conflict with the spirit and language of
these resolutions be and the same are here¬
by repealed.—General Conference, 1884.
PART XI.
APPENDIX.
I. Course op Studies.
II. Specific Examination.
III. Recommendations to Students.
IV. The Primitive Rule of Giving for
Benevolent Purposes.
V. The General Conference Rules'
VI. Bishops' and General Officers'
Addresses.
438
COURSE OF STUDIES.
CHAPTER I.
Course of Studies.
1. Traveling Preachers.
This course of study which has been pre¬
pared by the Council of Bishops, by order
of the General Conference, has been care¬
fully decided upon after a patient investi¬
gation cf the relative merits of the books
recommended.
The Annual Conference shall appoint a
committee on the studies of each of the five
series, annually, to act at the Conference
one year later. These committees should be¬
gin the work of examination at the place of
Annual Conference one day before the Con¬
ference opens. They shall not examine any
preacher for admission, advancement or or¬
ders, who has not the books of his Course
and has not studied them. Preachers in
course must procure some of their books
within the first quarter, and all of them be¬
fore the end of the second quarter, each
year.
Examining committeemen should, as'far
as possible, be relieved of other committee
COURSE OF STUDIES. 439
work till they report the results of the ex¬
aminations. They should not recommend
to the Conference any preacher who has not
made an average of sixty-five on a basis of
one hundred or who has fallen below fifty
in any study.
Ordained preachers for admission to the
Annual Conference must be examined in
the studies for the secon d year, and if recog¬
nized as Elders,' in those for. the fourth year
also.
Presiding Elders must guard the work of
examination carefully at the District Con¬
ference, appointing none but the most com¬
petent ministers to the work, and oversee it
themselves. The Church does not want any
but effective ministers.
Studies for Admissiom.
Every preacher to be admitted to the An¬
nual Conference must have education
equivalent to the eighth grade in public
schools (much .higher accomplishment is
desirable.) He must have a respectable
knowledge of the Bible, especially the first
three gospels, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,
Matthew and Romans; the hymns of our
church, the Discipline, Parts I, III and IV;
Key to the Study of the Scriptures—Coppin,
Manual for Probationers—C. M. Tanner.
440 COURSE OF STUDIES.
Studies for First Year.
Small Scripture History—Smith.
Chap. I, Part IV, Discipline.
Methodist Polity.—Turner.
Baptism.—M errill.
Systematic Theology, Vol. I, to Part II.,
Chapter VII.—Miley,
English and American Literature.—
Painter.
Physiology; Our Bodies.—Blaisdell.
Studies for Second Year.
History of the African Methodist Church
—Payne.
Bible Mastery.—Browne.
Parts IV and VII Discipline.
Analysis of Baptism.—Lampton.
Systematic Theology, Vol. I Part II.
Chapter VIII, to end—Miley.
Zoology.—Packard.
Short History of the Christian Church,
Parts I, II, III.— Hurst.
Rhetoric.— Hill.
Introduction to the Scriptures.— Nichols.
Pastoral Theology.— Kidder.
Studies for the Third Year.
History of the Christian Church, Parts
IV. and V.— Hurst.
Part V, Discipline
COURSE OF STUDIES. 441
Mental Philosophy.— Haven.
Extemporaneous Preaching.—Buckley.
Systematic Theology,. Vol. II. Christol-
ogy and Atonement in Christ.—Miley.
Botany—"From Seed to Leaf."—Newell.
Geology.—Shaler.
The Light of the Woild.—Speer.
Ecclesiastical Architecture.—Martin.
Studies for the Fourth Year.
Systematic Theology, Salvation in Christ,
Eschatology.—Miley.
Moral Philosophy.—Fairchild.
Homiletics.— Kidder.
Part VI and XI, Discipline.
Hermeneutics.—Terry.
Plain Account of Christian Perfection.—
Wesley.
Chemistry.—Remsen.
Logic.—Jevons.
The Dispensations.—Tanner.
Life and Epistles of St. Paul.—Cony-
beareand Howson.
Books to be Read for Admission.
Pastoral Theology.—Gaines.
Color of Solomon.—Tanner.
The Story of the Bible.—Foster.
Key to the Study of Scriptures.—Cop-
pin. , _
The Christian Faith—Curtis.
442
COURSE OF STUDIES.
Manual for Probationers.—C. M. Tan¬
ner.
History ol E ducation.—Jackson.
In the First Year.
The Divine Logos.—Johnson.
Baptized Children.—Coppin.
Autobiography of Richard Allen.—Allen.
Scraps of History—Handy.
In the Second Year.
"Wesley's Sermons.—Wesley.
Domestic Education.—Payne.
The Pulpit, Pew and Parish.—Johnson.
Official Decisions of Bishops.—Lampton.
The Supernatural Book.—Foster.
Third Year.
History of Preaching —Broadus.
"The Impregnable Rock of Holy Scrip¬
tures."—Gladstone.
Amanda Smith's Own Story.—Smith.
"Reminiscences of School Life and Hints
on Teaching."—F. J. Coppin.
"How We Think."—Dewey.
Fourth Year.
Theological Lectures.—Tanner.
"The Land of Promise."—Seaton.
The Races of Man.—Peschell.
COURSE OF STUDIES. 443
The Reign of Law.—The Duke of Ar-
gyle.
Analogy of the Christian Religion.—
Butler.
Toussaint L'Ouverture.—Mossell.
Sermon Syllabi.—Coppin.
Each preacher must secure a good dic¬
tionary of the English language, a diction¬
ary of the Bible, and a Biblical cyclopedia.
At the end of the second, third and
fourth years, each preacher shaH present
a written sermon to the Conference.
Constitution and Parliamentary History
of the M. E. Church.—Buckley.
Ministers' Associate Course of
Studies.
The Bishops and Conferences must see
that the regular examining committees do
not overlook this course, or the Bishop may
appoint a special committee whose business
ft will be to examine upon the studies here¬
in designated:
1. Latin.
2. Greek.
3. Hebrew.
4. Elements of Geometry.
5. Natural Philosophy.
6. Chemistry.
7. Geology.
444 COURSE OF STUDIES.
8. Political Economy.
No authors are named in this course.
The student-minister can therefore avail
himself of any books upon the studies
which he may find convenient.
2. For Exhorters.
All persons making application before
any of our Quarterly Conferences for Li¬
cense to Exhort, must, in addition to the
ordinary question propounded touching on
life, conversion, growth in grace, and his
Christian experience; be examined by the
Presiding Elder or any member of the
Quarterly Conference desiring, upon the
following studies:
1. Spelling, Reading, Writing and Gram¬
mar.
2. The Holy Bible.
3. Catechism.
4. Discipline A. M E. Church.
5. The Hymn Book of the A. M E.
Church.
An exhorter is an incipient preacher; he
preaches although he does not take a spe¬
cial text. Therefore he is compelled to deal
with theology, hence the requirement to
study the Bible, A. M. E. Hymnal, "Bin-
ney's Compend of Theology," or "Embry's
Digest of Theology."
COURSE OF STUDIES.
445
3. For Local Preachers.
Local preachers should study as hard,
be as able and learned, as the traveling
minister, and in every particular be his in¬
tellectual and moral equal, excelling him
in pulpit power if possible. Therefore they
should go through the same course of
studies in every respect, as they have the
same people to preach to and instruct. But
after years of observation and experience
we have concluded to give the local preach¬
ers a more limited course and require the
Presiding Elders to hold them rigidly to it.
Therefore local preachers must pass a fair
examination in the following studies, or
have "their licenses revoked. The Presiding
Elder and Quarterly Conference however
may exercise charity in consideration of old
age and infirmities.
Requisites for Licensing Local Preach¬
ers.
1. Spelling, Reading, "Writing, Geogra¬
phy, Grammar, Arithmetic and History.
2. The Holy Bible and Catechism
3. Story of the Bible.—Charles Foster.
4. Digest of Christian Theology.—Em-
bry.
446
COURSE OF STUDIES.
First Year's Studies.
1. Digest of Christian Theology.—Em-
bry.
2. Methodist Polity.—Turner.
3. Outlines of Church History.—Hurst.
4. The A. M. E. Discipline.
Second Year's Studies.
1. Christian Theology.—Field.
2. Bible Readings.
3. The A. M. E. Discipline.
Third Year's Studies.
1. Story of Creation —S. M. Campbell.
2. History of the Christian Church—
Fisher.
3. Bible Geography.
4. Outlines of History of A. M. E.
Church—Tanner.
5. The A M. E. Discipline.
Fourth Year's Studies.
1. Moral Science—Wayland.
Books to be purchased and read at any time.
2. Introduction to the Study of the Scrip¬
tures.— Nichols.
3. Astronomy.—Warren.
4. Relation of Baptized Children to the
Church —Coppin.
COURSE OP STUDIES. 447
5. Physiology and Hygiene—Cutter.
6. Domestic Education —Payne.
7. Divine Logos—Johnson.
8. The A. M. E. Discipline.
Ministers from other denominations ap¬
plying for admission to the traveling work
naturally go before the Committee on Ad¬
mission, and second-year's studies, respec¬
tively, where they must be examined
upon their standing in the church from
whence they came, under what conditions
they left it; also submit their ministerial
papers if they are ordained, to the com¬
mittee, and be questioned upon their edu¬
cational advantages and attainments, Chris¬
tian experiences, and the motives that led
them to the A. M. E. Church. And if these
conditions are satisfactory :
They must be examined upon the Disci¬
pline of the A. M. E. Church, and so much
of our theological doctrines as to enable
the committee to determine whether they
agree with the doctrines, rules and regu¬
lations.
And if the committee think it advisable,
it shall require them to read such books
as they may recommend notwithstanding
their admission.
448
SPECIFIC EXAMINATION.
CHAPTER II.
Specific Examination.
Questions on Review to be answered by
candidates on completion of fourth year's
studies, or upon examination for Elder's
Orders.
1. Personal Religious Life and Habits.
The very great excellence of the follow
ing is our excuse for copying it from the
Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal
Church (1878).
1. State your views of the character and
source of the Christian life.
2. How may we know that we are par¬
takers of this life?
3. What are the evidences of a divine
call to the ministry?
4. State what you consider to be the
main duties of the ministerial office, and
the necessary qualifications for the dis¬
charge of them.
5. By what means may these "(qualifica¬
tions be cultivated?
6. Give your views of the nature and
SPECIFIC EXAMINATION. 449
importance of Pastoral Visitation, and state
the amount of attention you give it.
7. Inform us of your general habits of
study.
8. Name all the books you have read
each year since your admission on trial in
the traveling ministry.
9. How much time do you devote to the
study of the Scriptures, and with what
method do you study them?
2. Examination in the Bible.
1. In what sense do yOu consider the
Bible to be the word of God, and by what
arguments do you sustain your views?
2. Explain what is meant by the phrase
"Canon of Scripture."
3. Distinguish between the genuineness,
and authenticity, and credibility of a book.
4. Give a synopsis of the argument by
which the genuineness of the books con¬
stituting our received Canon of the Old
Testament is established.
5. Give a synopsis of the argument es¬
tablishing the genuineness of the books con¬
tained in the received Canon of the New
Testament.
6. In what sense do Protestants affirm
and Romanists deny that the Scriptures
450
SPECIFIC EXAMINATION.
form a complete and infallible rule of faith
and practice?
7. State when the authorized version of
the Bible appeared, and how it was pro¬
duced.
8. Give an epitome of the history of the
Israelites from the time of the Exodus to
the death of Joshua.
9. Recount the leading facts connected
with the revolt of the Ten Tribes.
10. Name the great Annual Festivals of
the Jews; and also state what they were
designed to commemorate, and how they
were observed.
11. Name the principal prophets, the
periods in which they prophesied, and the
particular burdens of their prophecy.
12. Give from the life of our Lord some
illustrations of his regard for the Old Tes¬
tament Scriptures.
13. "What predictions relate to Christ,
especially to the time of his coming? his
character? office? death?
- 14. Of what periods of the life of our
Lord have we historical records? and over
how long a period did His ministry extend?
15. Describe the principal events and
localities of His ministry.
SPECIFIC EXAMINATION. 451
16. State the leading facts recorded in
the Acts of the Apostles.
17. W hat is a miracle? In what way do
miracles authenticate a divine revelation?
3. On the Doctrines of the Bible.
1. In what manner does the Bible make
known the existence of God?
2. "What Scripture proof is there of a
Trinity of Persons in one Godhead?
3. Enumerate the attributes of God, and
give Scripture proofs of each.
4. Give the Scriptural doctrines of the In¬
carnation and show how it is connected
with the Gospel scheme.
5. Give a summary of the Scripture ar¬
gument for the Divinity of Christ.
6. Give the Scripture proof of the Per¬
sonality, Divinity and "Work of the Holy
Spirit.
7. What was the effect of Adam's sin
upon himself? upon his posterity?
8. What is the relation of the vicarious
death of Christ to the forgiveness of our
sins?
9. State the proofs by which the resur¬
rection of Christ is established
10. Show the nature and value of Christ's
intercession as taught in the Scriptures
452
SPECIFIC EXAMINATION.
11. What are the doctrine and proof of
the Witness of the Spirit?
12. State concisely the doctrine of Chris¬
tian perfection as taught by Mr. Wesley,
and support it by Scripture proofs.
13. Explain the difference between re¬
generation or the new birth and entire sanc-
tification
14. State the Arminian doctrine respect¬
ing the perseverance of the saints, and
show its harmony with the Scriptures.
15. State the nature, design and obliga¬
tion of Baptism; and the proofs of each.
16. State why baptism of infants should
be retained in the Church.
17. What are the phases used in Scrip¬
ture to designate the Lord's Supper? what
their import? what the ground for obliga¬
tion on Christians to observe this sacra¬
ment?
18. State the Romish doctrine of Tran-
substantiation; also the Lutheran doctrine
of Consubstantiation; and give an outline
of the arguments by which each is dis¬
proved.
19. How do you prove that the wicked
will not be annihilated?
20. State the Scripture doctrine of the
SPECIFIC EXAMINATION. 453
resurrection of the body; and give the
proofs.
Church Organization and Government.
1. State the different forms of Church
government.
2. State the character of the organization
in Great Britain; in what respects it differs
from and in what it agrees with, that of
the Methodist Episcopal Church of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church in the
United States.
3. "What are the respective duties and
powers of the General Conference and of
the Annual, District and Quarterly Con¬
ferences in the African Methodist Episco¬
pal Church?
4. "W hat are the peculiar duties and pow¬
ers vested in the following officers of the
Church respectively, namely: Bishops,
Presiding Elders, Elders, Deacons, Preach¬
ers in charge, Local Preachers, Stewards,
Trustees of churches and Class Leaders?
and how is the limitation of the power, and.
the amenability of each for its proper ex¬
ercise, fixed?
5. Ecclesiastical History.
1. Enumerate and describe the principal
Jewish sects existing at the time of Christ.
454
SPECIFIC EXAMINATION.
2. Give some account of the early per¬
secution of the Christians.
3. Mention some circumstances in the
state of the world which assisted the early
progress of Christianity.
4. State the doctrines of the Gnostics,
and show their evil influence upon the early
Church.
5. State the chief causes which led to
the separation of the Greek from the Latin
Church and the period when it took place.
6. Give an account of the religious state
of the world immediately prior to the time
of Luther.
7. Give an account of the Great Refor¬
mation—the causes that led to it, and the
principal characters engaged in it.
8. Give an account of the Reformation
in England; also of the Puritans.
9. Give an account of the origin and rise
of Methodism in Great Britain, and the
leading characters in the "Wesleyan move¬
ment.
10. How did Methodism take its origin
in this country? "Who were its principal
founders? What were the principal char¬
acteristics of the movement?
11. "What were the circumstances that
led to the organization of the Methodist
SPECIFIC EXAMINATION. 455
Episcopal Church? what were the circum¬
stances that led to the organization of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church? what
were the time, place and circumstances un¬
der which these organizations were effected?
12. State the leading events in the his¬
tory of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church since its organization.
[Read—Thomson's Evidences of Reve¬
lation; McClintock's Methodology; Kid¬
der's Christian Pastorate; Hervey's Chris¬
tian Rhetoric; Conybeaie and Howson's
Life and Epistles of St. Paul.]
Books of Reference—Fleming's Vocab¬
ulary ot Philosophy; Smith's Smaller Clas¬
sical Dictionary; McClintock and Strongs'
Cyclopaedia; Haydn's Dictionary of Dates.
456
RECOMMEND ATI ONS.
CHAPTER III.
Recomendations to Students.
We recommend to candidates, for extort¬
er's or preacher's license in the Quarterly-
Conference; local Deacons and Elders, pro¬
bationers in the Annual Conference, and
traveling Deacons, who desire most profit¬
ably to read the Scriptures: that they pur¬
sue the following course, viz.: Read a por¬
tion of the Scriptures each and every
day. Let nothing prevent you in this good
undertaking. Read a lesson of one or two
chapters from the Old and the same num¬
ber from the New Testament. Do not at¬
tempt to master a lesson of more than two
chapters from the Old, and two irom the
New Testament.
These four chapters will be quite as much
as you will be able to study profitably. Let
your course of reading be regular, and study
from day to day. Do not skip about from
book to book, and from place to place. Such
a course of study will profit you very little,
and by it you can never become learned
recommendations. 457
in the Scriptures. Read a few sentences or
a paragraph, then stop, reflect, and inward-
ly digest the subject, then proceed again in
like manner with a few more sentences, or
another paragraph, and so continue until
you have completed your Scripture lessons.
This will do more good than an attempt to
commit the whole to memory.
The course marked out for the study of
the Scriptures will be the best, the most
profitable of any for you to pursue in the
study of those works which we have en¬
joined, with this simple difference, that we
recommend you take a lesson, a cer¬
tain number of pages, for a daily lesson,
instead of a certain number of chapters.
For instance, two to four pages of "Wat¬
son's Institutes read and studied per day,
would be a sufficiently large lesson for any
one pursuing a regular course of study, and
a most certain course to pursue in order
to become master of that work.
The same truth holds good of all other
books contained in the course.
"We have recommended several books to
be read which are given at the end of the
course for each year. Candidates will not
be examined in these, except as to the fact
468
RECOMMENDATIONS.
of reading. They may be asked if they
have read them.
Through much prayer and watchfulness,
our hearts are made better by study.
"Through desire a man having separated
himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all
wisdom." Proverbs xviii, i.
Search the Scriptures, for in them ye
think ye have eternal life, and they are
they which testify of me," says the Saviour.
"Study to be approved, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed," says the Holy
Spirit by the sainted Paul.
In conclusion, we say, there is not a book
on earth so favorable to all the kind, and
all the sublime affections; or so unfriendly
to hatred and persecution, to tyranny, to
injustice and every sort of malevolence, as
the Gospel. It breathes nothing through¬
out, bat mercy, benevolence and peace.
Poetry is sublime, when it awakens in the
mind any great and good affection, as
piety or patriotism. This is one of the
noblest effects of the art.
The Psalms are remarkable, beyond all
other writings, for their power of inspir¬
ing devout emotions.
But it is not in this respect only, that
RECOMMENDATIONS. 459
they are sublime. Of the divine nature
they contain the most magnificent descrip¬
tions that the soul of man can comprehend.
The hundred and fourth Psalm in particu¬
lar, displays the power and goodness of
Providence, in creating and preserving the
world, and the various tribes of animals in
it, with such majesty in brevity and
beauty, as it is vain to look for in any
human composition.
460
RULES FOR GIVING.
CHAPTER IV.
The Primitive Rules of Giving for
Benevolent Purposes.
Upon the first day of the week, let every
one of you lay by him in store as God hath
prospered him, that there be no gatherings
when I come.—I Cor. xvi, 2.
Such a system it is my present object to
unfold. I can lay no claim to novelty; but
this I do not regret, since I am able to com¬
mend the plan to be brought forward as
Scriptural. I may also add, it is exceed¬
ingly simple and feasible. It has no com¬
plicated impracticable details. It was acted
on by many of the disciples of Jesus, nine¬
teen centuries ago; and has, doubtless, to
some extent, been followed by the benevo¬
lent in subsequent ages. It is to be feared,
however, that the instances are wide apart
in which it is adhered to at the present
day, though a mere inspection of it is
enough to show that a better cannot be
framed, as might also be argued frdm the
fact of its having an inspired apostle for
its authority.
RULES FOR GIVING. 461
All the elements of this system are con¬
tained in the direction of the Apostle Paul
to the church in Corinth, respecting collec¬
tions for the needy saints in Judea. I re¬
fer to the passage: "Upon the first day of
the week, let every one of you lay by him
in store, as God hath prospered him, that
there may be no gatherings when I come."
—I Coi. xvi, 2.
W e learn from the verse preceding, that
the apostle had given the same direction to
the churches of Galatea. It is therefore
probable, that the rule was extended to all
the churches that were solicited to con¬
tribute for the same purpose. Whether it
was the practice of the primitive Chris¬
tians to lay by them, in store for all their
pious and benevolent objects on the first
day of every week, we have not the means
of determining. "When we consider, how¬
ever, the circumstances of believers in that
early period, it appears most likely that
there was little'opportunity afforded, as a
general thing, for laying by their benefac¬
tions. They were themselves on strictly
missionary ground, subject to all the de¬
mands and embarrassments of such a posi¬
tion; and they could not accept occasionally
as in the case to which the rule specifically
462
RULES FOR GIVING.
refers, have operated for the benefit of the
distant. It was in their power to do but
little beyond what was pressingly needed on
the spot, and was appropriated as soon as it
accrued. Bringing in promptly; and disburs¬
ing without delay, must ordinarily, with
them, have superseded laying by them in
store. But even as the case stood, it is
hardly to be doubted, that their benevolent
contributions were made weekly, on the
Lord's Day, and that "every one" was ex¬
pected to give "as God had prospered him."
Still they did not do for others beyond
their own neighborhood, and where oppor¬
tunities for forwarding their donations
must have been infrequent. Now, observe
—in the only case of t^his kind, of which we
have particular information, they were in¬
structed not to defer their preparation un¬
til these opportunities should offer, but lay
by them in store in anticipation of these
opportunities.
Let us now suppose other cases similar
to have arisen, in which they were called
on to bestow for objects that could be
reached only at intervals greater than a
week; why would not the rule apply to these
cases with full as much force as to the
former? That is, why would not the rule
RULES FOR GIVING. 463
apply in its full force to every case in
which it was convenient only occasionally
to convey their quotas to the general treas¬
ury? I confess I do not see. If the lule
was the best one for its original purpose,
why is it not the best for every purpose
where funds are not to be appropriated on
the spot, and as fast as they can be raised?
It is difficult to conceive of a case of religi¬
ous donation, to which the rule may not be
substantially, if not literally, applied.
I would not claim too much for this rule.
I pretend not to say that the apostle con¬
templated for it universally and perpetuity.
I pretend .not to say that any anathema
awaited those who did not practice it, even
at Corinth. Still less would I say, that it
is obligatory in such a sense as to render
it a test of piety. But it was clearly the
very best that could be followed by those
to whom Paul sent it; and a better cannot
be found to guide the pious and the philan¬
thropic of the present day. In the name
of God and of humanity, let all who love
our Lord Jesus Christ, adopt some system
by which they shall both do what they can,
and do it the most effectually for the pro¬
motion of the Gospel,
464 GENERAL CONFERENCE RULES.
CHAPTER V.
The General Conference Rules.
The Organization.
1. The General Conference shall meet
every four years in regular session on the
first Monday of May.
2. The Council of Bishops shall, on the
day designated, at 10 a. m., open the Con¬
ference, or cause it to be opened, with re¬
ligious services.
3. The Secretary of the previous Con¬
ference shall call the roll of members elect¬
ed or reported so to be.
4. The Presiding Bishop shall appoint a
Committee on Credentials, one from each
Episcopal District, to whom all credentials
shall be referred.
5. The General Conference shall elect a
Secretary, First Assistant Secretary, Sec¬
ond Assistant Secretary, Third Assistant
Secretary, First Statistical Secretary, Sec¬
ond Statistical Secretary, Engrossing Clerk
and Reading Clerk.
6 The Bishops shall appoint four mar¬
shals and two pages.
GENERAL CONFERENCE RULES. 465
7. The bounds of the General Conference
and the hours of meeting and adjourning
shall be fixed by the Conference.
8. The General Conference shall have
power to fix its own rules of government.
9. The General Conference shall appoint
the following committees:
1. On Episcopacy one from each Annual
Conference.
2. On the Financial Secretary's Report
one from each Annual Conference.
The Bishops shall appoint the following
committees, which shall consist of one from
each Episcopal District:
1. On Book Concern.
2. On Educational Department.
3. On Annual Conference Boundaries
4. On Temporal Economy.
•5. On Missions and Missionaries.
6. On Sunday-schools.
7. On Temperance.
8. On Romanism.
9. On the State of the Church.
10. On Public Worship.
11. On Ways and Means.
12. On the Bible Cause.
13. On Entertainment for the next Gen¬
eral Conference.
466 GENERAL CONFERENCE RULES.
The reports of general officers shall be in
the following order:
1. The Quadrennial Address of the
Bishops
2. The Quadrennial Sermon.
3. The General Business Manager's Re¬
port.
4. The Financial Secretary's Report.
5. The Corresponding Secretary, Parent
Home and Foreign Missionary Society.
6. The Secretary of the Sunday-school
Union.
7. The Secretary of Education, (which
shall include all important facts in latest
reports of all the Connectional schools.)
8. The several reports shall be referred
to the appropriate committees.
9. Two hours shall be devoted each day
to the Revision of the Discipline.
It shall be considered, section by sec¬
tion, and all amendments shall be offered
while the section is under consideration,
and when an amendment is adopted it shall
be engrossed and read to J;he Conference,
and then passed.
2: Order and Government.
For the government of the General Con¬
ference of the African M. E. Church, held
in Philadelphia, Pa., in the Month of May,
1892.
GENERAL CONFERENCE RULES. 467
^ 1. The Conference shall convene at nine
o'clock a. m., and adjourn at one o'clock
p. m., unless otherwise ordered.
2. The President shall take the chair at
the precise hour to which the Conference
stood adjourned, and cause the Holy Scrip¬
tures to be read, singing and prayer, and
on the appearance of a quorum (one-third)
shall have the Journal of the preceding day
read—which journal shall be approved
(with corrections, if necessary); after
which business shall proceed in the follow¬
ing order: 1. Reconsideration if any. 2.
Unfinished business. 3. Reports of Stand¬
ing or Special Committees. 4. Resolutions,
Petitions, Memorials, Appeals. But notice
of all motions to reconsider the action of
the previous day must be given while the
Journal is being read, unless the said notice
was announced on the day previous; other
wise, the Chair shall disregard them. The
President shall strictly require the order
or orders of the day to be taken up and con¬
sidered at the time appointed, unless other¬
wise directed by a two-thirds vote.
3. The President shall decide all ques¬
tions of order subject to an appeal to the
Conference: but in case of such an appeal,
468 GENERAL CONFERENCE RULES.
the President and appellant only shall be
heard.
4. The President shall appoint all com¬
mittees not otherwise ordered; but any
member may decline serving on more than
one committee at the same time, unless on
a special committee.
5. All motions and resolutions shall be
reduced to writing, if requested by the
President, Secretary, or any three members.
6. W here a motion is made and seconded,
or a report is read and presented by the
Secretary, or stated by the President, it shall
be deemed in possession of the Conference;
but a motion may be withdrawn by the
mover at any time before decision or
amendment by consent of the Conference.
7.-No new motions shall be made or
resolutions offered until the one under con¬
sideration is disposed of, except a motion
for adjournment, laying on the table, pre¬
vious questions (none of which are debat¬
able), indefinite postponement, referring to
a committee,, offering a substitute, post¬
ponement to a certain time, an amendment
to an amendment, or recommitting (which
are debatable.)
8. No member shall be interrupted while
speaking, except by the President calling
GENERAL CONFERENCE RULES. 469
him to order when he departs from the
question or uses personalities or discour¬
teous language; but any member may call
attention of the President to the subject
when he deems the speaker out of order;
and a member may explain if he thinks
himself misrepresented, and could any one
refuse to come to order when so called, he
may be silenced for a day, unless he make
a satisfactory apology to the Chair and
Conference.
9. When any member is about to speak,
debate or deliver any matter to the Con¬
ference, he shall rise from his seat and
respectfully address the Chair.
10. No person shall speak more than
twice on the same subject, nor more than
ten minutes at a time, without special per¬
mission, unless to correct misrepresentation,
nor shall any member speak more than once
until every member desiring to speak shall
have spoken, unless by unanimous consent,
though he may represent another by his
consent.
11 "When any member rises to speak, it
shall be the duty of the Chair to announce
the name of the speaker and his Conference.
12. No member shall absent himself from
the Conference without permission from the
470 GENERAL CONFERENCE RULES.
Chair, unless he be sick or otherwise unable
to attend.
13. No member shall be allowed to. vote
on any question who is not within the bar
at the time when such question is put by
the President, except by special permission
of the Conference.
14. Every member who shall be within
the bar at the time a question is put shall
vote unless excused.
15. All questions pertaining to petitions,
resolutions or amendments, to change the
Discipline, shall first be read before the
Conference and lie over a day before being
altered, rescinded or repealed, if desired by
one-third of the Conference, unless on the
last day of the session.
16. All resolutions offered to amend,
enlarge or change the phraseology of the
Discipline shall be read three consecutive
times before the Conference, if desired by
any member, and referred to the appro¬
priate committee, without debate.
17. The previous question shall never be
demanded upon any resolution before two
members shall have been heard pro and
con, if desired.
18. A motion to lay an amendment upon
GENERAL CONFERENCE RULES. 471
the table removes the whole question from
before the~ house for the present, and L*
not taken from the table, is equal to an in¬
definite postponement of the subject; but
it does not destroy the right of further con¬
sideration of the question at any future
time*
19. Privileged questions are as follows:
—1st, motion to adjourn; 2d, motions re¬
lating to the right and privileges of the
Conference; 3d, motions relating to mem¬
bers individually; 4th, motions for order of
the day.
20. "When a question of order is raised,
all other business must be suspended until
the point is settled. The President must
decide the point without debate, subject to
an appeal to the Conference; but nothing
is a point of order that.does not involve a
supposed breach of the rules or special
order.
21. Reasonable time should be given for
the minority to report before final action
shall be taken on the report of the majority.
22. Should the Conference at any time
go into committee of the whole, the Presid¬
ing Bishop may call one of the Elders to
the chair.
472 GENERAL CONFERENCE RULES.
23. "When "a member rises and gives
notice of an intention to offer a resolution,
he may preface it.
24. There shall be one marshal from
each Episcopal District appointed, whose
duty it shall be to protect the bar of the
Conference from the encroachment of per¬
sons not entitled to seats and assist the
President in keeping order when so request¬
ed by him.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
473
Recommendations by Committee on
Church Edifices.
First: That the African Methodist Epis¬
copal Church establish the office of Su¬
pervising Architect, under the supervi¬
sion of the Church Extension Depart¬
ment,, and that all plans, specifications, su¬
pervision and drawings of any and all kinds
and character be furnished by him, as far'
as practicable.
Second: We further recommend that
the above stated office be created by the
General Conference, without salary. The
said Supervising Architect receiving the
compensation or commission for his work
from the different local churches, but in no
instance will the price charged be more
than the price laid down BY THE AMER¬
ICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS.
Recommendation
After looking over the work and talking
with many of our ministers, who have had
buildings designed, supervised and con¬
structed under Prof. J. A. Lankford, M. M.
S., Architect and Mechanical Engineer, we
474 IMPORTANT ACTS.
recommend that he be elected by this Gen¬
eral Conference to the Office of Supervis¬
ing Architect of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church, without salary.
(Signed)
General Conference Committee on Plans
for Church Buildings.
No action by Conference. Editor.
IMPORTANT ACTS.
1. The General Conference, 1912, made
the appointment to the Institutional Church
subject to conditions and the judgment of
the Bishop, instead of the five years' limi¬
tation.
2. The General Conference endorsed the
Evangelical Bureau and Rev. S. L.
Howard as its head, without salary.
3. The General Conference adopted the
Mens' Missionary Movement and Prof.
C. H. Johnson as its head, without salary.
4. The General Conference referred the
consideration of the Connectional Old Peo¬
ple's Home and the prospective Old People's
Home in Georgia to the Financial Board.
The General Conference of 1912 created
the Annual Conference office of Secretary -
Treasurer, whose duty is to receive the 36
per cent. Dollar Money Fund.
BISHOPS AND GENERAL OFFICERS.
475
CHAPTER VI.
Addresses of Bishops.
Bishop H. M. Turner, D. D., LL. D., 30 Yonge
street, Atlanta, Ga.
Bishop W. J. Gaines, D. D., LL.D. Died January,
1912.
Bishop B. T. Tanner, D. D., D.C.L. (ineffective),
2908 Diamond street, Philadeplhia, Pa.
Bishop Abraham Grant, D.D. Died January, 1911.
Bishop B. F. Lee, D.D., Wilberforce, Ohio.
Bishop J. A. Handy, D.D. Died October, 1911.
Bishop M. B. Salter, D.D., LL.D. (ineffective),
30 Vanderhorst street, Charleston, S. C.
Bishop W. B. Derrick, D. D., LL. D., Flushing,
N. Y.
Bishop Evans Tyree, M. D., D. D., 15 N. Hill
street, Nashville, Tenn.
Bishop C. S. Smith, M.D., D. D., 35 E. Alexan¬
drine avenue, Detroit, Mich.
Bishop C. T. Shaffer, M.D., D. D., 3742 Forest
avenue, Chicago, 111.
Bishop L. J. Coppin, D.D., 1913 Bainbridge street,
Philadelphia, Pa.
476
BISHOPS AND GENERAL OFFICERS.
Bishop E. W. Lampton, D.D., Died August, 1910.
Bishop H. B. Parks, 3312 Calumet avenue, Chi¬
cago, 111.
Bishop J. S. Flipper, D.D., 401 Houston street
Atlanta, Ga.
Bishop J. A. Johnson, D.D., Capetown, South
Africa. (1412 N. 18th street, Philadelphia, Pa.)
Bishop Wm. Heard, D.D., Liberia, West Africa.
(1426 Rockland street, Philadelphia, Pa.)
Bishop John Hurst, D.D., 1808 McCulloh street,
Baltimore. Md.
Bishop William D. Chappelle, A.M., D.D , Co¬
lumbia, S. C.
Bishop Joshua H. Jones, A.M., D.D., Wilber-
force, Ohio.
Bishop James M. Connor, D.D., 1519 Pulaski
street, Little Rock, Ark.
general officers.
477
Addresses of General Officers.
Rev. J. I. Lowe, D.D., General Manager of Book
Concern, 631 Pine street, Philadelphia.
Rev. R. R. Wright, Jr., Ph.D., Editor Christian
Recorder, 631 Pine street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Rev. J. W. Rankin, D.D., Secretary Board of
Missions, 61 Bible House, New York, N.Y.
Prof. J. R. Hawkins, A.M., Secretary Finance,
1541 14th street, N. W., Washington, D. C.
Prof. A. S. Jackson, A.M., Secretary of Edu¬
cation, Waco, Tex.
Rev. R. C. Ransom, D.D., Managing Editor A.
M. E. Review, 631 Pine street, Philadelphia.
Mr. Ira T. Bryant, A. B., LL.B., Secretary and
Treasurer Sunday School Union and Publisher
of the Southern Christian Recorder, Public
Square, Nashville, Tenn. .
Rev. G. W. Allen, Editor Southern Christian Re¬
corder, Columbus, Ga.
Rev. B. F. "Watson, l}.i>., Secretary Church Ex¬
tension Society, 1535 14th street, N. W.,
Washington, D.C.
Rev. J. C. Caldwell, D.D., Secretary Allen Chris-
tain Endeavor Society, 206 Public Square,
Nashville, Tenn.
478 GENERAL OFFICERS.
Rev. J. Frank McDonald, D. D., Editor Western
Christian Recorder, 2517 Grove street, Kansas
City, Mo.
Rev. John T. Jenifer, D.D., Historiographer, 34B0
Vernon avenue, Chicago, 111.
Rev. Wm. D. Johnson, D.D., Secretary General
Conference, Columbus, Ga.
INDEX.
479
INDEX.
PAGE
ABOLISHED law, the—which? 23
Abraham's Justification 21
Abstinence 174
Accounts of Churches, Pastors Oversee 185
Of members reported to Conference 188'
Of members reported to successor 188
Adam, Peculiar, covenant with .35
Actual sin of '22
Admission of Preachers 191
On trial T 191
To full connection 192
Persons to church membership 111
Addresses of Bishops and General Officers 475
African M. E. Church, origin of .— i
Affectation, Avoid 197
African Conference boundaries 293
Agents, Bishops may appoint 206
Alabama Conferences boundary * 276
Allen, Richard ii
Validity of his ordination iv
Allen Endeavor League - 384
Annual Conference Secretary-Treasurer 399
Annual Conferences " 221
Composition 221
Beginning;, and end of year 1--- 221
Sessions 221
Organization 222
Moneys, to whom paid 223
Literary exercises of 226
Antinomianism 23
Apostolic succession 430
Appeals, triers of 271
Court of ^
Method of procedure
Appellants, rights of 271
Appointments, Neglect of
Arbitration
Rejection of - -
And debts
480
INDEX.
Arkansas Conferences
"Articles of Religion"
Articles of incorporation of the A. M. E. Church
Assurance and holiness
And divine favor
Of faith
Auxiliary W. M. M. society, constitution
BAND societies, rules of
Pastors must organize
Baltimore Conference
Bans of Marriage, Publish
Baptism, Doctrine of •
Of infants, Ceremony
Of adults, Ceremony
'"'Baxter's Aphorisms"
Belief and Reconciliation
And love
Believers—doubting
Constrained
Bermuda Conference
"Bethel"
Bishops—"Episcopacy''
P. O. Addresses
Ordination of
Qualifications of
How constituted
Office perpetuated
Support of
Ineffective
Widows of
Orphans of
Trial of
Duties of »
Expenses of
Select Presiding Elders
Appoint preachers
Entertain proper motions ..
Appoint agents
Change appointees
Limit appointment term
Move objectionable preachers
Notify before transferring
Reject expelled preachers
Travel through district
Act on other districts
Regulated by general conference
278
6
411
26
27
36
322
53
185
278
127
13
99
104
24
26
31
31
279
iii
3
475
87
205
205
205
401
402
401
401
246
205
408
206
206
206
206
207
207
206
207
207
208
209
209
INDEX. 481
Inspect Conference appropriations 209
Not ordain women 208
Publish year book 209
Decide legal questions 1206
Board "Official" 237
Extra sessions of 237
Restriction ot 2 40
Of Publications—General 344
Oi Missions 301
Of Church Extension—General 374
Of Church Extension—Conference 380
Of Educational—General 361
Of Educational—Conference 364
Of S. S. Uhion 350
Of Southern Christian Recorder „ _ _ 347
Of Finance 395
Ot Allen Christian Endeavor 386
Of City Missions 339
Book Concern, the 343
Books sent to preachers by Book Concern 346
Borrowing, not intending to pay 258
"Both Kinds" Sacrament 14
Boundaries of Annual Conferences 276
Brethren going to law 49
Burial Service 134
Business Manager, Book Concern 343
Buying and selling—few words 49
Men 49
Without paying duty , 49
CALIFORNIA .Conference 279
Calvinism 26
Canonical Scriptures 8
Cape Colony Conference 293
Catechism on Faith, The 18
Catechism A. M. E. Church 189
Causes of spiritual poverty—^ 182
Certificate of membership i»»
Certificate of transfer 208
Challenge of Divine justice gl
Children, Pastor's duties to l»o
Children's Day
Choir
Christ revealed in us. _ 36
Christianity, Essence of ^7
Christian man's goods 17
t : Oath 17
482
INDEX.
Christian Recorder, The 346
Editor's duty 346
Southern, The 347
Western, The 347
African 348
Christian Endeavor 384
"Church," the 12
Church Conference 241
Church Extension Society 373
Church property, Deeds of 414
Improvement of 424
Decorum of 425
Churches, Dedication of 148
Chicago Conference 284
Classes originated 48
Class-leaders instituted 59
Qualifications of 59
Duties of 59
Appointed and removed 187
Neglect of »_ 263
Class meetings and leaders 59
Colorado Conference 279
Condemnation 20
Conduct of preachers at Conference 191
Improper 264
Course of Studies 438
Conference', General 212
Annual 221
Boundaries of , 276
District 227
Quarterly 231
Church 241
Connectional days 204
Funds 407
Constitution—P. H. and F. M. Society 300
W. H. and F. Annual Conference 327
P. W. M. M. Local 322
Women's H. and F. Society 314
Conviction 18
Commission of General Confer ence 216
Corner-stone laying 138
Costly dress 56-185
Covenant of grace 35
Of works 35
With Adam, Peculiar , 35
DAYS, connectional 407
INDEX.
483
Deacons, how constituted- 199
Ordination ceremony 66
Traveling 200
Duties of . 199
Local 199
Eligible to eldership 201
Deaconesses 160
Debts and arbitration .. 267
Dedication of churches, ceremony. 148
Deed, form of - 415
Delegates to General Conference 1__ 212
Board 216
Qualification. 212
Election of 213
Expenses of 219
Dissension, Sowing 263
District Conference 227
Composition of , 227
Delegates to 227
Divorcement 62
"Doctrines" 9
Dollar Money Laws 398
Uses of 401
At Annual Conference 397
Priority of claims on 407
Doubt, State of__*. 20
Dress, Thoughts on 185
Drunkenness 49
Dullness 179
Dvties Of preachers. Personal 184
Duties Of pastors 184
Of deacons.- —
Of elders 201
Of presiding elders 202
Of bishops 205
Of class leaders °9
Of General Business Manager 343
Of Board of Publication 344
Filling vacancies in office 345
Of Editor, Christian Recorder 34b
Of Managing Editor, Southern Christian
Recorder _ <54 /
Of Managing-Editor," Quarterly Review- _ _ _ _ 345
Of Managing Editor, Western Christian Re-
corder 347
484
INDEX.
EDUCATION, Secretary of 362
Board of 361
Educational Interest 361
Districts 365
Funds, Disposition of 371
Educational Day 371
Elders, how constituted 201
Ordination ceremony 72
"Presiding" 202
Local 163
Electoral College 213
Election rules 215
Eligibility of licentiates to deaconate 165
Of deacons to eldership — 201
Entertainment Commission 216
Episcopacy, the 3
Vacancies in 205
Episcopal Committee, the * 247
Districts 295
"Essence of Christianity" 37
Evangelists 168
Evil, all kind, Avoid 49
Examination for license 163
Exhorters, how constituted 161
Duties of 161
Expelled preachers 207
Members 60, 269
Expenses ot General Conference 219
Extra Session of General Conference 217
FAITH, catechism 18
Definition of 18
Fruits of 26
Salvation by 37
Lost 28
Recovered 28
Made perfect 21
In Holy Trinity, Doctrine of 9
Imputed for righteousness 28
Counted for righteousness 36
Family religion 178
Fasting and abstinence 52, 174
Festivals of church, Preaching on 177
Fighting, avoid 49
Finance Committee of Annual Conference 222, 223
Receive all Conference moneys 223, 398
Financial Department 393
INDEX.
485
Five years' limit appointment 207
Florida Conference 279
Food—proper and improper 175
Frauds 265
Free will, doctrine of 9
Fruits of faith, The 26
Before Faith 25
Full membership, admission to _• 111
Full Connection to Conference 192
GAINING knowledge ' j 181
General Rules 47
General officers, Support 403
Trial 6f 251
Official responsibility 169
Ecclesiastical responsibility 169
Restrictions 170
P. O. Addresses 475
General Conference, the 212
Composition 212
Sessions 215
Sessions—extra 217
Entertainment of 215
Restrictions of - 218
Delegates to—qualifications 212
Commission •- 213
Election of Delegates 219
Electoral College, the 213
Expenses 213
Rules for Government 467
Georgia Conferences 282
Giving, Rules for 4b<J
Goods of a Christian
Good works, doctrine of £u
Gold and costly apparel iso
Gospel near Calvinism 30
Near Antinomianism ou
Grace, Covenant of 35
Means of \L<*
"Instituted"
"Prudential"
Rules for growth in
Growth in grace 1I5
HEATHEN, The i
Heresy
Historical preface J,--—. oor
Historical and Literary Society
Holiness, salvation continued- °'
486
INDEX.
Holy Trinity, doctrine of 6
Holy Ghost, Doctrine of 7
Inspiration of 36
Holy Scripture, canonical 7
Home and Foreign Missionary Society 300
House to-house instruction 178
Hymnal, A. M. E 58
ILLINOIS Conference 283
Impeachment 254
Causes for 254
Important Acts 474
Improper conduct 264
Incorporation of connection 411
Indiana Conference 283
Ineffective Bishops 402
Insolvencies 265
"Instituted" means of grace 173
Interference pastoral 257
Intoxicants 49,52, 264
Invincible ignorance 26
Itinerancy, the 198
JUDICIAL directions 246
Justification 18
Doctrine of 9
. Sin after 11
Fruits of 20
Of Abraham 21
And Sanctification 30
KANSAS Conference 284
Kentucky Conferences 284
LACK of skill in ministers 180
Laying corner-stones 138
Lay helpers 160
Members, trial of 261
Lay delegates to General Conference 212
Leaders, class, qualifications of 59
Leaving wife or husband 62
Liberia Conference boundary 293
Liberty from law 24
From sin 28
License, how secured 164
Form of 164
Must be renewed annually 164
Liquors, spirituous 254, 264
Literary exercise of Annual Conference 226
INDESX.
487
Local preachers, examihation for 153
Application to Quarterly Conlerence for__ II 163
Licensed 164
Must study ~ 184
Trial ol 252
Eligibility to orders 165
Prom other churches 166
Local deacons, procedure lor 165
Eligibility to eldership 167
..Obligations of 167
Tenure of Annual Conlerence Membership 167
Local elders, procedure for 165
May be ordained at home 166
Obligations of 167
Tenure of Annual Conlerence membership 167
Local ministers liable to appointment 167
Lord's Prayer 123
Lord's Supper, the 116
Louisiana Conferences 284
Love-feast, pastors must hold 181
Tickets not.given the expelled 59
MARRIAGE 61
With unawakened 61
Without parent's consent 196
Counsel concerning 196
Ring, the 130
Matrimony—ceremony 127
Means ol grace—instituted 173
Prudential 175
Members—expelled 60,269
Received in church 111
Michigan Conference 287
Ministers' debts 258
Ministerial unacceptability 255
Mississippi Conferences 285
Missouri Conferences 285
NATAL Conference 294
Needless ornaments 5b
Neglect of appointment 256
New Testament °
New York Conference j&i
New England Conference
New Jersey Conference
North Carolina Conference
Nova Scotia Conference -
O'ATH of Christians 1'
488 INDEX.
Objects ol preaching 177
Oblation of Christ 14
Official Board 237
Oklahoma Conferences 288
Ohio Conferences 288
Ontario Conference 298
On trial, preachers received 192
Orange River Conference 294
Ordination ceremony, deacons 06
Elders -- 72
Bishops 87
Ordained pr eachers, received 194
Order of worship 57
Of "trial" 250
Orphans of preachers 404
Of bishops 404
Other districts, Bishop's visit 208
Other churches, preachers from 193
Orphans' allowance 404
PARDON, salvation begun 37
Parent H. & F. M. Society 300
W. M 314
Pastoral interference 257
Pastors, Duties of 184
Calls all meetings 184
Presides at all meetings 184
Meets all organized bodies 185
Travels through charge 185
Publishes general rules 185
Assigns probationers 186
Examines for full membership 186
Gives and renews tickets 186
May give not for love-feast 186
Enforces fasting 186
Enjoins society to get books 187
Tries and expels members 187
Appoints leaders 187
Suspends officers 187
Ignores unlicensed preachers 187
Gives certificates to members 188
Gathers in children 188
Trains children 189
Organizes Sunday-school 189
Pauline injunctions 181
Leaves account lor successor 191
Peace, fruit of faith 20
INDEX.
Perfection, preaching on -
Philadelphia Conference -
Pittsburg Conference
Plain texts
Prayer, extempore
Preach where needed ,
Against Sabbath breaking
Evil speaking
Unprofitable conversation
Lightness
Gayety
Contracting debts
Preachers' personal duties
Always have.a Bible
Use Lord's supper
Past
Converse aright
Deny self
Bear the cross
Set God always before
Preachers admitted on trial
In Annual Conference
To full connection
Conduct at Conference
Deportment, Serious
Avoid awkwardness
Wesley an, rules of
Support
Widows' allowance
Superannuated support
Itinerants, "Trial or"
Local, Trial of
Prom other denominations
Preaching, defect in
Rules for
Preface
Presiding Elders
Qualifications of
Duties of
To assist pastors
Preach on every charge quarterly.
Decide questions of law
Change pastors •
Accept no connectional money_ _
Be removed for cause
Salary of
Trial of
48&
44
289
289
176
177
178
177
177
177
177
177
177
173
174-
175
174
174
175
176
176
191
191
192
198
196
177
195
409
404
404
249
252
193
29
176
1
202
202
202
203
203
203
203
204
204
409
249
490
INDEX.
Probation, persons received on 111
Preachers received on 191
Probationers received to full membership 111
Assigned to special class 186
Probationship—members of 111
Primitive rules lor giving 460
"Prudential" means ot grace 175
Publication Department 343
Board 344
Public Worship 57
Puget Sound Conference boundary 288
Punctuality 196
Purgatory, doctrine of 11
QUADRENNIAL sessions, General Con,erence 215
Quarreling 49
Quarterly Conference 231
RECEIVING members 111
Preachers 191
Recommendations to students 456
Recommendations by Committee, Special 473
Reconciliation with God 26
Rejection of arbitration 268
Repentance 18
Belore faith 18
Reprove sin 48
Resurrection, doctrine ol._ 7
Righteousness ol Christ 22
Our own 31
Ring—marriage 130
Rites and ceremonies , 60
Ritual A. M. E. Church 57
Law of Moses 24
Rules, general, of the "United Societies" 47
Of a preacher 195
For growth in grace 173
Of government, General Conference 407
Rules of the United States 16
Rumors, investigation of 239
SABBATH breaking 177
Sabbath-schools, pastor's duty to 189
Sacraments, the 12
Salvation by faith, doctrine on 37
Sanctiflcation * 38
Schism 255
Seriousness, rules for. . 195
Sierra Leone Conference 293
INDEX.
491
Sin, original doctrine of •
After justification- - -
Adam's
WiiM, alter justification. - -(r
Besetting - - 11
Sincerity . - - -
Singing, regulation of—
Slavery
Softness, avoid
Sowing dissension ~
South African Christian Recorder.
South Carolina Conferences
Speaking in unknown tongue 12
E vils of magistrates • >1'
Of ministers —
Specific examination
Spirituous liquors 49, 5-
Stewards, Appointment of - 426
Duties of 426
Accountability of 428
Stewardesses 428
Students - 456
Sunday-school Union 350
Constitution 350
General Board 351
Annual Conference Board 352
Sunday-school Constitution 356
Supererogation 10
Superannuated Preachers 168
Support of traveling preachers 410
TALE BEARING 179
Tennessee Conferences 291
Texas Conferences 291
Theological Seminaries 367-8,406
Transfer certificate 208
Transvaal Conference 293
'' Tr ansubstantiation'' 14
Three Months' notice to transfers " 207
Travel of bishops 207
Traveling expenses of bishops 402 408
General officers..- '404
General Conference delegates 219
"Trial" of bishops 240
Pastor deacons 251
Pastor Elders
—„— 251
Presiding Elders 249
492
INDEX.
Pastor preachers 251
General officers 251
Lay members 261
"Trinity," doctrine ol 6
Pastor preaches 251
Trustees of church property 422
Number of 422
Qualifications of 422
Election of 422
Chairman of «- 423
Duties of 424
Amenability of-_ ^ 425
Expulsion of 425
UNACCEPTABLE preachers 207
Unacceptability of preachers 255
Uncharitable conversation 50
United Societies, the 47
United States—Rulers of 16
Unknown tongue, speaking in 12
Unordained preachers, admitted 194
Unprofitable conversation — 177
Usury 49
VACANCIES in episcopacy- 205
Virginia Conference boundary 293
Visiting, pastoral 178
WESLEY, MR. in London 47
Doctrine of 37
West Virginia Conlerence 293
Willul sin 20
Wine 171
Women's Mite Missionary Society 318
Witness of acceptance 20
Women's H. and F. Missionary Society 327
Word or Son of Gfod 6
Of unbelievers 24
Ol the law 24
Covenant of 35
Women, converse with prudently 195
Not to be ordained 208
YEAR BOOK 209
ZAMBESI Conference 294
Zealously maintain good works 56