i^% ^m^^jL^^^q United Brethren in Christ Extracts from the written journal of the proceedings ^^^ of the General Conference *|f of the United Brethren in '^* % Clirist, from 1815 to 1875 inclusive. | 3X9375 .A5U5 W W, »»* A.XVJIV> JU^Ak^ EXTRACTS I MAR 4 i92( PROM THl Written Journal of the Proceedings General Conference OP THE United Brethren in Christ, FROM 1815 TO 1873 INCLUSIVE. JOHN A. m'MAHON, attorneys POR THK "I4BERALS," AND MESSRS. WILLIAM LAWRENCH, G. W. HOUK, AND YOUNG & YOUNG, ATTORNEYS FOR THE "RADICALS." iMTTTRn AS F.VTnF.NOK IN ALL CASES WHEREIN THESE ATTORNEYS \KE EMPLOYED. DAYTON, OHIO: UXITKD BRKTHREN PUBLISHTVO Hrii-HK, iSgo, EXTRACTS f MAR 4 iS2tJ PROM THE Written Joornal of the Proceedings OP THE General Conference •?..■ United Brethren in Christ, FROM 1815 TO 1873 INCLUSIVE. PRINTED BY MUTUAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN MESSRS. GUNCKEL & ROWE AND JOHN A. m'mAHON, ATTORNEYS FOri THE "LIBERALS," AND MESSRS. WILLIAM LAWRENCE, G.'W. HOUK, AND YOUNG & YOUNG, ATTORNEYS POR THE " RADICALS." TO BE ADMITTED AS EVIDENCE IN ALL CASES WHEREIN THESE ATTORNEYS ARE EMPLOYED. DAYTON, OHIO: United Brethren Publishing House, GENEKAL CONEEKENCE OF 1815. The first General Conference of tlie Clinrcli of the United Brethren in Christ was held June 6, 1815, near Mount Plea- sant, Westmoreland Co., Pennsylvania. The delegates elected by the several annual conferences were 1 Christian Newcomer 8 Henry Spayth 2 Abraham Heistand 9 John Snyder 3 Andrew Zeller 10 Abraham Meyer 4 Daniel Tryer ■ 11 Henry Kumler 5 George Benedum 12 Abraham Draksel 6 Christian Crum 13 Christian Berger 7 Isaac Niswander 14 Jacob Bowlus. Bishop Newcomer in the chair. Abraham Heistand was elected chairman. Conference was opened by re'ading the 5 chapter of 1 Peter, singing and prayer, after which conference proceeded to business. There was found much misunderstanding and prejudice by some of the brethren, and it was only slowly and by and by, that this gave way. A letter from Christoph Grosh was read, as coming from a conference (so-called); it was evident, that they had not given the matter due consideration. A complaint was brought by Bro Bonnet against Br New- commer, as having told a falshood. A committee of three P Elders was appointed to investigate the case and it was found that there was only a mistake made and that no charges what- ever could be found against Br Newcomer. The revision of the confession of faith and rules of Discip- line of the church were attended to, some small alterations were made and then resolved to have them printed. Jacob Bowlus, Sedy. 4 GENERAL CONFERENCES OF 1821, 1825. PAGES K) AND 17 OF GENERAL CONFERENCE JOURNAL. SLAVERY. Eesolved, That in no sense of the word shall slavery in whatsoever form it may exist, be tolerated in our church, and that no slaveholder making application for membership, shall be received, and that if any member be found to possess slaves, he (or she) cannot remain a member, unless he (or she) manumit his or slaves as soon as notified to by the annual conference; that no member shall have the previlege of selling any of his slaves; that it shall be in the power of the annual conference to say whether a slaveholder as member of our church shall have the previlege of liiring out any of his slaves, and for how long a tmie; but in no case shall an annual conference have the power of granting to any slaveholder the previlege of hiring out or holding any of his slaves for any longer time than until such slave shall by his labor have remunerated his master for raising or purchasing him. PAGE 17 OF JOURNAL. Bro. Beuedum moved that no preacher shall be allowed to carry on a distillery. Bro. Brown moved to amend the motion by striking out the word "preacher'" and inserting the word "member." It was then resolved that neither preacher nor lay member shall be allowed to carry on a distillery. PAGE 18 OF JOURNAL. Resolved That if a member openly commits an offense he or she shall be openly-reproved, and if he or she refuses to humble himself or herself he or she shall ]>e openly expelled from the church. GENEEAL CONFEKENCE JOURNAL, 1825. PAGE 19 OF JOURNAL. At the opening of conference Bro Newcomer read the 25 chap of ^Matthew attended with singing, prayer and an exhorta- tion to unfeigned love of the Brethren. Question. AVhat shall be the first business of conference? Answer. The revision of discipline from the commence- ment, in regular order to the end of it. GENERAL CONFERENCES OF 1<82.5, 1829. 5 Sect 1 All addition to the first section was moved wliich was referred to a committee consisting of Bros John George Pfrimer, Henry Kiimler, Abraliam Meyer, John Hildt and George Hnfifman. May the 8th Tlie above com reported as follows; That from henceforth it shall not be lawful froni one preacher to cen- sure or condemn whether in private or in public, the mode of baptism of another, and whosoever shall make himself guilty of such act shall upon discovery, be considered a defamer and be held accountable to next annual conference. After due consideration of the above rex^ort it was unani- mously adopted. PAGES 20 TO 21 OF JOURXAL. At the examination of applicants for license to preach, the questions heretofore put to such shall be stricken out and the following proposed : Have you found God in Christ to be a sin-pardoning, and yourself experi- enced your sins? Have you i^eaee with God. and is the love of God, through the Holy Spirit, shed abroad in vour heart? ' I" Do you follow after holiness? Do you believe the Bible to be the Word of God. and that therein only is contained the true way to our salvation? Upon what is this belief founded? What is your notion for desiring permission to preach the Gospel? W^hat is your knowledge of Repentance, Justification, Sanetification and Redemption? PAGE 22 OF JOURXAL. Resolved. That John Hildt and Valentine Doubt see to having our dis- cipline, as it now stands revised, printed. Question. Who shall partake of, and whom shall we admit and invite to the Lord's Supper? Answer. First all true Christians and, secondly, all who are penitent, seeking the salvation of their souls. GENEEAL CONFEEENCE OF 1829. PAGE 25 OF JOURNAL. Resolved. That in no way or manner, nor in any sense of the word, shall Freemasonry be approved or tolerated in our church; and that should any one of our church members, who may now be a Freemason continue to G GENERAL CONFERENCES OF 1829, 1833. attend their lodges, or as a Freemason attend and take part in their pro- cession; or if he joins the freemasons; such member by such an act ex- cludes himself from membership in our church. PAGE 26 OF JOURNAL. Resolved. That hereafter, none of our brethren, whether a preacher or a lay member shall be allowed to publish a book or pamphlet, without per- mission from an annual conference. GENEKAL CONFEEENCE OF 1833. PAGE 29 OF JOURNAL. May 14th 1833 the members of the General Cou£ of the United Brethren in Christ met in Ross Co., O. There were present Henry Kumler, Bishop. Pennsylvania Conference Ezekiel Boring William Brown Jacob Erb James Neiman Jacob Snyder Frederick Gilbert Virginia Conference. William R Rhinehart Muskinyx ni Conference Henry G Si)ayth John Eckhart Adam Hetsler Christian Kengi S C Briggs Scioto Conference John Russel William Hastings Jacob Baulus James Ross George Benodum Samuel Heistand Daniel Davis John Kuhns. Miami Conf. Henry Kumler Jr Abram S Decker Jno Fetterhoff David Keiser Samuel Hoffman George Bonebrake Jno Swearigen Indiana Conference John Denham Josiah Davis James Griffith Jno McNamer Aaron Farmer Francis Whitcom. Bros Rhinehart and Spayth were elected secretaries. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1833. 7 Resolved 1st That the word "flesh" on page 20 (Dicipline 1825) be stricken out, and the word " body " be inserted; and where it reads: "the outward means of grace," that this be stricken out and inserted; "We beheve, that the ordinance of Baptism and the commemoration of the sufferings and death of our Lord Jesus Christ " etc Page 26 instead of " two " read " one or more Bishops." Same page — The general conference, shall in no way or manner, alter the Confession of faith as it now stands, whether by adding thereto or by taking therefrom. PAGE 30 OF JOURNAL. Page 24th. Ques. How and in what manner shall the De- legates to the General Conference be elected? Ans. It shall be the duty of each annual Conference, at its last sitting next preceeding the ensuing General Conference, to nominate four elders, — who have stood in that capacity two years, — from which number two shall be elected by the breth- ren of the church. It shall further be the duty of each annual conference, to appoint two brethren resident within the bounds of said conference district, as tellers, to receive and count the votes polled for the several candidates. It shall also be the duty of class leaders, stewards, or preach- ers, directly after conference to obtain a list of the proposed candidates and present them for election to the several classes, and after such election they shall make a return of said elec- tion to the tellers appointed who in the presence of a third brother chosen by themselves, shall open said returns, and after having counted all the votes returned, present the two highest in votes, under their own hand, with a certificate of election: In case of a tie, these three brethren shall determine by lot who shall be considered elected. Ques. Does General conference possess any power which an annual conf. does not? Ans. Yes. It is alone in the power of General Conference to elect from among the elder one or more Bishops, for the ensuing four years, and to make such provisions as may be conducive to the good of the whole church; Provided however, that none of her acts shall be so con- strued as to alter the confession of faith, or in any manner change the meaning, spirit, rules and regulations of our dis- cipline, as they now stand. 8 GENERAL CONFERENCES OF 1833, 1837. PAGE 31 OF JOURNAL. The consecration of marriages to be stricken ont. Section 7 Ques 3d strike oat "exliorter." PAGE 32 OF JOURNAL. We the United Brethren in conference assembled, believe that swearing by the Bil)le, or in the name of Almighty God, is contrary to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, who says, "swear not at all." Affirmation in evidence, where desired to speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, we consider in all cases sufficiently binding to the conscience H G Spayth W K Ehinehart Sccrciaries. GENERAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS, 1887. PAGE G5 OF JOURNAL. The General Conference of the United Brethren in Christ convened in Germantown, Montgomery County Ohio, this 9th day of May A D 1837. A very pathetic discourse was delivered by Bishop Samuel Hiestand at the opening of the Conference, after which, the 15th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles was read, singing and and prayer by the same. The conference" was successively opened Avitli reading, sing- ing and prayer, — prayer at each adjournment. The members were next called and examined as to the legality of their election, and found to stand as follows; Henrv Knniler ) r, ' 1 XT • i 1 ^ Bislioiis Samuel Heistand ' ^ PernisjiJnoiia Jacob Erb Coiif Jacob Winters Va Conf Jacob Rhineliart Jacob Glossbrenner MiixkiiKiinii Adam Hetsler David Weiiner Sdiidiisl,-!/ Jolin Dorcas George Iliskey GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1837. Scioto John Coons Wm Hanby Miami John Featherhoff William Stubbs. Indiana Francis Whitconi , John" fiopp ' Wabash Frederick Kenoyer William Davis Tlie conference then elected "William E Eliineliart secretary of tlie Conference. A motion was made by J Rhinehart that a committee of ways and means be appointed to dispose of as well as to secure property belonging to the Church of the U B in Christ. Whereupon the following persons were appointed viz William Stubbs 'George Hiskey J J Glossbrenner A Constitution was next presented to the conference b}^ Wm E Eliineliart, praying its adoption, for the better government of the church. After mature deliberation the vote was taken and carried, that its expediency be considered by the coiif. After some desultory discussion, the following resolution was submitted to the House by W Hanl^y. Resolved. That a Constitution for the better regulation of the Church be adopted. Which on vote of the conference carried. The before named constitution was next investigated and adopted, article after article by the unanimous vote, and signa- ture of every member of Conference. In adoption of this Constitution the conference was well ap- prised, that they had transcended the right allowed them by discipline; in view of which a motion presented by Bj) Heist- and that a committee of two be appointed, to write and present to conference now in session, a circular in relation to the Con- stitution just adopted; informing the constituents of this body, that a memorial will be presented to the next Gen. Conf. pray- ing for the ratification of the same, according to article 4tli section 2d. 10 GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1837. A motion was made by W Haiiby that the signing of the Constitution be postponed nntil ensuing morning at 8 o'clock, and carried. A motion was made by Geo Hiskey, that all the Benevolent institutions in our Church come iinder the control of the Gen Conf ; whose duty it shall be to lay down rules by which they shall be governed. The vote was taken and carried. On motion of Bp Heistand, Resolved that a committee of three be appointed to draft a constitution for the Printing establishment; Whereupon Jacob Erb, W Hanby and J Feath- erhoff were appointed. Bp Heistand presented the annual report of the Benevolent Societies. MARYLAND B SOCIETY — REPORT. Interest on Bank Stock ----- $94 50 Surplus dividend from May last - - - 47 25 Interest on 883.4:7 for one year - - - - 5 00 Interest from life Subscribers - - . 22 00- $168 95 Amount for distribution is $168.95 as above stated. Given under my hand March 20th A D 1837. John Hershey. Treasurer. OHIO B SOCIETY. REPORT Amt of notes ---... $775 16 " subscription notes . - . . 310 00 Jno Hilts note of hand ----- 200 00 Stock in the Treasury - - - . 10 00- $1295 16 Interest received and for distribution $100.00. Given from under my hand this 6th day of May 1837. Joseph Heistand Sec. The whole amount for distribution was $268.95. On motion of W Hanby the constitution was signed by the members of conference — and reads as follows CONSTITUTION AND PREAMBLE. PREAMBI^E. At a meeting of a General Conference held by the United Brethren in Christ in Gerniantown, Ohio, May 10, 1837, it was resolved that a constitu- tion should be formed for the better government of the Church. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1837. 11 We as the members of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, in order to retain a perfect union, — accompUsh the ends of Justice and equity,~msuve ecclesiastical as well as domestic tranquility; provide for the common interest of the C/i ;? re /i,— promote the general ivelfare of society, and to secure the blessings of the gospel to ourselves, our poster- ity, and our fellow men in general; ordain and establish the following- CONSTITUTION, for the Church aforesaid: ARTICLE I. Sec. 1. All ecclesiastical power herein granted, to make or repeal any rule in Discipline, shall be vested in a General Conference, which shall consist of ministers elected by the members, in every conference district throughout the society. Nevertheless nothing shall be done so as to change the article of faith or in anywise destroy the itinerant plan. Sec. 2. No minister shall be considered eligible for election until he has stood in the capacity of elder for the term of three years, having main- tained a good moral character during that time. Any elder receiving a transfer from one conference to another, shall not be considered eligible for election under a term of two years, and not then without a sufficient recommendation from the conference of which he had been a member. Sec. 3. The number of delegates from each conference district shall not exceed one for every five hundred members. But should it so happen that a conference would be formed in a territory not having five hundred mem- bers within its district, that conference shall nevertheless have one delegate to represent its members in General Conference. Sec. 4. If any vacancies should occur through sickness or otherwise, after the election of delegates, it shall be the duty of the presiding elder or elders immediately to notify the next highest on the list of votes that he is now a member to represent that district in the ensuing General Conference. Sec. 5. The bishops shall upon all occasions be considered members of the General Conference, to preside as the organs of that body as in annual conferences. Bishops shall be elected every four years, during the sitting of the General Conference, by the members thereof, from among the elders throughout the Church, who may have stood in that capacity for a term, not less than six years. Sec. 6. The General Conference shall be held once every four years. At the adjournment of which it shall be the duty of the same to publish or cause to be published ( excepting such parts as may not be considered expedient) all their proceedings, for the benefit of society in general. ARTICLE II. Sec. 1. The members in each conference district shall solely have the privilege of choosing and electing the delegates to General Conference, which shall invariably be done at least three months [previous] to the sitting of the same. Sec. 2. In the election of delegates for General Conference, it shall be the duty of each annual conference to appoint a committee of three, in thetr several conference districts, to receive and count the votes, and im- mediately apprise those who may have been elected. 12 GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1837. Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the annual conference to furnish the presiding elders with a list of all the elders eligible for election. The pre- siding elders shall furnish each circuit-preacher in charge, whose duty it shall be to furnish each class-leader or steward throughout the circuit with a copy of the same. Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of each class- leader or steward to appoint a meeting of the members of each class, for the purpose of electing, by ballot or otherwise, one or more delegates to represent them in General Conference. Sec. 5. It shall be the duty of each class-leader or steward to sign, enclose and seal each bill of election, hand it over to the preacher in charge; he again to the presiding elder, whose duty it shall be to transmit the same to the committee appointed by the annual conference. Sec. 6. The committee appointed to receive and count the votes shall make a list of all the persons voted for and the number of votes for each. Should any two or more of the candidates have an equal number of votes, the invividuals thus appointed shall determine by lot who or which of them are elected. They shall also forward the names of those elected to the conference printing establishment for publication. ARTICLE III. Sec. 1. Each annual conference shall come fully under the jurisdiction of the General Conference, except under such regulations as the General Conference may deem expedient in relation to local matters, so as not to prove i^rejudicial to the interest of the whole society. Sec. 2. The business of each annual conference shall strictly be done according to Discipline. Sec. 3. Any annual conference acting in violation of the doings of General Conference, shall, by impeachment, be tried by the same. Sec. 4. No annual conference shall have the exclusive right to form or admit new conference within the bounds of society, without the consent of the General Conference. Sec. 5. All officers, whether bishops, presiding elders, etc., shall, on impeachment, be dealt with according to Discipline, as other members, expelled or retained, as the case may require. ARTICLE IV. Sec. 1. If at any time after passing of this constitution it should be contemplated either to alter or amend the same, it shall be the privilege of any member in society to publish or cause to be published such contem- plation at least three months before the election of delegates to the General Conference. Sec. 2. No General Conference shall luive the jjower to alter or amend the foregoing constitution, except it be by a vote of two thirds of that body. RE.SOLUTIONS. Inasmuch as it is the indefeasible right of every man to think and act for liimself in matters of faith and morality, this right not only being granted l)y the charter of iiis creation, hut also l)y the Discipline adopted GENEUAL CONFERENCE OF 1837. 13 for the better government of the church of the United Brethren in Christ; be it resolved, therefore — 1st. That no rule be adopted by General Conference so as to infringe upon the rights of any, as it relates to the mode and manner of Baptism, the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, or the washing of feet, etc. 2d. Resolved, No rule or ordinance shall be passed in General Confer- ence so as to deprive the local preachers of the eligibility of election as delegates to the same. Nor yet to deprive them of their legal vote in the annual conference to which they severally belong. 3d. Resolved, That the foregoing resolutions shall neither be altered or repealed without the unanimous consent of the whole conference. Done in General Conference by the unanimous consent of that body, this 11th day of May, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven. In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our names. H KuMLER, I T,; 1 George Hiskey. Samuel Hiestand, ) ^isnop^. j^^^^ Coons. Jacob Erb. William Hanby. Jacob Winter. Jno. Featherhofp. Jacob Rhinehart. W^illlam Stubbs. J J. Glossbrenner. Francis Whitcom. Adam Hetzler. John Lopp. David Weimer. Fred. Kenoyer, John Dorcas. William Davis. CIRCULAR. To the Members of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ through- out the United States: Dear brethren, by whose authority we, as a General Conference, have been authorized to legislate on matters pertaining to the government of our church, and having long since been convinced of the great necessity of a constitution for the better regulation thereof, have, by unanimous consent, framed and established the foregoing. We are well aware that we have transcended the bounds given by our Discipline, which will be found in the constitution, Article IV., Section 2, declaring that this constitution can neither be altered or amended without a majority of two thirds of a General Conference. If there had been a general notice given to the Church previous to the election of delegates that there would be a memo- rial offered to General Conference, praying them to adopt a constitution, and to ratify it agreeable to Article IV., Section 2, then the General Con- ference would have had full power to have done so. The object of this circular is (feeling that the government of our church is not as firm as it ought to be ) to give notice to our church throughout the Union that we intend to present a memorial to the next General Conference, praying them to ratify the constitution now adopted, according to Article IV., Section 2, in testimony of our ardent desire for the welfare of our church^ and the general spread of the gospel. Written by order of General Conference, Germantown, Ohio, May 12th 1837. ^ Signed in behalf of the same, by William R. Rhinehart, Sec'y- / 14 GENERAL CONFEEENCE OF 1837. PAGE li OF JOURNAL. A motion was made by "Wm Hanby that a new edition of the discipline be printed forthwith and that conference direct the number, which is as follows. Pa Con 1000 Eng, and 1000 Ger. Va " 500 " 200 '' Musk 500 " 50 " Wabash ' • 180 E 20 Ger Scioto 2000 " 300 " Sandus 800 200 Ind 800 200 Total 5780 Eng 1970 Ger 7750 PAGE 75 OF JOURNAL. On motion of J Erb it was ordered that 2000 German discip- lines be printed immediately. The conference next proceeded to examine discipline. Alterations ^ to [• See discipline. Dis ) PAGE 76 OF JOURNAL. The com. on ways and means, presented an article respecting the building of Meeting houses, and the order to be observed, and on motion adopted. Q To whom are our meeting houses and the premises belong to -them, to be deeded? Ans. To a board of trustees and their successors in office as the property of the Church of the U B, in Christ. PAGE 77 OF JOURNAL. Note. The trustees will be careful in all cases to have deeds of conveyance legally executed and recorded in the county re- cords where the property is, that is, to have the deed made to them and their successors in office in trust for the Church of the U. B. in Christ and they will erect and build, or cause to be built a house of worship, for the use of the members of the said church, according to the rules of disciiDline, which may from time to time be adopted by the church. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1841. 15 PAGE 78 OF JOURNAL. On motion W E Khineliart and W Hanby were appointed to prepare the Discipline for print, and J Eussel was appointed to translate the discipline into the German Language and S Heistand to examine the translation. GENEEAL CONFEEENCE OF 1841. PAGE 80 OF JOURNAL. Pursuant to appointment the general conference of the United Brethren in Christ met at Dresbacks M. H. Pickaway Co., O. on the 10 day of May 1841. There were present from Pennsylvania Conf J Russel H Kumler sr ^ g. , J Roop J Erb. ) Va J J Glossbrenner W R Coursey Muskingum Conf Alexander Biddle James McGaw , Sandusky Conf Allehgany Conf H. G. Spayth Jacob Ritter Geo. Hiskey Geo. Miller Scioto Conf Wm Hastings Miami Conf Jno Coons H Kumler Jr J Montgomery . * Francis Whitcom E Vandemark Indiana Conf Wabash Conf Henry Bonebrake Josiah Davis J A Ball Wm Davis j G Eckles All the members were present except Eev G Bonebrake of Miami Conference, whose ill health prevented his attendance. The conference was opened, by Bishops Kumler and Erb. The 1st chap of Collossians was read and singing and prayer. On motion, J Slonacker, was elected the German and J Montgomery the English secretary. After prayer adjourned till | past one o'clock. 16 GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1841. PA.GE 80-54 OF JOURNAL. May 11th, Conference met and after devotional exercises l)roceeded to business. On motion the secretary proceeded to read discipline. Vari- ous remarks of much interest were made by H G Spaythe and (J Banhis a visitor to conference). On motion the resolution touching the Ed. and trustees of E. T. [Religious Telescope^ was called up, and laid on the table for a third reading. Conf. adjourned in the usual order. AFTERNOON SESSION. Conf met. Prayer by proceeded to business. The motion — Ed, and trustees read the 3d time and carried — The motion, on yeas and nays read the 3d time — and was lost. A motion was offered by E Yandemark that a constitution for the better government of the church be adopted, much dis- cussion ensued. After prayer conf adjourned. May 12th — Conf. met and after the usual order proceeded to business. Petitions called for, and one from C Kneagy was presented praying for some alteration on church trials. On motion the unfinished business of yesterday was called for. The motion for a constitution was called up. A spirited dis- cussion ensued — the vote taken — it carried in favor of a cons- titution Yeas 15, Nays 7. On motion of J Coons a committee of nine was appointed to draft a constitution, [ Page 80 Journal ] AVhereupon J Russel J J Glossbrenner Geo Miller Alex Biddle H G Spaythe J Montgomery, W Davis H Bonebrake and H Kumler Jr, were appointed, ( one from each conf. district ) — by ballot. Conf. adjourned till the committee should be ready to report. AFTEIINOON SESSION. Conference met, 4 o'clock, — prayer by Constitution committe made report, which being distinctly read twice on motion was laid on the table till tomorrow morning. On motion after prayer adjourned. GENERAL CONFEKENCE OF 1841. 17 May 13th. Conference met, after prayer, the constitution was read the 3d time by sections and adopted — In the words following viz — CONSTITUTION, We, the members of the Church op the United Brethren in Christ, in the name of God, do for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, as well as to produce and secure a uniform mode of action, in faith and practice, as also to define the powers and the business of quarterly, annual, and general conferences, as recognized by the Church, ordain the following articles of constitution: article I. Sec. 1. All ecclesiastical power herein granted, to make or repeal any rule of discipline, is vested in a general conference, which shall consist of elders, elected by the members in every conference district throughout the society: provided, however, such elders shall have stood in that capacity three years, in the conference district to which they belong. Sec. 2. General Conference is to be held every four years: the bishops to be considered members and presiding officers. Sec, 3. Each annual conference shall place before the society the names of all the elders eligible to membership in the General Conference. ARTICLE II. Sec. 1. The General Conference shall define the boundaries of the annual conferences. ' Sec. 2. The General Conference shall, at every session, elect bishops from among the elders throughout the Church, wlio have stood six years in that capacity. Sec. 3. The business of each annual conference shall be done strictly according to Discipline; and any annual conference acting contrary there- unto, shall, by impeachment, be tried by the General Conference. Sec. 4. No rule or ordinance shalfat any time be passed, to change or do away the Confession of Faith as it now stands, nor to destroy the itin- erant plan. Sec. 5. There shall no rule be adopted that will infringe upon the rights of any as it relates to the mode of baptism, the Sacrament of the Lord's supper, or the washing of feet. Sec. 6. There shall no rule be made that will deprive local preachers of their votes in the annual conferences to which they severally belong. Sec. 7. There shall be no connection with secret combinations, nor shall involuntary servitude be tolerated in any way. Sec. 8. The right of appeal shall be inviolate. ARTICLE III. The right, title, interest, and claim of all property, whether consisting in lots of ground, meeting-houses, legacies, bequests or donations of any kind, obtained by purchase or otherwise, by any person or persons, for the 18 GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1841. use benefit, and behoof of the United Brethren in Christ, is hereby fully recognized and held to be the property of the Chuerh aforesaid. ARTICLE IV. There shall be no alteration of the foregoing constitution, unless by request of two thirds of the whole society. May 19. 1841. On motion of J Bx^ssel — Resolved that any one proposing an additional section to the new constitution must present it to the committee who drafted the constitution for them to report to conference, and if favorable on vote of conference, during the present session only, may be added to the constitution. PACxE 82 OF JOURNAL. On motion conference adjourned. Afternoon session— proceeded to the revision of discipline. On motion of J J Glossbrenner that the phrase in 1 Para- graph in discipline read "in the 18th century" instead of "century last past" and instead of saying "at this time" read "al)out the middle of said century." Carried. On motion H. G. Spaythe, Resolved that 3d paragraph read "amongst others he raised up AYm. Otterbein and Martin Boehm in the state of Pennsylvania, and G. A. Gheeting of Md, armed them," etc. (Carried.) On motion of E Vandemark, Resolved that the word "itself" in 2 line 4 page be struck out. On' motion there shall be a transposition on the 1st break line, 5 page so as to read, "Paradise Township, York Co," and that "Jno Pfrimmer" read J G Prefmer and "Benedict San- der" read Sander. On motion the word on 6th page 14th line be struck out, also on 7th page 1 P the words between "elected" and "who" be placed in a parenthesis. Conference adjourned. May 14th. On motion of J Russel, that the circular on page 16 and 17 be expunged — also the circular on page 53. 10 o'clock accord- ing to a previous resolution (being fast day) Preaching com- menced by the Eev A Biddle. GENKRAL CONFERENCE OF 1841. 19 Afternoon— on motion of E Vandemark a committee was appointed to adopt measures better to sustain the Itinerant plan. Whereupon, J. Eussel, A Biddle, H Kumler, H G Spayth, and H Bonebrake was appointed said committee. On motion. E Vandemark, G Hiskey, W Davis, W. R. Cour- sey and J Montgomery were constituted a committee to draft rules regulating Quarterly Conferences, and Conference adjourned. PAGE 83 OP JOURNAL. Monday May 17th conference met— after prayer proceeded to business. On motion J Slonecker and J Montgomery were aj^pointed to prepare the Discipline for the press. On motion Resolved that the discipline shall be printed in the following order. 1st The Origin 2d Confession of Eaith 3 Constitution 4th Gen Conference 5 Annual Conference 6 Q Conference 7th Members. J J Glossbrenner moved the article on making and vending ardent spirits be so altered and amended as to embrace lay members. On motion of H Kumler it was laid on the table. And Conference adjourned. PAGE 86 OF JOURNAL. On motion Resolved that this Conference make a selection of Theological Works with other instructial Books to be read. Wliereupon J Eussel, J Coons. W R Coursey. A Biddle & J Hoop were apj^ointed. Afternoon — The report of the committee on the Course of Reading was presented and the following A¥orks were recom- mended, viz. PAGE 87 OF JOURNAL. The delegates asked the number of Disciplines for their respective conferences as follows Va Conference 300 English 25 Ger Pa " 300 " 300 " Allegheny " 300 " 25 " 20 GENERAL CONFERRNCE OV 1845. Muskingum Conference 400 Englisli 25 Ger Sandusky " 300 " 50 " Scioto " 400 " 50 " Miami " 300 " 50 " Ind " 300 " 50 " Wabash " 200 25 " Conference adjourned. J Montgomery J Slonecker Secretaries. GENEEAL CONFEEENCE OF 1845. PAGE 88 OF JOUKNAL. Pnrsnant to appointment Conference of the IT. B. I. These were present CiRCLEViLLE May 12, 1815. the delegates elected to the General C. met. Rev H Kumler Sr H Kumler Jr [- Bishops. and r br \ ■r Jr - Jno Coons ' Va Conference Rev J J Glossbrenner " J Markwood " JBac.-htel Pa, Con. " J Russel " J S Kesler and " S Dresback were absent Alletjhanij Con " J R Sitman " JRitter " Jno Rider Mustkimjnm Con. •' A Biddle " JMcGaw " W W Simpkins. ]\'((l>(isli (Jon " Jno Hoobler " Josiah Davis " Jno Denhani Scioto Co life )'c nee Rev E Vandemark " J Montgomery '• M Ambrose Scoiditfikj/ Con ." HG. Spaythe " Geo. Hiskey " J. Brown Miami Conference " (ieo Bonebrake " Jno Crider " Francis Wliitcom Ind Con. " D Bonebrake " Jas A Ball one absent. Conference was calkMl to order, and opent'd by 13ro H Kum- ler Jr l)y reading the 12 chap of Eom. Singing and prayer, after which an address was delivered by Bro J Coons. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1845. 21 H G Spaytli and J Montgomery were elected secretaries. Conference adjourned. AFTERNOON SESSION. Con met— iDrayer, after which the following rules of order were adopted. Rule 1st. The conference shall meet at 8 o'clock A M, and 1 o'clock P M, and continue 7 hours each day— three and a half A M, three and a half P M. The eldest Bishop shall take the chair the 1st day, the second eldest the next day, and so on; each Bp to sit one day at a time until the final adjo.urnment of said conference. On the appearance of a cpiorum, consisting of two thirds of the members the Bp shall call the conference to order, and after prayer proceed to business. PAGE 90 OF JOURXAL. Indiana Conference disin'ci. ^Y J Steward appeared claim- ing a seat as a delegate from said district, and it appearing upon examination of the validity of the claim of said W J Steward, conference Eesolved, that whereas by the statement made by said Steward to this confe^-ence, that he did not con- sider himself a member of said conference district at this time, and whereas, according to our church constitution none but actual members of an annual conference for the time being, can properly be delegates to General Conference Eesolved therefore, for the reason above stated, said Steward is not entitled to a seat in this Conference. Likewise, in the case of Aaron Davis, from the same district, it appearing to the satisfaction of this Conference that he had not stood as an elder for three successive years previous to the election of Delegates to this Gen. Con. hence according to the constitution above referred to, his election having not been according to discipline, he cannot act as a delegate in this Conference. . Conference after prayer adjourned to 8 o'clock to-morrow morninu'. 22 GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1845. Tuesday May 13tb. Conference met and opened by prayer. Order of the day; — A petition from Indiana conference from Fall Creek circuit, asking conference not to alter our Confession of .faith on the doctrine of "depravity"; Nor the constitution as it now stands in our book of discipline. PAGE 91 OF JOURNAL. On motion of J Hitter. Resolved that the conference revise the discipline as it passes in the reading thereof. On motion of J J Glossbrenner. Bcsolrcd that in view of the constitution this General Conference has no right to revise, alter or amend the confession of faith as it now stands. The yeas & nays on the question Yeas Glossbrenner, Markwood, Bechtel, Reider, Vandemark, Spayth Hiskey, G Bonebrake, H Bonebrake, J Davis, Kumler Jr, Crider, Brown, Sinipkins and Whitcom — 15. Ndi/s Russel, Ritter, Biddle, Montgomery, Ambrose, Ball, McGaw and Sitman. 8 The reason assigned for the vote in the negative but a change of certain expressions not fully explanatory. Adjourned. PAGE 92 OF JOURNAL. Afternoon Session — Prayer by H Bonebrake. Kevision of Discipline continued. Revision. Page 19. 13tli line. Moved by J A Ball, sec- onded by W AV Simpkins that the word "depravity" be struck out. After some discussion the yeas and nays being called — Yeas W W Simpkins. H G Spaytli, J Brown, Bonebrake J Hubler, and J Denham, 6. Nai/H. J J Glossbrenner, J Markwood, J Bechtel J Russel, J R Sitman, J Ritter, J R«ider, A Biddle J McGaw, E Vandemark, J Montgomery, M Amljrose, G Hiskey, G Bonebrake, J Crider. F Whitcom, J A Ball, Jos. Davis, II Kumler Jr and J Coons 20. Page 19 last p. on motion of E Vandemark referred to a standing committe Prayer by G Hiskey. Adjourned. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1849. 23 PAGE 102 OF JOURNAL. On motion that H G Spayth be employed as an agent to collect, and write out a concise History of the rise and advance of the Church of the U. B. in C, the present year, and report to the Sandusky and Scioto Annual Conferences — to be paid for time and expenses merely, yet if it be approved, shall be allowed a reasonable compensation. Resolved, that 1000 Ger- man disciplines be printed for the use of our German mem- bers. Whereupon Conference directed that H G Spayth be employed to translate the discipline into the German, and ^Y Hanby direct the printing and binding. H G Spayth [ J Montgomery Secretaries. GENEEAL CONFERENCE OF 1849. PAGE 105 OF JOURNAL. 1849. The General Conference of the U B In C met at Germontown, Montgomery Co, Ohio, on Monday the 14th day of May And there were present, Revd Jno Russel "\ " J J Glossbrenner and > Bishops Va Conference J J Markwood J Bachtel E Pa West Pa Alleglianij " H Burtner CPefly J Roop D Gingerich JErb G Miller JFohl J B Resler. W Beishel William Hanby DELEGATES. Muskingaui ' Sand ask 1/ ' Scioto ' 3 2Iia)ni Indiana Conf H Bonebrake L S Chittenden J Lopp S. C Steward A S Wade J Todd A Spracklin J C Bright H G Spaythe J Montgomery D Edwards M Ambrose W R Rhinehart W Davis H Kumler Jr 24 GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1849. White River " D Stover W W Richardson C W Witt J Thomas St JofiepJi " J M Hershey E H Lamb Jas Griffith Wdbasli " J P Shuey J Hoobler Illinois " J Terrel PAGE 107 OF JOURNAL. Resolved that the discipline be read and revised and W Davis read it. Resolved that in future No. of Edition be omitted. Resolved that epithet " Menonist " be written as the best modern his- torians write it. On motion in the name of Dracksel D was changed to T and Daniel Treyer be written D Treyer. On motion of Bright and Markwood, Ecsolrcd that a clause be inserted in discipline (confession of faith) expressing our view of future endless punishment, and on motion J J Gloss- breuner it was indefinitely laid on the table. PAGE 108 OF JOURNAL. AFTERNOON SESSION. Prayer by Resolved That a committee of two be api)ointed to draft a circular ask- ing the members of our church to authorize the next Gen Con, so to amend the second item on page 13 as to read, " We believe in a holy Christian church, the communion of saints the resurrection of the body, life ever- lasting, and eternal death. Laid on the table. In view of the fact that the constitution of our church is illegal Therefore, Resolved, that it be expunged. Markwood and Bachtel. Motion was lost yeas and nays called — all the members voted in the negative but the mover and second, and Burtner. 4 o'clock ])rayer adjourned. S. C. Steward presented a petition praying for a lay delega- tion which was referred to the proper Com. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1849. 25 PAGE 112 OF JOURNAL. Committee on Petitions reported that witli due regard to the wishes of those of our Brethren who may desire a lay delega- tion after duly considering their request, we believe such a measure would be altogether inexpedient. A S Wade ) ^ J Maekwood \ ^'"" PAGE 114 OF JOURNAL. Resolved, that J. Montgomery be and is hereby authorized to purchase a well bound blank book containing some ten or twelve quires of paper and make a regular record of all the i^roceedings of past General Conferences as far as possible, together with the proceedings of this Gen. Conference, and that he be paid a reasonable compensation for his services out of the funds of the Telescope office, and the book to be paid for out of the funds of this conference. (Carried) Hanby — Hershey. PAGE 117 OF JOURNAL. Resolved that the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper be administered during our stay in this place at such time as is considered most practicable by the Bishops. (Laid on table.) Fohl & Griffith. PAGE 118 OF JOURNAL. Resolved that a committe of 7 be appointed to revise the 27 sec on Free Masonry. On motion resolved that the minutes of Gen Conference be not published in the R Telescope as a sufficient from the daily reports will be published for the satisfaction of the general readers. ( carried ) PAGE 119 OF JOURNAL. Resolved that the Book committe shall examine H G Spayth's manu- script of C History and, that said committe shall have discretionary power to receive said History and negotiate with said Spayth for the Copy right. PAGE 121. OF RECORD. J Markwood presented to Conference his minority report on secret combinations, in words as follows Dear Brethren Whereas I do not believe it to be any part of the prerogative of an ecclesiastical body to legislate in regard to what may be called secret com- bination or secret societies Etc, and from the fact furthermore that I con- 26 GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1849. ceive, that if this General Conference is determined to and will have some- thing in the way of law, in regard to secret combinations, secret Societies Etc, That we already have all that I believe necessary. Reference to Dis- cipline 7 Edition page 66. sec 27. Caption Free Masonry. On motion Resolved— It shall be the duty of each General Conference to examine the administration of each annual con- ference, whether they have strictly observed the rules and pre- served the moral principles of the discipline in all their trans- actions. ( carried ) On motion a Resolution touchino- the Va Annual Conference as connected with slavery proposing the ridding of themselves of this sin in two years, was presented and laid on the table. PAGE 122 OF JOURNAL. Resolution relative to the Va Conf, was called up and re- fered to a committee. PAGE 124 OF JOURNAL. Resolved that the following be inserted as law appended to Section 28, viz. And when it is known to any of our ministers in charge of a Circuit Station, or Mission, that any of its members hold slave or slaves they shall admonish such members to manumit such slave or slaves, and if such persons do not take measures to carry out the discipline they shall be ex- pelled by the proper authorities of the Church, as the case may be, and any minister refusing to attend to the duties above described shall be dealt with by the authorities to which he is amenable. Provided, however, that this clause of discipline is not so construed as to favor merciless acts, towards such as helpless children, cripples, and per- sons of age. On motion Proviso struck off. PAGE 12.5 OF JOURNAL. Rcsolrcil that tlie Congregation in Baltimore be recognized as members under their name and Charter. Yeuft. Russel, Hanby, PeHey, Roop, Gingerich, Erb, Miller, Fohl, Resler, Spracklin, Spayth. Bright, Ambrose, Lopp, Stover, Witt, Thomas, Hoobler. lit. Xai/s. Markwood, Baclitel. Burtner, Steward, Todd, Montgomery, IvlijiH'liart. Davis. Kunder, Bonebrake, Richardson, Hershey, Griflith. 13. On motion Ya. Conference considered as passed on its exami- nation. On motion licsolfcd that there be an examination of all the GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1849. 27 Conferences — Pa Conf. charged for having Distilleries, and in view of explanation & promise to carry out the principles of the church passed. H Burtner charge, accused the Miami Conf for indulging secret combinations — or associations. Resolved, that in the estimation of this G. Conf the members of the Miami Conference in general did not use their infivience against secret combinations as required by discipline. PAGE 130 OF JOURNAL. ARDENT SPIRITS. Distilling, vending, and use of ardent spirits as a beverage shall hereafter be forbidden throughout our Society. Should any Preacher, Exhorter, Leader or Layman be engaged in dis- tilling vending or using ardent spirits as a beverage. He shall be accountable to the class, the Quarterly, or annual conference to which he belongs. PAGE 133 OF JOURNAL. Constitution of the Society, called the Benevolent Society of the United Brethren in Christ as altered and amended by Gen- eral Conference May 25. 1849. Art. I. This society is to oe known, etc. PAGE 1.3G OF JOURNAL. Sec 27 pp 66. Free Masonry, Keport adoj^ted as follows. Free Masonry in every sense of the word shall be totally prohibited and there shall be no connection with secret combinations. A secret combina- tion is one tvhose initiatory ceremohy or bond of union is a secret. And any member found connected with such society shall be affectionately ad- monished twice or thrice, by the preacher in charge, and if such member does not desist in a reasonable time he shall be notified to appear before the tribunal to which he is amenable, and if he still refuses to desist shall be expelled from the church. PAGE 137 OF JOURNAL. ADMONITION. Dress. Inasmuch as the Lord by the apostle has com- manded us not to be conformed to this world Rom 12. 2 and by the Apostle James commands us to "lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness" Jas 1 C 21 V. And the principles of the Christian religion as taught both by the precept and 28 GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1S53. example of the meek and adorable Savior are in strict and perfect accordance with these commandments. AVe therefore humbly beseex?h and admonish the members of onr churcli, both male and female, to observe these divine precepts, in buying and making and wearing of apjDarel, also the cutting and wearing of the hair, especially our ministers and their families, they being ensamples to the flock. No further business Conference adjourned. J Montgomery ) o j ■ A CoHO \ ^<'''>-''^« >■'<'''' GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1853. PAGE 143 OF JOURNAL. On motion it M-as resolved that the discipline be read, and D Shuck was appointed reader. On motion the name Pfremer was changed to Pfrimer, page 7. Resolved that in the opinion of this conference any brother who may pubHcly or privately contend for any one mode of baptism as being essen- tial to the ordinance to the exclusion of other modes now in use in the church, violates the principles of compromise agreed upon by the Fathers of the Church, and makes himself guilty of traducing liis brethren and furthermore where baptism is known to have been lawfully administered to one who may apply for baptism in adult age he of our ministers who administers baptism in such a case shall be regarded as departing from a l)roper respect for God's ordinances and shall be tried accordingly. H KUMLER J C Bright J Markwood A motion was made for indefinite j^ostponement by A Owen, which carried. On motion of H Kumler, Brnolrcd, that in the opinion of this Conference Boehm never was found to intimate that those baptized l>y Otterbein should be baptized over again. On motion of J J Glossbrenner, this motion was amended by striking all out after resolved and substituting the following. That in the opinion of this conference that it is contrary to the spirit of the United Brethren in Christ for a minister of our church to speak lightly, either publicly or privately, of any form of Baptism practiced by his brethren. The moticui in its ciuiended form was ado])tod. GKNEKAL CONFERENCE OF 1853. 29 PAGE 147 OF JOURNAL. J Lopp presented a petition praying that provision be made for a lay delegation in onr chnrcli, read and refered to the Com- mitte on Petitions and Memorials. PAGE 148 OF JOURNAL. The reading of the discipline was continued, and on motion of I Potter the following Kesolution — That the word (lepra r if y on page 25 Question 7th be erased; and that the following- question be inserted immediately before it, viz Do you believe in the doctrine of Natural, hereditary, total depravity as held by the Church? J C Bright moved to amend by striking out the clause, " as held hij ihe cJiurch.'' Lost. Bro Terrel moved that the resolution be laid on the table — lost. Bro Slight proposed to amend by striking out the word "iofar. Lost. Bro Yardaman moved to postpone the consideration of the resolution on depravity until next Friday morning. Carried. PAGE 149 OF JOURNAL. The committe on Petitions and Memorials reported as fol- lows, — We your committe on memorials and petitions beg leave to report on Petition 2d touching lay delegation, that (for us) obvious and sufficient reasons, we cannot grant the petitioners their request. On motion the' report was received. On motion for adoption it was moved by J Lawrence to amend as follows, "ore not pvepared at presenf io.'" The amendment carried, and the report on the adoption in its amended form carried. PAGE 154 OF JOURNAL. The question on natural, inherent and total depravity as set for this morning was called for, and on motion for adoption dis- cussion was elicted from I Potter, H Kumler, J Markwood, A Owen, L S Chittenden, J Fetterhoff, D Edwards. Those op- posed to the adoption, Griffith, Vardaman, Sellers, Terrell, Hill, Byrd, Russell and others. 30 GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1853. 11^ o'clock. Prayer by S. Dresback. 1 o'clock conference met. Prayer by GB Keimel. The discussion on the Kesolution which occupied the at- tention of the Conference in the forenoon continued, in which a number partook, pro & con. PAGE 157 OF JOURNAL. J J Glossbrenner moved to amend the Kesolution on de- pravity by adding the following amendment — 1 By depravity is meant, not guilt, nor liability to punishment; but the absence of holiness; which therefore unfits a man for heaven. 2d By nainrcd is meant that man is born with this absence of holiness. 3d By heredifarjj is meant that this unholy state is in- herited from Adam. 4 By fofdl is not meant that a man or child cannot become more unholy, or that he is irrecoverably unholy, nor that he is a mass of corruption; but that this absence of holiness must be predicated of all the faculties and powers of the soul. Russel proposed to amend the amendment as follows — "And none of our preachers shall extend the meaning further than is warranted by this definition. Lost. The original amendment was then carried. PAGE 158 OP JOURNAL. On motion of J Lawrence the word "tofftV was stricken out of the resolution on depravity, and the exjjlanation, and sub- stituted the word "■complcie.'" On motion the yeas and nays were called on the resolution on depravity and resulted as follows — Yeas 23 Nays 19. Resolved That Bros H G Spayth, H Kuniler Hen and Joseph Huffman be reiiuested to say whether the doctrine of the Resohition on natural, inherent, total depravity was recognized and preached by the church in the days of Otterbein and others in the sense and meaning as presented by the friends of said resolution. 2d Resolved that the statement of these brethren be entered upon the Conference Journal and also be published in the Telescope in connection with the discussion of Conference, ui)on said resolution. Lost. A Sellers F R S Bykd GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1853, 1857. 31 PAGE 180 OF JOURNAL. Course of Reading and Study, For Licentiate Preachers upon which they shall be examined by the several Annual Conferences to which they belong, FIRST YEAR Bible Doctrine Human Depravity, the atonement, Redemption, Repentance; Justification by Faith, Regeneration; Adoption, The Witness of the Spirit; Christian Perfection. Possibility of Final Apostasy. ^-^■' PAGE 181 OF JOURNAL. SECOND YEAR. Bible Doctrines. Existence and attributes of God; Divinity and Humanity of Christ. . . . Resurrection of the Body, Future G enera l Judgment, Eternal Rewards and Punishments. THIRD YEAR. I Bible InsiHuiions. The Christian Sabbath, the Lords Supj^er; Christian Bap- tism. PAGE 187 OF JOURNAL. John Lawrence ) c* ^ • JMtGoMERY [ Secretaries. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1857. PAGE 189 OF JOURNAL. Pursuant to previous appointment the General [Conference] of the U Brethren in Christ, assembled at First church of the U B C, Cincinnati Ohio. May 12th 1857. On motion it was resolved that there be chosen two English secretaries and one German, and upon balloting, J Montgomery and J. Markwood were chosen English secretaries and [Julius] Degmire, German. 32 GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1857. On motion Bcsoh-cil that there be procured two reporters, with the understanding that the minutes be published in pam- phlet form, and that the reports be published in the columns of the BcllgioKS Tclescoj^e ond Boischafier. On motion it was resolved that the discipline be read, and, on motion "W Davis was chosen to read. PAGE 190 91 OF JOURNAL. Reading resumed. D Shrader moved that an explanation be made of the Con- fession of faith, in regard to the Ordinance of Ba^jtism, as to whom it shall be administered to, or upon whom it is incum- bent etc to practice. PAGE 192 OF JOURNAL. (from bishops' address.) "We Avould earnestly recommend that there be no change in the discipline touching secret societies, and slavery. And we see no good reason why these subjects should be agitated at this session. It is fondly hoi:)ed that the time is not far distant when we will not only be practically free from these evils; but that there will be none found to advocate them in our connec- tion. We do not think that many changes in our discipline as it now stands is required. A few items may be rendered more cleap in order to secure as far as possible a uniformity of action. PAGE 193 OF JOURNAL. On motion Besolrcd, that the report of the reporters be re- ferred to the Editors of the Bclinioii^i Telescope and Bot- sclidffcr for their approval and correction. The chair announced the unfinished business of the first day to be th(^ nu>tion of D Shrader asking an explanation of the Confession of Faith in its clause relating to baptism, and as to whether or not, infant children are proper subjects for this ordinance. Moved to be referred to committee on revision. Lawrence moved that the motion to refer to committee be in- definitely postponed — Carried. GKNKRAL COxNFERENCE OF 1857. 33 Vardamaii moved to postpone indefinitely the original motion. After some discussion the motion to postpone was withdrawn and the original left in the possession of the Conference. PAGE 19i OF JOURNAL. AFTERNOON SESSION. Bishop Edwards in the chair. The chair reminded the delegates that they should be guarded against personal reflections in debate of questions in contro- versy, and also that Kules of order should be particularly respected and observed. J J Glossbrenner moved to amend D Shrader's motion (in possession of the Conference) relative to infant Baptism by saying that in the judgment of this General Conference the spirit of the Confession of Faith and the uniform course of the U Brethren Church in the past recognize infant as well as adult Baptism though administered in different forms as being valid. C ^\ Witt moved a second amendment to the original motion saying, "That in the judgment of this Conference, infant baptism is understood to be left to the discretion of the minis- ters and parents in the church to practice or not, as they may [or] can conscientiously choose, in the same liberal way as the adult believer is allowed to choose the mode of baptism." After lengthy discussion on motion of J Lawrence the orig- inal motion, with the amendments, was voted to postponement indefinitely. The yeas and nays being called, on motion to postponement stood as follows — Yeas. Babcoke, Biddle, Bowser, Brazee, Brewer, Bowman, Corbon Crider, W Davis, Dick, Erb, Flinchbaugh, Gillispie, Griffith, Hanway' Kenoyer, Kern, Lawrence, W Miller, Raber, Resler, Russel, Scholler' Zeller, Stamm, Steigerwalt, Shuck, Sitman, Slight, Vardaman, Wilkinson' Ferine. 33. ' Nays. Glossbrenner, L Davis, Bachtel, Bright, J Carter, C Carter Chittanden, Coursey, Hoobler, Hopkins, Kumler, Lindsav, Markwood' Montgomery, Rathbun, Shepler, Shrader, W C Smith, Thomas, J P Shuey, W J Shuey, W J Stearns, Weaver, Witt. 24. On motion of J. Lawrence the last paragraph in the confes- sion of Faith was referred to the committe on revision. 34 GENKRAL COVFK];ENCE OF 1S57. PAGE 11).') OP JOURXAL. The chair announced the business of the conference to be the reading of discipline —Reading resumed. H Kunder moved that the tirst article in the consiHuiion, be referred to the committe on revision for the purpose of being considered as to the i)ropriety of submitting it to the church for the asking of its continuance, or its cIkiikjc as the case may- be. Lay delegation being particularly the thing of reference. PAGE 198 OF JOURNAL. On second calling by the chair the committe on revision of the discipline reported to the following effect, — 1st. That Frederick in connection with Kemp and in mention with the appointment of a conference held in Sejjt 1800 — see page 6 — continue in the book of Disciphne as it is, viz Frederick Kemp. On motion adopted. 2d. That the term " tin's respect " in the last period of the " Confession of Faith" be struck out of that connection and this term ''tliese resjx'cts'" be inserted in its stead. On motion adopted. .3d That at the present it would [not] be advisable to submit the "consti- tution" to the laity for the vote relative thereto with a view to the modifl- cation of it, or of any part of it. On motion recommitted to the committee with advice to a favorable report, or else a reason for the reverse. Moved by Vardaman that motions to recommit be taken without discipline — lost. Moved by A A Sellers that should any of our preachers, or members, speak disrespectfully of infant baptism they shall be considered guilty of traducing their brethren and shall be held accountable for the same — lost. On motion of J Bachtel, Resolved that whereas a difference o])ini()n has existed in the past, and continues to exist among us as a church uijoii the subject of baptism both as respects the mode and the [manner] and that both ministers and members, be and [are] hereby prohibited from speaking disrespectfully GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1857. 35 of each others oi)inions and i^ractice of this ordinance and its modes, and should any minister or member violate this pro- hibition he shall be accountable to the respective official body to which he is amenable as a minister or member of the church and shall be considered censurable. Which carried. PAGE 201 OF JOURNAL. The committee oq revision beg leave to report on Article 1st Sec 1st of the Constitution, The following paper for adoption. This Conference recognizes the Church as the source of all ecclesiastical authority. The ministers are but the servants of the Church. Thus far it has pleased the Church to elect its delegates to General Conference from among the elders, local or traveling. The election of these delegates is effected directly by the votes of the whole church, and as a matter of course the ministers have scarcely any voice at all in the choice made. This arrangement it has been generally believed thus far fairly disposes of the ecclesiastical power of our society. It is an arrangement peculiar to the United Brethren economy; and al- though it does not secure lay delegation it does secure, in our opinion, a degree of lay influence and lay control which is not possessed by those Churches which [have] a lay delegation. No other church having an Itiner- ant ministry elects its delegates by a popular vote of the whole church. Some churches have provided that their General Conferences shall be composed of clerical and lay delegates. The former to be chosen by the preachers themselves, and the latter by the members themselves; but none are chosen by a direct popular vote. The Quarterly Conferences in some Churches elect lay delegates to the annual Conferences, [and these] elect lay delegates to the General Conferences. Now should our church prefer to elect a lay delega- tion, and authorize the Annual Conferences to elect a ministerial dele- gation, we should most cheerfully acquiesce in the arrangement although PAGE 202 OF JOURNAL. < it is our opinion that the present plan secures to the members of the church a more direct, and consequently, a more salutary control of the General Conferences. Up to this time, lT£)wever, nothing like a general wish has been expressed by the church for any change in its polity on this point. There is before us no petition, memorial, resolution of quarterly conference, or other paper expressive of desire for such change. No delegate has come here under written instructions to propose such a change. Now, although we do not decide whether such a change is advisable we have too much respect for the members of the Church to take the initiatory step in a movement which so directly affects their rights. Chittenden moved to amend the first item by saying no dele- gate had come to this Conference under official instructions, etc. 36 GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1857. Lindsey moved to say that no delegate had come to this con- ference with written instructions, which carried, and on motion, the item specified, with the amenchnent of Lindsay was adopted. Bishop Edwards moved to amend the report by striking out the last paragraph therein. Carried. PAGE 206 OF JOURNAL. We Your conimitte on revision beg leave to submit the following report on section 5 of discipline — Question 1 answer 7. Resolved that this question with its note be expunged from discipline and that the following be inserted in this place. Do you believe that man, abstract of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, is fallen from original righteousness and is not only entirely destitute of holiness; but is inclined to evil and only evil and that continually? PAGE 207 OF JOURNAL. Moved to adopt item first, — Moved to amend by subjoining the words " and that except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." On motion the item moved to be thus amended was adopted. PAGE 217 OF JOURNAL. Committee on General superintendency Reported. 1. We recommend that wherever the terras Bishop or Bishops occur in the discipline they be stricken out and the terms superin- tendent and superintendents be inserted. PAGE 218 OF JOURNAL. « On motion first item ruled out. PAGE 242 OF JOURNAL. J. B. Resler presented to the conference for consideration the following as a substitute for the present clause in discipline on secret societies; viz There shall be no connection with secret combinations and any rnember found connected with such combination shall be affectionately admonished twice or three times by the preacher in charge and if such member do not desist he shall [be cited] before the tribunal to which he is amenable and if he still refuse to desist he shall be expelled from the church. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1801. 37 GENEEAL CONEEEENCE OF 1861. PAGE 255 OF JOURNAL. Committes on Eevision of Discipline 1st Division, ending with section 9. Kumler Eesler, Warner, Titns and Todd. PAGE 260 OP JOURNAL. Resolved. " That it is the sense of this General Conference that Article I Section 1 of the Constitution commencing at the word " Provided," is to be understood that an elder must be a member of the Annual Conference three years before the sitting of the General Conference in order to elligi- bility to an election as delegate to that body." PAGE 2G1 OF JOURNAL. The "order of the day" which was the Eesolntion expressive of the sense of the Conference on Art I. Sec 1 of the constitu- tion was taken up, discussed, and the Eesolntion was adopted. PAGE 2G2 OF JOURNAL. The Committee on Memorials reported as follows: — 1 There was placed in our hands a petition asking for lay delegation in all legislative and deliberative bodies, signed by Elah Shauck and George Hiskey of Sandusky. Upon which we rejnark that said petition cannot be granted constitutionally, so far as legislative bodies are concerned. See Constitution Art I Sec 1. If however the General Conference sees proper to grant a lay delegation in Annual Conferences we know nothing in our law which forbids it: but suggest that such an arrangement would increase a burden without any result of good. Eeferred to a special Committee of Five on Lay-delegation with instruction to consider the propriety of amendments to the Constitution to be submitted to a vote of the peoj^le. PAGE 287 OF JOURNAL. The Committe on Lay Delegation made rej^ort which was taken up and adopted as follows Whereas no considerable portion of the laity of our Church have signi- fied any desire for a change delegation and Whereas We are not satisfied that such a change would conduce to the peace and welfare of our branch of the Zion of God, therefore Resolved. That we take no further action in this matter, further than to say we are willing to receive and duly consider memorials when they are presented. 38 GE^^ERAL CONFERExNCE OF 1865. PAGE 290 OF JOURNAL. ( IMPEACHMENT. ) An appeal from the action of the Sandusky Conference of 1858 in relation to certain persons charged with belonging to the Free Masons was read and laid upon the table nntil the "order of the day" is disposed of. PAGE 29i OF JOURNAL. The following resolution was introduced and laid on the table indefinitely: — Resolved. That tlie resolution which passed at Cincinnati O four years ago, on Baptism, be now reaffirmed and placed in discipline between tlie confession of Faith and the constitution. Yeas .35. Nays 31. PAGE 298 OF JOURNAL. On motion a petition for Lay delegation from certain persons on Pleasant Hill circuit, Miami Conference was read. On motion the petition was laid on the table indefinitely in view of the fact that it came too late, the conference having already taken action on the subject of lay delegation. The Yeas and Nays were demanded, and taken as follows — Yeas 26. Nays 25. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1865. PAGE .307 OP JOURNAL. Rcrisioii No 1. (Embracing Sec. 1 to 7 of Discipline, in- clusive. ) Warner, Nickey, Hill, S. Kretsinger, Yonneida. PAGE 317 OF JOURNAL. COURSE OF HEADING AND STUDY. Fiisl \'('(ii: />il)lc Doclriiic. Human Depravity, the Atonement, Redemption, Repentance, Justification by Faith, Regeneration, Adoption, Witness of the Spirit, Christian Perfection, Possil)ility of Final Apostasy. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1869. 39 Second Year. Bible Doctrine. Eesiirrection of tlie Body; Future General Judgment; Eter- nal Rewards and Punisliment. Third Yem: Bible Insfifufions. The Christian Sabbath; The Lord's Supper; Christian Bap- tism. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1869. PAGE 35i OF JOURNAL. The chair announced the following committees: Revision No 1 from Sec III fa VII Inclusive. W. B. Dick, J. Montgomery, J. Scammahorn, W. Jacobs, W. Miller. PAGE UO OF JOURNAL. Whereas, Much agitation and difference of opinion prevail in this body and throughout the church in regard to our prohibitory law on secret societies, whereby the quiet and peace of the church are disturbed; and Whereas, The General Conference has no constitutional power to change or modify said law so as to make it less than prcjliihitofij; therefore. Resolved, 1 By the General Conference of the United Brethren in Christ, assembled at Lebanon Pennsylvania May 20. 1869, That in view of the Republican form of our church government in which the power to settle all constitutional questions is vested in the popular will of the membership; and in view of the general interest and diversity of senti- ment among our people, we deem it expedient and wise that this question be referred directly to our people for decision. Resolved, further. That the vote .of the Church on the question as here- inafter provided shall he taken throughout the denomination during the month of June, 1872, under such forms and regulations, as the Board of Bishops shall prescribe, as shall secure a full vote and an affirmative or negative answer from each member votmg, to the question — " Shall the words, '■There shall he no connection loith secret combinations,'' be stricken out of the Constitution of the Church," so as to make it advisory? Resolved, further; That for the purpose of avoiding untimely further agitation on this subject, we order that the Columns of the Religious Tele- scope and Froehliche Botschafter shall not be ojjen for its discussion before the 1st of January 1872. Z. Warner, S. J. Graham. A motion was made to lay the foregoing on the table. Yeas and nays called for. Yeas 43. Nays 42. This vote laid the paper on the Table. 40 GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1873. GENEKAL CONFERENCE OF 1873. PAGE 456 OF JOURNAL. [committee] lay representation. I K Statton, Win Jacobs, J Scammahorn. J Carter. J N Martin, G Plow- man, M P Doyle, J W Howe, M S Schwhnley. ON REVISION. COMMITTEE NO. I. On Revision from Section 3 to Section 8 inclusive. ' A. L. Best, E. Fothergill, J. M. Poulton, W. E. Bay, R. Thrasher. G. W. Statton. Wm. Bacon. PAGE 519 OP JOURNAL. Committee on Revision No 4: further reported. Z. A. Colestock moved to amend section 22 as follows. Pro- vided further, That this rule shall not be so construed as to ajjply to any other than Masonic Societies. W. Dillon incjuired whether the amendment is not in conflict with the constitution of the church. D. Shuck moved that the point of order was well taken. The yeas and Nays were called for with the following result. Yeas and Nays on Dillon's well-taken position on the amend- ment of Colestock conflicting with the Constitution. Yeas — Glossbrenner, Edwards, Weaver, Dickson, Ambrose, Alwood, AUa- man, Alderman, Bay, Best, Bacon, Breeden, Bowman, Barnaby, Beauchamp, Bishoi), Brazee, Baldwin, Carter, Connor, Castle, Drury, Davis, Dillon, Evans J. R., Evans Thos., Fisher, Fritz, Greene, Gardnei-, Gillespie, Grif- fith, Hoy, Hager, Healey, Hurless, Hallowell, Hersiiey, Holt, Howe, Ham, Bnnce. Jacobs, Kretzinger, Luce, Lehmasters, Miller W.. Millar Wm., Mc'lrevv, Mills, Martin, Mittendorf, Nye. Nickey, Osmaii. Plowman, Ross, Sherk D. B., Sherk A. B., Shuck, Scholler, Smith O. F., Suiitli W. C, Smith J. C, Scammahorn, Statton I. K., Statton G. W., Simi)Son. Thrasher, Tritjh, Vandever, Whitney, Vardaman, Walker, Williams. Wilkinson, Wright, Watrous 78. Nujjs -Bu\sev, Cowgill, Doyle, Favour, Booth, Gelbacli, Hoffman, Garst, Harj)3r, Hamilton, Light, Miller D. R., McKee. Poulton, Peters, Rose, Runk, Rigor, Sickjifoose, Slaughter, Wagoner, Warner '2(1 Xcittral Speck, Sciiwindey 2. PAGE rw OF JOURNAL. LAY RElMtESENTATION —PETITIONERS' NAMES. Tlie petitioners names herein recorded were given to forms SO nearly one or identical, in form, as to make it uunessary GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1873. 41 to give but tlie one printed or copied form and not oblige so many repetitions on the journal, of the same sense, while the loordimj alone is ditferent only. N, E. Luce Rec. Sec. A Petition. To the Honorable General Conference of the United Brethren in Christ; We your petitioners would resi^ectfully pray your Honorable body, to take into consideration the propriety of Lay Delegation into your Annual and ■General Conferences, believing it would be the most effectual way to ad- vance all the financial interests of the church, as well as the spiritual work, thereby uniting the ministry and members together in the great work of saving the world and bringing it to Christ. ERIE CONFERENCE. No. French Creek Circuit. [Names all given in Journal.] - - - - 16 Port Alleghany Mission. " " " » " . . . . 09 AVilliston Mission. " « u u u .... 09 PAGE 540 OF JOURNAL. INDIANA CONFERENCE. White River Chapel. [Names all given in Journal.] - -• - - 18 KANSAS CONFE'RENCE. New Lawrence Circuit. [Names all given in Journal.] - - - 26 MIAMI CONFERENCE. Millville Station. [Names all given in Journal.] . ... 39 Pleasant Hill Circuit. """••> " . . . . .60 New Haven Circuit. i^ u u u u ..... og Morris Chapel. u a u u i. . . . . . 03 Georgetown Circuit. '> '• ^ ^ u . . _ . _ 37 First U B Church Dayton. [Names all given in Journal.] - - - 24 Germantown Station. " '• 41 t. ^ ... ng Miltonville Circuit. " u u u u- ... ^l SCIOTO CONFERENCE. Westerville Ct. (Miami Conference). [Names all given in Journal.] - 76 Beavertown. [Names all given in Journal.] ----- 32 MISSOURI CONFERENCE. Mount Zion Mission. [Names all given in Journal.] - - - - 15 Polo Circuit. ^ *i .... 14 42 GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1873. .MISKINGUM eOXFEKE>X'E. Nameless circuit. [Names all g-iveu in Journal | Bethel '' Noble " " " " No. IJr 54 SANDUSKY CONFERENCE. Osceola circuit. [Names all j^iven in Journal) Osceola " " " " VanBuren " " " " " Carey " " " " " - - Beaver " Beaver " '2d Petition •' " " - - Shilo Cardington '• " " " " - - - 120 62. - 29 16 - 26 60 - 44 23 ST. JOSEPH CONFERENCE. Zion Class, Clear Creek Circuit. [Names all given in Journal] - - 68 Roanoke " " " " '' - - 17 Pleasant Chapel.Clear Creek " " " " " - - - 36- Warsaw " " " " •' . . 86 Union Grove. Clear Creek " " " " " - - - 17 VIRGINIA CONFERENCE. Virginia Conference. [Names all given in Journal] WEST DESMOINES CONFERENCE. Newton. Council Bluffs. [Names all given in Journal] Blair Circuit, Neb. " " " " 41 19- 22; WESTERN RESERVE CONFERENCE. Smitliville Circuit. [Names all given in Journal) Blackford Class, Ashland Mission. [Names all given in Journal] HOMELESS 1' KTITION ERS. 39 40' Note. The following Petitions are without names of circuit or confer- ence, and minus date, beside bad manuscript, [One Petition with] - 50 names. .-.-...... 35 --------- 54 ' 38 " " " --..-.... 30 " " "-..-. i2 --------- U GENERAL CONFERtNCE OF 1873. 43 WESTERN COLLEGE, IOWA. Western College, Iowa, -------- 25 names. Total number of petitioners, ------ 1,785. N R Luce Recording Sec P. HuRLESs Acting Sec W MiTTiNDORF German Sec 1873. PAGE 509 OF JOURNAL. I. K. Statton, chairman of the Committee on Lay Delegation^ reported. PAGE 525 OF JOURNAL. REPORT or THE COMMITTEE ON LAY DELEGATION. Your Committee on Lay Delegation would respectfully report the f I- lowing — Whereas, We find a growing demand, from the laity of the Church for representation in the legislative body of the church, and — Whereas, We as their representatives elect desire to comply with their petitions requesting this General Conference to submit the subject to a vote of the membership, therefore — Resolved, That the following amendment of the Constitution be sub- mitted to the vote of the Church, and that the following rules be adopted to regulate such election and provide for the proposed amendment. AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION. article I. Section 1st. All ecclesiastical power herein granted to enact or repeal any law or rule or [of] discipline is vested in a General Conference, which shall consist of elders and laymen elected in every Annual Conference district throughout the Church, provided such elders and laymen be twenty-five years of age and shall have held a membership of three years' standing in the Conference they represent. Rules to regulate the election of lay delegates to the General Conference and to provide for amendment of the Constitution. 1st. That on the first Tuesday of November A. D. 187.3 each and every class throughout the church shall assemble at its regular place of meeting and shall elect two members who in connection with the leader shall be Judges of the election. Then the judges shall proceed on the day afore- said to hold an election and shall count the votes polled in the presence of those assembled, and shall take a list of all the names voting, inclose the same with the tally list in an envelope and forward it to the preacher in charge, retaining a copy for further reference. 44 GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1873. 2. The form of ballot to be voted shall read, " For Lay Delegation " or "A<(ainst Lay Delegation " as the case may be. 3. Each member of the church shall be entitled to vote in person, pro- vided that in case of sickness or other disability such persons shall forward their ballot with their name, enclosed in an envelope, with the words, ''lay delegation " written thereon to distinguish it from private correspondence, and forward it on or' before the day of election. Then shall the judges open said letter and count the vote; provided that in no case shall such A'otes be counted after the day above mentioned. 4. The preacher in charge shall receive all tally lists from the various leaders, take a copy of the same and forward the original together with the number of members reported by himself or his predecessor at the last an- nual conference to the general tellers at Dayton, Ohio. 5. There shall be three tellers appointed by this General Conference to be known as the general tellers to receive the reports of the election on Lay Delegation from all the preachers in charge of fields of labor through- out the Church. They shall reside at Dayton, Ohio. They shall publish in the Religions Telescope on or before the first week in January the votes for and against lay delegation. 6. In case the requisite number of votes be cast for the movement, then shall Article first, Section 1st as above amended be the law of the Church, and all law or rules to the contrary shall stand repealed, and the senior Bishop of the Church shall make proclamation of the same. 7. In case of such proclamation then shall the laity of the Church be entitled to representation in the General Conference on the following basis; for every 2000 members, one delegate; for every fraction of 1000 and less than 2000 one delegate; provided each Annual Conference shall have one lay delegate. 8. Each Annual Conference shall regulate the election of its own dele- gates, appoint the time and provide for making nominations if laecessary; provided such election is held before its last session proceeding the General Conference. It shall cause certificates of election to be issued to each dele- gate that signed by the Bishop and secretary. It shall provide for the exijefises of delegates and attend to all the particula-s relating to the election within the Conference bounds. Respectfully submitted. Committee. PAGE 509 OP JOURNAL. On motion all speeches be limited to five minutes. Z. A. Colestock moved to strike out the words "7>/.s7r/c/ " in fith line and ''FJldrrs'' in the 7th line of Article I. Section 1. A motion to lay the item of amendment, and the Article under consideration on the table. Bishop "Weaver offered the following;- amendment Pro- vided such elders shall have stood in that capacity for at least ihvvv years, next i)receding the sittini>- of the General Confer- GENERAL COMFERENCE OF 1873. 45 eiice, and such laymen sliall have been members of the Church at least six years. Bishop AVeaver withheld his amendment to grant a division of the question. PAGE 517 OF JOURNAL. ■ J. Scammahoru moved to take up the item from the table referring to lay delegation, and the yeas and nays were called for on the item as follows — All ecclesiastical power herein granted to enact or repeal any law or rule of discipline is vested in a General Conference which shall consist of elders a'nd laymen elected in every conference district throughout the Church. LAY DELEGATION. Amendment to the Constitution Article 1st, Section 1st. Yeas and Nays. Ims.— Glossbrenner, Edwards, Weaver, Dickson, Ambrose, AUaman, Best, Breden, Bowman, Beauchamp, Bishop, Bunce, Bulger, Brazee Bald- win, Carter, Connor, Colestock, Castle, Cowgill, Drury, Doyle, Davis, Dil- lon, Evans, Thos., Evans, J. R., Favour, Gelbach, Greene, Garst, Gardner, Gillespie, Griffith, Hoy, Hoffman, Hill, Hager, Healy, Harper, Hallo well, Hershey, Hamilton, Hott, Howe, Ham, Light, Luce, Lemasters, Miller, W., Miller, D. R., Millar, Wm. H., McGrew, Mills McKee, Martin, Mitten- dorf, Nye, Nickey, Osmun, Poulton, Plowman, Peters, Ross, Rose, Rigor, Speck, Sherk, D. B., Sherk, A. B., Shuck, Schwimley, Smith, W. C, Smith, J. C, Scammahorn, Statton, I. K., Sickafoose, Slaughter, Simpson, Thrasher, Tibbetts, Tritch, Vandever, Vardaman, Wagoner, Whitney, Walker, Booth, Warner, Williams, Wilkison, Wright, Watrous— 90. A'ai/s.— Alwood, Alderman, Bay, Bacon, Barnaby Fritz, Hurless, Jacobs, Krtesinger, Scholler, Smith, O. F., Statton, G. W.— 12. PAGE 52i OF JOURNAL. On motion the Subject of Lay Delegation was taken up. W. McKee moved to amend item 1 by extending the time to Nov., 1873. Allaman moved to further say October instead of November. J. J. Glossbrenner moved that items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, be laid on the table until item 7 be disposed of. M. P. Doyle reported on Section 8 of Discipline. PAGE 535 OF JOURNAL. Section 8. Substitute for it. Provided the Constitutional amendment prevails. 46 GENERAL CONFEREN"CE OF l87o. 1. The General Conference shall be composed, (see constitution). 2. Each annual conference shall be entitled to 3 elders only. Also one layman for every 20)0 m3mb3r3, and one laymin for every one thousand and loss than 2000, provided that each conference shall have one lay delejiate. 3. They shall be elected by the membership of the Church within the month of November next proceeding the General Conference. 4. Each Annual Conference shall elect 3 tellers to receive and count the votes and forward the result to the Telescope for publication. They shall keep a list of all the votes cast and of the names voted for and shall issue certificates of election to those receiving the requisite number of votes. They shall receive no votes after the 1st of January following the election. f). The Annual Conference shall at its se.ssion proceeding the election, provide for the expense of the delegates and if necessary for the nomina- tion of delegates. It shall also declare the number of lay delegates the conference is entitled to vote for, and name the elders eligible to be voted for. Item 1 adopted. " 2 J. A. Alwood moved to amend by saying "each annual conference shall be entitled to two elders and one layman. H. Garst moved to amend the amendment so that there shall be one clerical and one lay representative for every 2000 mem- bers, and for every fraction of 1000 and less than 2000, pro- vided that no conference shall have less than one clerical and one lay rej^resentative. On motion the yeas and nays were called for, and are as follows — Yeas 26 Nays 70. Neutral 1. The amendment also lost and then the item No 7. wfs passed without amendment. PAGE 525 OP JOURNAL. Moved to refer all that portion of the Committee's report on lay delegation not yet acted upon to the Board of Bishops. PAGE 528 OF JOURNAL. H. Garst moved that the last clause in the constitution be so interpreted as to mean two thirds of all that vote. J. K. Alwood moved to lay the matter on the table. Prevailed. PAGE 52 ) OP JOURNAL. 1). K. Miller offered the following, which passed. GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1873. 47 Resolved, That the explicit rendering of Art IV of the constitution be submitted to the Board of Bishops, and that they be requested to publish the same in the Reb'gioiis Teleseope. PAGE 538 OF JOURNAL. On motion the proceedings of this General Conference be published in full in pamphlet form. Dayton, Ohio, May 6, 1890. The undersigned hereby certify that the foregoing extracts are correct copies from the manuscript journal of the General Conference of the United Brethren in Christ from 1815 to 1873 inclusive. M. R. Drury, For tJie Liberals. Wilbur Wright, For the Radicals. DATE DUE PHOTOMOUNT PAMPHLET BINDER •AYLOAD BROS. Im. Syraeut*, N. Y. StMltmt, CaM. BX9875.A5U5 Extracts from the written journal of the ' Princeton Theological Seminary-Speer Library I \. ^