Ri aan : CSO OS gf j { ak) \ ay ate a Fhe ) ZG a ee eee Haunel ‘India Mission Conference 7 | OF THE | Slethodist pit copal Church, G. B.S. y | i pa) ; | {} ‘ j ; Peres 4\, ; ‘Ay if I dad hel be tty ee ys le cei HS ee re ce By Sanclign of thé Conf. Pub. Com. ) i { ow aa es K i f 6 ' i! f LUCKNOW : PRINTED AT THE AMERICAN METHODIST MISSION PRESS. Rev. J. W. Waveu, Superintendent. 1869. TON 2D Bo. PAGE. J,—Stations occupied by the Mission, with Population, Area, ete. 5 Il.—‘‘Rules of Order,” for the Government of the India Mission Annual Conference, np aS ae 6 IiI.—Course of Study,— 1. For European Missionaries, ste 7 2. For Native Helpers on trial or,in Conference, ee 8 3. For other Native Preachers and Exhorters, ua 13 IV.—Scale of Salaries of Native Assistants, ar me 15 V.—Minute on Education, fe oe ek 16 VI.—Lucknow College, Formation of Board, ete. ay 16 VII.—Rules for the gov’t. of the Publishing Committee, ... 18 VIIT.—List of Books, Tracts, etc., printed at the Mission Press, 20 1X.—Rules for Board of Orphanage Visitors. a 22 X.—Temperance—2 Minutes, Ges ah ate 23 XI.—Minute on Polygamy, =| te ea 24 XII.—Colportage Rules,—Directions, etc., es 30 XIII.—Sundry Financial Orders and Requirements of the “Mis sion Board and General Committee, at New York, .. 34 Appropriations for Schools, as oa 35 On Correspondence, es ae 34 Appropriations for unnamed. helpers, ae 37 Distribution of Appropriations by the Genl. Miss. Com. 36 a. 2. 3. 4. 5. Advancing money or borrowing when remittances fail to arrive, 38 6 rf 8 9 0 . Onthe unauthorized contracting of debts by the Mission, 389 . Drafts on the Mission Treasury by whom to be drawn, 40 . Sending money to the U.S. from India, ee 40 . Local Revenues, 4] . Relating to Mission property, Renting ‘of— Repairs- ‘and Supervision of—Sale of,— Choice of MissionResdences, 42 11. Relating to the return home of Missionaries, aa 43 12. Repairs to the Sanitarium, ... 43 13. Support of Widows and Children of Nat. Conf. Members, 44 XIV.—Hints on the form of Station Accounts, - att 44 XV.—Suggestions to the Missionaries in charge, Bat 45 XVI.—Sundry useful items. |... . re 47 ih oa nea | India Mission Conference OF THE Mlethodist Gyiscopal Church, SB. By Sanetion of the Conf. Pub. Com. LUCKNOW: PRINTED AT THE AMERICAN METHODIST MISSION PRESS: Rev. J. W. Wauau, Superintendent. 1869, Digitized by the Internet Archive — in 2023 with funding from Columbia University Libraries httos://archive.org/details/manualofindiamisOOmeth PREFACE. Ir is hoped that this little Mazuwal contains in an available form all the standing action of the Conference itself, and all the smstructions of the Missionary Board and General Committee intended for the guidance of the Conference. A few items of value to the Mission- ary are added. The compilation will be appreciated by those who have often had to turn over files of letters or documents in referring to some action or instruction. Particularly new Missionaries in coming into the Conference will find the Manuaéd useful. BAREILLY: } August, 1869. § dint, Si i As lke ing CONFERENCE MANUAL. ‘69ST JO ‘YPNO UW i gggt Jo snsuey oy} Ag , ‘0S2120L1— Ply oatquo fo uorepndod ozeurxoiddy —"F ‘0000ZE JO FEST wt UoNrindod v pure ‘purpsy epoyry se osxey sv FRY —‘saprur o1enbs 0Z1 Surureyzuoo ‘orodurey Jo TopqeMeN otf} Sor] punyyrqoy fo spunog oy} UYAM —'S _ -quoo cod outa Aprwou YpNO Ut pue ‘UepevutMoyry_ st ATWO *yU99 Jod_ sqyU94-90.144 TRAY ut ‘uepoumoyRAL St Uovtanyy pue punyyTyory Ur tonvndod 944 jo yysy-ou0 ynoqgy—"% ‘9g ‘Uoruny §GgoF YPYO ‘ OFF PUNyyY[Lgoy Ut ‘st oper orenbs oy} 07 worgrpndod ety;—*[--8970 Ay 66 (5 (<4 TO MON JO O9R}8 ( Sree 0649 “God VLA et. se otro] se sey oud egy oe | eee caine. Sa pNADa VANE aiou { gaqTTIUd arenbs 9e/8Z VoLV LF LOZELT ‘dog ‘Upno ; 70988) OF8S 7 ‘rIOdWESA'T | 1SLGS°6 9ZIELE s ‘MONWON'T UIiZorsorl 996LT ie _ HVGNOD OF9FLL 9S68T =e. HOIVYHVE “DURST OpoyAT pue ( 9GTIF Re tas : ; TVHANVS quoULIOA Uvyy raSre oragt e | FFSOLOL 6TLIL * “TAYMOdNVHVSHVHS a ae ehh ; i leoste ‘teret] 20626 |" ‘LAG HAITI SsoTttd otends JE0ZL Moge vely|TJOOITG “pPuUNnyATyory. ) looeg6or FOSS <9 ‘VAVAVUOON | OL8688 PrOIS ie _ Novdand FSSISél 6P9SOL 2, ATTN Va *quoULIe A JO 9704s : L G16069 99G6L ie UNONfTa aq} ULyy Josie] Surqyyouros ZPLSES “(eM TIny ae IdoVvd ‘soqtur ‘Abs QOOTT ynoqe vory ( | O6LS8E ‘“OovWUN is TVs HANAN ‘op “DILV , auoig fo ‘dog pote Wee ‘suownygy fo awry ce a NS ‘om ‘UoTyetndog YAM ‘worsstyy oy} Aq potdno00 SNOTLVLS ‘I 6 - CONFERENCE MANUAL. II. “RULES OF ORDER” FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE INDIA MISSION ANNUAL CONFERENCE. Rule 1.—All the business of the Conference, excepting such as may be brought forward by the President, shall be introduced by motion. Rule IJ.—A11 questions of order shall be determined by the Pre- sident, whose decision shall in all cases prevail, unless overruled by an appeal to the Conference: any three members dissenting from the Pre- sident’s judgment, shall have a right to appeal to the Conference. Rule I11.—The President shall appoint all Committees not other- wise specially ordered by the Conference. Rule TV.—AII motions or resolutions introduced by any member of the Conference shall be reduced to writing, if the Secretary or any member request it. Rule V.—No new motion or resolution shall be entertained till the one under consideration shall be disposed of, which may be by adoption or rejection ; unless one of the following motions should in- tervene; namely, indefinite postponement, postponement till a given time, to lie on the table, or to amend: and these motions shall have precedence in the order in which they are placed. Rule Vi.—Every member shall have a right to speak on any mo- tion, but shall not speak more than fifteen minutes at any one time, nor more than once on any one subject until all have spoken, who de- sire to do so; unless by special permission of the Conference. Rule VII.—Every member, when he speaks, shall rise from his seat, and respectfully address the chair: and shall not on any occa- sion use personal reflections or intemperate language. Rule VIII.—When a member intends to make complaint against another, having a bearing upon his moral character, he shall apprize such brother of his intention, before he brings it into Conference, Rule 1X.—No member shall absent himself from the service of the Conference unless he be sick or unable to attend. Rule X.—It shall be in order for any member of the Conference, when he thinks a question has been sufficiently discussed, to move that the question be taken without further debate: and if the motion be sustained by two-thirds of the members present and voting, the main question shall then be put without any more discussion. ez CONFERENCE MANUAL. rly COURSES OF STUDY. L_—FOR EUROPEAN MISSIONARIES. “In regard to the Course of Study the Bishops approved the following minute: 1st.—The Missionaries shall be examined in the strictly theological and ecclesiastical parts of the Course of Study in the Discipline: particularly the Bible as to Doctrines and Sacraments—- Watson’s Institutes, partic- ularly parts first and second—Wesley’s and Fletcher’s Christian perfection, and the Methodist Discipline. ond.—And as a substitute for the remainder of the course in the Discipline, we prescribe the Course of Study for the present in the Vernacular, which the Mission has forwarded in their resolution on the subject—passed at the Annual Meeting in 1863. COURSE OF STUDY. First Year. A—Urdi Language. . Hindust4ni Grammar. { Forbes’s recommended.) . Hikayat 1 Dilkash. . Bag o Bahar (1st half) . Hagidiq-ul-Maujudat. B.— Writing. Translation in Persian character of exercises to be furnished by Committee. jad H © 2 C.—Oral. Conversation on Scripture subjects to be carried on between the candidate and the examiners. 8 CONFERENCE MANUAI. Second Year. A.—Urdi Language. 1. Bag o Bahar (concluded.) 2, Ikhwan-us-Saffa. B.— indi. i. Gospels and Acts. 2. Baital Pachisi. C.— Writing. English exercises furnished by examiners to be yee into Hindi in the Nagri character. D.— Oral. Conversation in Urdu and Hindi between the Committee and candidates. IIl—COURSE OF STUDY FOR NATIVE HELPERS. The Committee appointed last year to prepare and report a Course of Study for candidates for admission on trial, and Native Preachers on probation, beg leave to present the following Report: For Candidates for Admission on Trial. 1. Candidates must be acquainted with the com- mon branches of vernacular education; as Urdu and Hindi Grammar, Geography, and Arithmetic. 2. Ancient and Sacred History—Barth’s Urdu Scripture History, and Sair-i- Mutaqaddimin to-be the basis of examination. 3. The History of India—Lucknow edition of Tawarikh-i-Hind to be used as the text book. 4, Rhetoric—Part II of Mirza Ali Nasér Beg’s Urdt translation. 5. Logic. The Discipline of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. CONFERENCE MANUAL. 9 Books to ve read carefully : 1,—Morris’s Church Polity, Urddt translation. 2,—Watson’s Life of Wesley, “ f 3.—Hagaiq-ul-Maujudat and Vidyadnkur. First Year. 1, The Evidences of Christianity—Din 1 Haqq ki Tahqiq, Mizan ul Haqq, and Binney’s Theologi- cal Compend. 2. Wesley’s Plain Account of Christian Perfection. . Mr. Muir’s Church History, in Urdd. 4. Homniletics—Waz Nama. 5. A general examination on Muhammadanism. 6. A written Sermon. Books to be read : 1. Barth’s History of the Early Church, in Urdu. 2, Misbah-ul-[man. 3. TawalludiJadid. 4. Hall i Mushkilat. co Second Wear. 1, siuteane and Scripture proofs of Bible doc- trine. 2. The Exposition of the First and Second Articles, embracing the Nature and Attributes of God: the doctrine of the Trinity and Humanity and Divinity of Christ. 3. Dr. Pfander’s Miftah ul Asrar, and Meth. Epis. Church Catechism, No. III. 4. General examination of Hinduism. 5. Written Sermon. Books to be read : 1. Tawarikh 1 Misr—an Urdu History of Egypt. 2. Tariq-ul-Hayaét—or the Way of Life. 10 CONFERENCE MANUAL. 3, Dasttr-ul-Maash—an Urdt work on Political Economy. Third Wear. 1. Explanation ofthe Articles treating on the duties of religion; andthe Jamat-ul-Faraiz of Golakh Nath. 2. Tafsiri Kutub 1 Muqaddasa—Scripture Exegesis. 3. Ikhtitam i Mubahasa e Din—Dr. Pfander’s con- troversy with the Mussalmans of Agra. 4, Miftah ul Kitéb—or Hand-Book of the Bible. 5. Written Sermon. Books to be read : 1, Hall ul Ashkaél—Dr. Pfander’s reply to a Moulvi. 2. Tahgig ul Iman, (Subhaén Ali’s.) 3. Sharif-Nisbaten, (Rajab Alt’s. ) Fourth Year. SECTION II. PERSONAL RELIGIOUS LIFE AND HABITS. State your views of the character and source of the Christian life. How may we know that we are partakers of this life ? Fa 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 discharge of them. 5. By what means may these qualifications be cultivated ? 6. Give your views of the nature and importance of Pastoral Visi- tation, and state the amount of attention you give to it. 7. Inform us of your general habits of study. 8. Name all the books you have read each year since your admis- sion on trial in the Conference. 9. How much time do you devote to the study of the Scriptures, and with what method do you study them ? SECTION ILI. EXAMINATION ON 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 ? CONFERENCE MANUAL, 1 1 2. Explain what is meant by the phrase “ Canon of Scripture.” 3. Distinguish between the genuineness and authenticity and cre- dibility of a book. 4, Give asynopsis of the argument by which the genuineness of the booksconstituting our received Canon ofthe Old Testamentis established. 5. Give a synopsis of the argument establishing the genuineness of the books contained in the received Canon of the New Testament. 6. In what sense do Protestants affirm and Romanists deny that the Scriptures form a complete and infallible rule of faith and practice ? 7. How do you disprove the Muhammedan assertion that the Scriptures have been abrogated ? &. 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 pro- phesied, and the particular burdens of their prophecy. 12. Give from the life of our Lord some illustrations of his regard to the Old Testament 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 leng a period did his ministry extend ? 15. Describe the principal events and the localities of his ministry. 16. State the leading facts recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. 17. What is a miracle ? and in what way do miracles authenticate a Divine Revelation 2? SECTION III. ON THE DOCTRINES OF THE BIBLE. i. 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 ? 8. Enumerate the attributes of God, and give scripture proof of each. 4, Give the scriptural doctrine of the Incarnation, and show how it is connected with the Gospel scheme. 5. Giveasummary of the scripture arguments for the Divinity of Christ. 12 CONFERENCE MANUAL. 6. Give ascripture proof of the Personality, Divinity, and Work of the Holy Spirit. 7. What was the effect of Adam’s sin upon himself ? and upon his posterity ? 8. What is the relation of the vicarious death of Christ to the forgiveness of sins ? 9. State the proofs by which the resurrection of Christ is established. 10. Show the nature and value of Christ’s interecssion as taught in the Scriptures. 11. What are the doctrine and proof of the Witness of the Spirit ? 12. State concisely the doctrine of Christian Perfection as taught by Mr. Wesley, and support it by scripture proofs, 13. Explain the difference between regeneration or the new birth, and entire sanctification. 14. State the Arminian doctrine respecting the Perseverance of the Saints, and show its harmony with the Scriptures. 15. State the nature, design, and obligation of Baptism ; and the proofs of each. 16. State why the baptism ofinfants should beretained in the Church. 17. What are the phrases used in Scripture to designate the Lord’s Supper ; what thair import ; what the ground of obligation on Chris- tians to observe this sacrament ? 18. How do you disprove the Hindoo doctrine of the transmigration of souls? 19. State the scripture doctrine of the resurrection of the body, and give the proofs. SECTION IV. 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 Metho- dist Episcopal Church it the United States. 3. What are the respective duties and powers of General, Annual and Quarterly Conference, in the Methodist Episcopal Church ? 4, What are the peculiar duties and powers vested in the following officers of the Church respectively, viz:—Bishops, Presiding Elders, Elders, Deacons, Preachers in charge, Local Preachers, Stewards, Trus- tees of Churches, and Class Leaders? and how is the limitation of the power, and the amenability of each for its proper exercise fixed ? CONFERENCE MANUAL. 13 SECTION V. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 1, Enumarate and describe the principal Jewish sects existing at the time of Christ. 2. Give some account of the early persecutions of the Christians. 8. Mention some circumstances in the state of the world which assist ed the early progress of Christianity. 4. Give an account of the religious state of the world immediately prior to the time of Luther. 5. Give an account of the Great Reformation, the causes that lead. to it, and the principal characters engaged in it. 6. Give an account of the origin and rise of Methodism in Great Bri- tain, and the leading characters in the Wesleyan movement. 7. What were the circumstances that led to the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and what were the time, place and cir- cumstances under which that organization was effected. 8. Mention the different sects of Hindoos, their origin, founders, and religious opinions. 9, Give an account of the origin and founder of the Muhammedan religion—its different sects and their leading characters. 10. Give an account of the origin and rise of the Seikh religion, and its relation to Hinduism and Islamism. Adopted at the 3rd session of Conference, January, 1867.—“ Approved by the Bishops,” May 10, 1867, Cor. Sec’y. III.—COURSE OF STUDY FOR NATIVE PREACHERS AND EXHORTERS, ADOPTED BY THE CONFERENCE,—1869. EXHORTERS—Second Grade. Read well in Persian, or Hindi, and Roman. Write in Persian, Hindi or Roman. Qawaid i Urdu, or Hindi, Part Ist. Mabad ul Histb, or Ganat Parkash, Part Ist. Jugrafiyé e Hind; Gospels and Acts. Catechism No, I; Kitab 1 Mugqaddas ké Abwal. 14 CONFERENCE MANUAL. EXHORTERS— First Grade. Qawéid i Urdu or Hindi, Part II; Mubdd ul Hi- sab, Part II. Shams ul Jugrafiya, Discipline, Articles and Ge- neral Rules. Haqaiq ul Maujadat, Epistles. Catechism No. II, Badan Baran. LocaL PREACHERS—Second Grade. Hikayat 1 Hind, Khulasa Niyam ul Shamshi. Tuli Aftaéb i Sadaqat, Din i Hagq ki Tahqjigq. Catechism No. III, Pentateuch, Sharif Nisbaten. Mamoksh Britant, Discipline finished. LocaL PREACHERS—First Grade. Muntakhabat ul Tawarikh, Miftah ul Asrar. Mizan ul Haqq, Niydéz Nama. Waz Nama, Tawarikh 1 Kalisiya (Barth’s.) Tafsir i Kitab 1 Muqaddasa. Life of Wesley. Adopted at the 5th session of Conference Jan. 1869. NOTE. On completing any year or number of books, a certificate should be given the candidate as a record of the fact. This will be his vou- cher for having done the work. It may be of the form,-- “This certifies that A. B. has passed examination in the following books.” C—— D.—— Missionary. Books can be entered from time to time on the same paper, as they are completed, Cr CONFERENCE MANUAL. 1 LV: SCALE OF SALARIES OF NATIVE ASSISTANTS. The Committee appointed to draft a Scale of Sala- ries for Native helpers, reported that they drew up a Scale, and forwarded it to New York for the approval of the Board, as directed, and in repiy received the following from the Assistant Corresponding Secretary, viz: “The Board at its meeting yesterday confirmed the Scale of Salaries for Native Assistants sent for- ward by authority of your Conference, as follows :” eee eae ee Each fa : ingle etiona hild | Ohild Rank or Office of Assistant. Man. | for Wife. | under 8 lbetween years. 48 & 18, Rs, {A Rs: | A. | Rs. | A. [ Rs. JA. Exuorter, 2nd, or lower grade} 7 | 0 Sage Gl ar oO paren EXHORTER, Ist, or higher grade,} 10 | 0 AQ hy Bd) OU St 6 LocaL PREacHER, 2nd class, not having passed on Conf. Course,! 12 | 0 6.1) Db Sep sih: 848 Local PREACHER, 1st Class, hav- ing passed, Se oi ne 0 Sil OF 2) 789 Bis CONFERENCE PROBATIONER, ...1 20/0] 10) OF 3] OF 41] 0 CONFERENCE MEMBER, toh ope) OP el 2 OP Spr Org min) Note 1st.—Departures from the above scale, as in cases of the salaries of widowers with children, teachers in Orphanages, etc., must receive the sanction of the Presiding Elders. Note 2nd.—Each Agsistant on receiving Deacon’s Orders, shall be entitled to an additional Rs. 5 per mensem, and on receiving Elder's Orders, he shall have Rs. 10 additional to the above scale. Note 3rd.—The allowance for children, as above, is on the condi- tion that they are neither receiving salary from the Mission, nor free education, including board and clothing, in any of our Mission Schools. Adopted at the 2nd Session of Conference, Febr, 1866, and duly sanctioned. by the Mission Board at, New York. 16 CONFERENCE MANUAL. we, MINUTE ON EDUCATION. The Committee on Education for 1866, presented the following Resolutions, which were adopted : _ l. That in the sense of this Conference the value of our Schools, as Mission agencies, depends almost - entirely on the Christian element in them. That we highly approve of the usage of having a weekly sermon of half an hour preached before the School, by one of the Missionaries ; and that we strong- ly recommend this plan to the favorable consideration of those in charge of our Schools. 3. That the Preachers in Charge be requested to report to the Conference for publication, Statistics show- ing the number of Schools, and teachers and pupils in connection with the same. 4, That the Secretary be requested to furnish the members of the Conference with a tabular form in which such items shall be reported. VI. LUCKNOW COLLEGE. The Committee appointed to consider our College enterprise, in connection with our Centenary subscrip- tions, presented the following Resolutions, which were adopted : Resolved, 1st. That our “Centenary College’ be located in the city of Lucknow. 2nd. Thata Board of Five Trustees be appointed to take charge of the Centenary subscriptions, and hold in trust all endowment funds and other property accruing to the College ; said Board to be appoint- ed in the following manner, anc governed by the following rules : FORMATION OF BOARD. lst, The Board shall consist of the Presiding Elder CONFERENCE MANUAL. 1% of the Lucknow district, the Principal of the Institution, and of three additional Members of Conference, elected by ballot. 2nd. The Trustees shall nominate the Principal of the Institution, subject to confirmation by the appoint- ing power of the Conference. 3rd. Trustees elected shall hold office for three years, but the first elections shall be for terms of one, two and three years, so that one member may retire annually. 4th. The Principal shall nominate, and the Board appoint all Teachers, and determine the salaries of the same. 5th. The Board shall approve the Course of Study and general rules of the Institution. 6th. ‘The Board shall authorize all applications for Grants-in-aid, and sanction all expenditure of Local funds, received for the College. 7th. They shall consider the general interests of the College as being specially entrusted to their care, and shall devise such measures as circumstances may suggest for enlarging its endowment, and increasing its efficiency. 8th. They shall invest the endowment funds in such way as may promise the largest returns, provided that in no case shall they advance money on loan with- out receiving security in double the amount advanced ; provided further that all real estate purchased be covered by ample insurance. 9¢h. They shall submit an annual report to the Conference, showing the operations of the College du- ring the year, its financial condition, and recommending such action in its interests as may be deemed advisable. 10¢%. Officers of the Board shall be a President, Secretary and Treasurer, elected by the Board annually. 2 18 CONFERENCE MANUAL. Resolved, 3rd. That the Board of Trustees take charge of sub- criptions already made, invest them when realized, and apply the in- terest to the principal, provided that in case the proposed endowment of Rs. 25,000 be not secured within three years, the subscriptions shall be refunded. 4th. That the Board of rn stses be requested to appoint one or two. members of the Conference to act as special agents for increasing the endowment of the institution. 5th. That the Board of Trustees be instructed to set apart a por- tion of the endowment fund raised in the several stations for Scholar- ships for boys from those stations, when in attendance at the College. {Adopted at the 3rd Session of Conference, Jan, 1867.} VIt. RULES FOR THE GOVT. OF THE PUBLISHING COMMITTEE. It shall be the duty of the Publishing Committee,— 1. To stimulate the production of books and tracts, by suggesting to such persons as they may think best the translation of particular books, or the preparation of original works on subjects indicated. 2. To receive all books and tracts from the hands of thetranslators and authors, decide upon their fitness for publication, forward to the Press all that are approved, and return to the authors or translators all that are deemed unsuitable. And whenever the Committee de- sire a change or correction in any book, they shall re- turn it to the author or translator, pointing out the de- sired emendations, who after revision shall re-submit his book to the Committee; and on no account may the Committee modify or correct, unless by express agree- ment with the author. 3. In forwarding any work to the Press the Com- mittee shall recommend the size and character of the edi- tion be to printed, after consultation with the Supdt. of the Press, concerning the comparative cost of different editions. And after publication they shall determine the price at which they shall be furnished. : CONFERENCE MANUAL, 19 4. The Publishing Committee, in connection with the Superintendent of the Press, shall make annual es- timates for the current expenses of the Press, and take measures for securing appropriations from societies and individuals, here and at home. 5. The Publishing Committee shall audit the Ac- counts of the Press annually, and report to the Confer- ence. The following recommendations relative to the dis- tribution of the publications of our Press were sanc- tioned by the Conference : RECOMMENDATION. 1. The principal stations of our Mission shall be constituted sub-depots for the publications of our Press. 11. Whenever a new publication is ready, the Su-- perintendent of the Press shall send a suitable supply to each of these sub-depots, stating the price of the books, as determined by the Superintendent of the Press and the Committee. mr. The Preachers in charge of the various sta- tions shall make annual returns for receipts from sales to the Superintendent of the Press. tv. The Superintendent shall publish annually with the Minutes and Reports, a tabular Statement of the books on hand in the Press Depository. NOTE. “The Committee appointed by the Tract Board of the M. E. Church, having notified the Publishing Committee, that owing to their connection with the Press, they have recommended to the Tract Board that the Publishing Committee, the Superintendent of the Press, and a brother resident in, or near, Lucknow, be their Committee ; the Pub- lishing Committee heartily approve of the suggestion, and express their great interest in the Tract enterprise, and earnest desire to co-operate with them in this work.” Adopted at the 4th annual Session, Jan. 1868. 90 CONFERENCE MANUAL. VIII. LIST OF BOOKS, TRACTS, Erc,, PRINTED AT THE MISSION PRESS, WITH STATEMENT OF PRICE. URDU LITHOGRAPH. Zabir ki Kitab, > : ‘ Din i Hagq ki Tahgiq, 1sé ae, * Din i Haggq ki Tahgiq, 2ud “ : Tahzib i Atfal, = : S Waz Nama, - : - 2 Ek Waz, - : : a Ruhani Tazkira, ‘ A - Kutub i llahi ke Qawanin ki Tafsir, Girdab 1 Nashabazi, - 2 3 Miftah ul Majlis, - : : Halli Mushkilét, = - : s Musaddig Kutubi llahi,_—- “ Misbéh ul Fman, - s F Tawallud iJadid, - z ia Wesley Sahib ka Ahwal, - p Khudawand ki Dué, yung Sharif Nisbaten, (Type) = a Masihi Kamiliyat, - : : Tahgqiq ul Mazhab,_ - : Kkuttt Hindustani Jawanon ke waste, Ajib o Mufid Sawélét i Baibal, - Talib ul Haqaq, - : ‘ Ilm i Mantiq, (Type) " ° Sie St Spe Sore one OS OS SS O20 9 Oso Oe 8 COOKY KH YyPHTwnmnnvrnnvnwnoart 2 BP O fF ww OH SF & =) Se ee gO OL Oo HO OS CONFERENCE MANUAL, a1 ROMAN URDU. Rs, As. P. Talimat aur Discipline, ° - (oe AN Talimat aur Discipline, cheap ed. - 0. S370 Masihi Git, : - - : 0 8 0 Masihi Git, cheap ed. - “ - 0 4.0 Sawél o Jawab, No. 1, - - Oost v!0 Sawal o Jawab, No. 2, - - 0° 2° 0 Sawal o Jawab, No. 3, : - Ais Akhlaqi Kahanian, - - - Jeo Bede! Amus Amfild, - - - - O30 Najat Dihinda ki Rah, . » QO 2.0 Devandgri Roman Primer, - - 0° rb 6 Chhoti Jen aur Gozel, - - Ooch 0 Pak Kalam ke Intikhabi Sal - 0° 34.0 Injil ki Tasir, - - - 0 3.0 Baibal Barhaqq, - - - oO) Padri Taylor Sahib ki Sareuzasht, 0 4 0 HINDI. Ek Upadesh, - “ - - 6 1 6 Prashn Uttar, - - \ - goody mae Ls Pix: Padwi Biswas Dipak,- _. - ByiOusola an Git ki Pustak, - - = = D. 250 Dharm Charcha, - . ON 2.0 Hitt Prakash, - - = a Oar ae () Nawin Kurmi Pustak, ~ “ Dicer ( é pap CONFERENCE MANUAL. IX. RULES FOR BOARD OF ORPHANAGE VISITORS. With a view to more accurately defining the duties of the Visiting Committee and their relation to the Or- phanages and the Conference, the Committee respect- fully recommend the adoption of the following Aules, providing for a Board of Visitors, and specifying their duties and responsibilities. RULES: 1. The Board of Visitors to the Orphanages shall consist of three members of Conference, elected for terms of three years each, one member retiring each year. 2. The Visitors shall nominate the Principals of the Orphanages, subject to the approval of the appoint- ing power of the Conference. 3. They shall approve the course of study and general rules of the institutions. 4. They shall report to the Presiding Elders, from year to year, such boys as are prepared to enter upon Mission work: the Presiding Elders. collectively deter- mining the settlement of such boys. 5. They shall visit the Orphanages at least once a year, and make a careful examination of the pupils in their studies, and also inspect the general condition and management of the institutions. 6. They shall assist as far as practicable in collect- ing orphans for the institutions, and shall co-operate in effecting the settlement of pupils who do not enter Mission service. 7. They shall audit the accounts of the Orphan- ages annually. 8.—They shall approve the Annual Estimate be- fore being submitted to the Conference. CONFERENCE MANUAL. 23 9. They shall submit an Annual Report to the ‘Conference, showing the operations of the Orphanages during the year, their financial and general condition, and making such recommendations as may be deemed advisable. 10. The Board shall elect their own Chairman annually. 11. Two members shall constitute a quorum for ‘conducting examinations. X. TEMPERANCE. I.—MINUTE ON TEMPERANCE. Aboprep 1866. We can but look upon the wide spread influence of intemperance in India with deep concern. We regret that such is the sanction given this evil, that the im- pression generally prevails among the natives, that the habitual use of intoxicating liquors goes hand in hand with the progress of Christianity. We deem it of the utmost importance that our rising church adhere strictly to our General Rule upon this subject, which enjoins fotal abstinence. We there- fore recommend the adoption of the following resolutions : Resolved, 1.—That we will not only keep the Rules of our church on Temperance, but also require their observance by all our church members. Resolved, 2.—That we are in hearty sympathy with the existing Temperance Associations in India, and that we will organize Total Abstinence Societies in each of our Stations, and strive to impress upon the minds of all, whether members of the Church or not, the importance of taking an active part in this cause. IJ.—Aporrep 1869. The cause of Temperance is not an insignificant matter among the many interests in which our Mission 94, CONFERENCE MANUAL. is engaged. While temperance sometimes exists where vital piety is not found, we doubt that vital piety can long exist when temperance is not faithfully practiced. We can but feel deepsolicitudefor the Native church, when we see this sinful practice increasing among the native population. We can not recede from the advanced position which we have already taken, and further feel that we must increase our watchfulness in this matter. We therefore recommend the following resolutions, in addition to those adopted last year : Resolved,—I. That we understand our General Rule on Temperance to prohibit wine and beer drinking, except as remedies for illness. II. That when such remedies are prescribed, we will use caution as to how far we adopt them. III. That we believe the use of tobacco hurtful to the health, injurious to the manners, and an obstruction to the usefulness of any Christian man, particularly a Minister of Christ. IV. That we discountenance the use of tobacco among the Mem- bers and Probationers of this Conference ; that we will speak against it in the churches, and dissuade our Local Preachers and Exhorters from its use ; especially those who are placed over native flocks, and those who expect to become members of the Annual Conference. XI. MINUTE ON POLYGAMY. Adopted at the 4th Session of Conference, Jan. 1868. The Committee to whom was referred the Memo- rial of the Moradabad District Conference on the subject of Polygamy, beg leave to present the following Report: When our Saviour began his ministry, he at once set up a more perfect standard of morality than that which had existed among the Jews, not only denounc- ing many popular traditions, but even going so far as to change both the letter and spirit of some of the laws of Moses. Among the most important of the reforms CONFERENCE MANUAL, 95 which he instituted, was a re-statement of the law of marriage, in which he reminded the Jews of the sacred character of the institution as first appointed in Eden, admitted the temporary suspension of some of its obliga- . tions on account of the ‘‘hardness of heart” of the people, and clearly and emphatically recalled them to the observance of its duties as laid down in the days of man’s purity. As God had created ‘‘a male” and ‘‘a female,’’ so the Saviour taught that ‘they twain” should be “one flesh.” This is clearly the definition of Chris- tian marriage. Polygamy is wholly inconsistent with such an institution. Muhammedan marriage may admit of it, as may that of Hindoos or Jews, but to speak of a Christian polygamist, is to use contradictory terms. It cannot be denied that plausible reasons have been adduced to show, that while polygamy should not permanently be retained in the Church, yet in cases where converts have been entangled in this way before conversion, no Interference should be made with their social relations. Among the most prominent arguments advanced in defence of this position are the following: 1. It is alleged that we have the sanction of the Apostles for this course, they having merely limited the privileges of the polygamist, by excluding him from certain positions. But it is by no means clear that the Apostles ever followed such a policy. It is true that Paul instructed both Timothy and Titus to appoint as deacons and elders only those who were “the husband of one wife;” but we may well question whether the reference here is to polygamy at all. It is well known that divorcees for frivolous causes had become very fre- quent in all parts of the Roman empire at the beginning of our era, that polygamy had ceased to exist among the Jews, that it had not become at all common among any class of the Romans, and that it was comparatively 26 © CONFERENCE MANUAL. limited among the Greeks. Is it not reasonable, then, to suppose that the apostle cautions his brethren against appointing men who had successively married and divor- ced anumber of wives, thus making themselves obnoxious to the numerous friends of the divorced parties? This supposition becomes almost a certainty, when we notice that a Jike caution is given in the case of women, that they should be ‘the wife of one husband,” for surely no one will for a moment claim that polyandry existed in the early Church. It is well known that this was the universal interpretation of the primitive Church, and that the Greek Church adheres to it in a most literal sense to the present day. 2. It is constantly urged that many holy men mentioned in the Old Testament had a plurality of wives, and yet God approved of their lives in a special manner. ‘The same argument was long used to defend slavery in America, and is still used by ‘the Mormons in Utah. Its fallacy is’so transparent, that a child need not be deceived by it. The question is simply this: Were the holy men referred to Christians, or were they not? That they were good men, according to the light they had, no one can doubt; but if the best of them were living among us now, we would simply call them Jews, and Tefuse' tham the privileges of the Church. 3. But itis claimed that the heathen are as ig- norant and hard hearted as the Jews and patriarchs, and a like allowance should be made for them. This is very true, so far as their condition is concerned ; and if we have no better light to offer them, and if there’ 18 no fuller measure of the Spirit to soften their hearts, than was enjoyed before the day of Pentecost, then the conclusion is valid. But it must be remembered that the question deals, not with the depraved heathen, but . CONFERENCE MANUAL. 27 with Christian Converts, the least of whom enjoys priv- ileges which far transcend those of the highly favored John the Baptist. 4. Itis often urged that a separation inflicts great injustice on the wives who are put away. Financially there can be none, as the convert is required to support them comfortably. As to marital rights, it is begging the whole question to raise such an objection. It might, with infinitely more reason, be urged that it is wrong- ing the woman to allow her to be kept ina state of concubinage. Better far, that she be allowed to contract an honorable Christian marriage, and escape from a life in which she can never know what domestic happiness 1s. 5. It is further urged, that many painful separa- tions must occur, and that to avoid this, temporary polygamy should be tolerated. If all claimed here were admitted, it is only what might be urged in multitudes of cases to justify men in delaying their conversion. How many happy fami- lies are forever broken up by simply preaching the truth? All this has been foretold by our Saviour, and is inseparable from the faithful preaching of truths which admit of no compromise. But it will be found that these separations are usually less painful than is commonly supposed. No- thing can be more absurd than to suppose that an affec- tion can exist in a polygamist’s family, similar to that which weseein Christian households. The husband near- ly always has one,favorite only, while to the vast major- ity of the women, separation will be hailed as freedom from slavery. Among the lower classes this is espe- cially true. Nine-tenths of them would rejoice to be freed from their masters, if a chance of honorable wed- lock were offered them. 98 CONFERENCE MANUAL. Having noticed these objections, it remains to show a few weighty reasons for adhering to the practice which has generally prevailed in the most successful Protes- tant Missions : 1. If polygamy is tolerated to any extent in the church, it will gain a foothold among us which will not be easily relinquished. The ‘twin relics of barbarism,” Polygamy and Slavery, are both alike in holding tena- ciously to any concession made to them. The early churches in America simply tolerated slavery, hoping that it would not outlive a single generation; but they were destined soon to find it their master. If we allow polygamy a place among us, there is reason to fear that it will long remain a source of trouble and weakness to an infant Church which can ill afford to contend with such an element. 2. Acompromise of principle invariably paralyzes the church, and unfits her for the earnest struggle in which she is engaged. To confess fora moment that we quail before the consequences of our own preaching, is to deny our confidence in it. The moment we lower the high standard left in our hands, we lose that moral power which ever marks the vigorous advance of Chris- tianity. 3. More especially do we need to insist on the Christian rule of monogamy, because it is important at the outset to give our people a correct idea of the sanc- tity of the marriage relation. To allow the slightest deviation from the strict law of Christian marriage, will lead them to confound principle and policy, to look on an institution as old and as hallowed as the bowers of iden, as simply a conventional arrangement tv be modi- fied at pleasure. The grand center around which all the social excellencies of a Christian community crys- CONFERENCE MANUAL. 29: talize, is the family; and if we would organize a com- munity in India worthy of the name of Christian, we must guard against the slightest infringement of its tights and privileges. The re-adjustment of the relations of a polygamist’s family must necessarily involve many very perplexing questions which cannot be reached by any definite rules. Yet a general policy should be laid down, and such rege ulations adopted as may meet the difficulty as far as possible. The general objeet being to substitue Chris- tian, for heathen marriage, the arrangement which most satisfactorily effects this should be adopted. In decid. ing such cases we recommend that the following rules be observed : RULES. 1. Where a convert is to select his wife from among two or more of his previous partners, add other claims being equal, the first wife shall be allowed the preference. 2, In cases where the marriage in childhood has been practically involuntary on the part of both parties, resulting in unhappiness, and leading to other alliances, the preference allowed to the first marriage may be materially modified. 3. In all cases where all the parties involved ami- cably consent to any definite arrangement for separa- tion, their wishes shall be allowed. 4, The question shall always be considered in its relation to the interests, wishes, and feelings of ald the parties, the man in every case being put on a par with the woman. | 5. The convert in every case shall be required to contribute for the support of his former wives, in such 0) CONFERENCE MANUAL. amount as the Committee called in his case may decide, so long as they may remain unmarried. 6. To avoid abuses, no such convert shall be ad. mitted to baptism, until his choice of a wife has been ratified by a Committee of five members of the church, appointed by the preacher in charge, and confirmed by a quarterly conference, subject to the veto of the Pre- sident of the quarterly conference. 7. Thesame committee shall sanction all arrange- ments made for the disposition of the children patries involved. XII. COLPORTAGE. The following are the Rudes of the North IndiaBible Society on the subject of Colportage, with list of prices. COUPORTAGE RULES OF THE NORTH INDIA BIBLE SOCIETY. 1.—That every Colporteur employed by the North India Bible Society shall be a professed Christian of approved character. 2.—That the qualifications of a candidate for the office of Colporteur shall be tested by examination. 3.-—That arrangements for his examination shall be made by the Missionary under whose superinten- dence he will labor, who will report the result of the examination to the Secretary of the Society. 4.—That the Colporteurs shall be divided into two classes :— Ist. Those who have a general acquaintance with the facts and doctrines of the Bible, and can read and write sufficiently well, to keep a journal, or at least CONFERENCE MANUAL. $l keep notes from which they could inform their Su- perintendent of what had been done each day. 2nd. Thesecond class shall consist of those who are able to explain intelligently the portions of scripture they may be called upon to read, and to refute the common objections that are brought against Christianity. 5.—That the salary of the first class shall be Rs. 10 per mensem, that of the second class Rs. 15. - 6.-—That a commission of 25 per cent be allowed on Vernacular scriptures. 7.—That where 5 per cent of the salary of the Colporteur is not covered by the sales, his services be dispensed with ; the 5 per cent being counted on an average of 6 months. 8.—That the Colporteurs shall be placed under the Superintendence of Missionaries, residing in the dis- tricts in which they labor. 9,—That the Superintendents in consultation with the Secretary shall define the limits within which each Colporteur is to labour. 10.—The Superintendents are requested to see that the accompanying Colportage return is filled in monthly, with as much accuracy as can be secured, and that returns be transmitted quarterly on the 15th Ja- nuary, 15th April, 15th July, 15th October, along with the requisition for the required quarterly allowance. 11.—That all correspondence on the subject of Colporteurs should be addressed tothe Secretary, through whom the allowances of the Colporteurs will be drawn. 12.—That, while the Missionary in exceptional cases will be allowed to give away gratuitously scrip- tures in whole or in part, the Colpotteurs are to sel/ 39 | CONFERENCH MANUAL. the scriptures at the following prices, which have been made so low as to bring them within reach of all :-— Roman Urdt Bible, calf bound, Ditto ditto plain edge, Ditto ditto New Testament, Ditto ditto Psalms, as Ay Ditto ditto Gospel of Mark, Diglott New Testament, Ditto Psalms, re an Urdti Arabic Old Testament, complete, Urdti Arabic Bible Vol. I. plain edges, Ditto ditto ditto ditto marble edges, .. Ditto ‘ditto ditto ditto calf bound, Ditto ditto ditto ditto half morocco, *.. Ditto ditto New Testament, cloth bound, Ditto ditto ditto roan, gilt edges, Ditto ditto ditto calf, ditto ditto, Ditto ditto Psalms, cloth, Ditto ditto Genesis and Exodus, cloth, ... Ditto ditto Gospels, in cloth, Ditto ditto ditto in paper cover, Gospel of Luke and Acts Lithographed, Hindi Old Testament Vol. I. cloth, Ditto ditto Vol. IL. ditto, Ditto ditto Vol. I. half bound, Ditto. ditto Vol. II. ditto, Ditto New Testament, eee " vee foe oN RS) AE, 6 9 on Or ?P. 0 0 6 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 0 0 CONFERENCE MANUAL. 5 3 Hindi Gospels, in cloth, ... B. Seth. Ditto ditto in paper cover, ane Ditto Genesis and Exodus ditto, 0 Ditto Psalms and Proverbs ditto,.. 0 Ditto Isaiah, Jeremiah and Daniel, papercover, 0 NOTE. Colportage Work can be carried on with comparatively little trouble,— 1.—By having the Colporteurs report regularly once a month, 2.—By having them keep a correct written account of all publica- tions sold. 3.—These written lists of sales will furnish data from which io compile the tabular statement required by the Conference each year. ee et | O-S-Or2O oS Besides the publications of our own Press, the fol- lowing are the most available sources for publications required in our work, either for Colportage or for Schools :— 1.—The North India Bible Society :—ALLAHABAD. Rev. J. WILLIAMSON, Secy. 2.—North India Tract Society :—ALLAHABAD. Rev. B. DAVIS, Secy. There is a Depository of the publications of the “Christian Ver- nacular Educational Society’ here. d.—~Lodiana Mission Press :——Loviana. Rev. A. RUDOLPH, Supt. Large gratuitous grants of publications are made on application, 4.— Orphan School Press :—MuRZAPore. Rzv. Dr. MATHER, Supt. Valuable pulications in Roman available here. D.—Caleutia School Book and Vernacular Literature Society. — No. 9, Government Puacr, Hast. H. ANDREWS, Zszq., Secy. A good variety of books, with liberal discount. 3 34 CONFERENCE MANUAL. 6.—LBaptist Mission Press :—Cacurra. No. 21, Lower Circular Road. Rev. C. B. LEWIS, Supt. This Press is extensively engaged in printing religious works in English and Oriental languages. 1.—Calcutta Auailiary Bible Socrety :— Derposirory, No. 1, Hare Street. R. B. CHAPMAN, £sq., Secy. 8.—Caleutta Christian Tract and Book Society :— Depository, Vo. 1, Hare Street. Rav. G. KERRY. Secy. 9.— Government Curator’s Depot for the N. W. P. Address ‘Curator or GovernMENT Books : Allahabad.” The depot contains ‘ Educational works and books in English suitable for prizes,’—also Maps and School Books in Persian Urdu and Hindi, such as are used in the Government Schools. Sundry Law Books and documents are available here. Catalogues can be procured on application, for no- ting the publications obtainable, from all these sources. 70 SUNDRY FINANCIAL ORDERS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MISSION BOARD AND GENERAL COMMITTEE, AT NEW YORK. 1—APPROPRIATIONS FOR SCHOOLS. “The General Missionary Committee, by resolu- tion, directed us to say to the Conference, that no part of the appropriations for Schools shall be used in sup- port of other than Christian Schools; that is, Schools in which the Scriptures are freely read, and prayer freely ‘made by some one authorized to do the same by the Mission, or the Missionary or Presiding Elder having charge of such School or Schools.” : New York, Nov. 15, 1866. Cor. Secy. CONFERENCE MANUAL. S 5 2.—ON CORRESPONDENCE. In regard to the spiritual interests of each station, the preacher in charge should write, either directly to the Corresponding Secretary, or to the Presiding Eider, as he may prefer, judging from existing circamstances. As a general rule, it is best for the preacher in charge to Se to the EE ee. ane we Hiern S Elder a Pro oneraits ee state of ds Mission, = feed to which the preacher in charge is well informed, and his heart warmed with his work. Then let him write di- rectly for the Church at home, through the Corres- ponding Secretary, who will give it publicity as he may judge best. In regard to the materzaé interests or the pruden- tial arrangements of the work in any charge, the corres- pondence ‘should be between the Pr esiding Elder and the Corresponding Secretary, or with the Bishop or Bishops having charge. In this case the correspondence should pass through the office of the Corresponding Secretary unsealed, and under cover to the Secretary, to be read, and if necessary recorded, and then forwarded to the Bishop or Bishops. Correspondence in regard to the general Treasury affairs of the Mission, will be between the Treasurer and home authorities. Official correspondence is never regarded as private. But matters personal, and of a private nature, may be marked private, and held to be confidential. New York, May 21, 1865. Cor. Secy. Hach Presiding Elder is the correspondent for his own District interests ; and the Principals of the Or- phanages should keep us ane in regard to these 36 CONFERENCE MANUAL. Institutions; and the Superintendent of the Press should keep us advised of our publication interests. New York, Mareh 29, 1866. Core Secy. We will take occasion to express our wish that the Conference would instruct its Secretary to be their cor- respondent with this office in all matters touching the action of the Conference, other than those which pro- perly belong to the Treasurer. We ought always to be promptly advised of the doings of the Conference. New York, Nov. 15, 1866. Cor. Secy. It has occurred to the Secretaries to suggest to you the manner of your correspondence with this office, that is may be prompt and certain: 1.— We request thatthe President of your Conference | for the time being, be charged with the correspondence touching all matters in which the whole Conference has a common interest, except in relation to such mat- ters as the Conference may think it best to refer to a special Committee ; this duty to remain with the Pre- sident for the Conference year following the adjourn- ment of the Conference at which he presides, and untiy the meeting of the succeeding Session of the Conference. 2.—When a Bishop of the Church shall preside, - we request that the Conference designate some one of its members as correspondent for the Conference for the year commencing with that Session, who shall be charged with the same duties as those indicated in the preced- ing item for the President of the Conference when he shall be chosen from among your own number. 3.—When matters are referred by the Conference to a special Committee, with authority to act for the Conference in the intervals of its Sessions, then we re- CONFERENCE MANUAL. i | quest that the chairman of the Committee be charged with the duty of eorresponding with this office in rela- tion to the particular matter referred to the Committee. 4,.—We request that each Presiding Elder be charged with the correspondence concerning matters within his own district, both spiritual, and temporal during the time of his office. 5,—Hach individual Missionary or member of the on is at full liberty to correspond with the home authorities in regard to his private personal matters or affairs, as he may judge proper. We desire of him also’ as well as of the Presiding Elder, spirited accounts of the particular work committed to his charge. We de- sire this for the information of this office as well as for the Church, when it may be deemed profitable to pub- lish it to the Church. 6.—Allow me to add, that it is most desireable that we have early and full information of your Con- ference proceedings. To this end act promptly and transmit by the most expeditious route at least a care- ful digest of your transactions. Your’s truly, Mission Rooms, W. L. HARRIS, New York, Dec. 16, 1868. Asst. Cor. Secy. 3. APPROPRIATIONS FOR UNNAMED HELPERS. “‘The general Missionary Committee passed the following Resolution, and directed that it be commu- nicated to your Conference : viz.— Resolved.—That every appropriation made to a place or to an office or particular work, as to a Helper, Exhorter etc., no person being named in the appropriation, the use of such appr opriation shall be con- tingent upon the employment of a suitable person as contemplated in each place, to be paid according to the time appointee serves in view of the appropriation.” New York, Nov. 15, 1866. Cor, Secy. 88 CONFERENCE MANUAL. 4.—ON DISTRIBUTION OF APPROPRIATIONS BY THE GENERAL MISSIONARY COMMITTEE. _* With regard to Rules for the administration of your Mission finances, I can only say,— (1.) We furnish you with a copy of the appro- priations by the General Mission Committee. (2.) When the appropriations are distributed by the general Mission Committee, the Treasurer is the representative of the Board to see that the appropria- tions are applied as detailed by the Committee. (3). When the appropriations are not distributed in detail by the General Mission Committee, but are distributed by the Conference (as last year,) then the Treasurer will pay according to the distribution made by the Conference, and not allow transfers of fands in the intervals of the Conferences, so as to interfere with the distribution made by the Conference. These are Gen- eral Rules to be applied by the Conference and Trea- surer, as the cases.arise. These remarks are rather ex- planatory than additional or different from those made on the same subject by me, in my letter of June 20, 1868. New York, Sept. 2nd, 1868. Cor. Secy. 5.—IN REGARD TO ADVANCING MONEY OR BORROWING WHEN THE REMITTANCE DOES NOT ARRIVE. “The Treasurer may not advance any moneys in the interval of Conferences, on any requisition by any member of the Mission for any account, unless it be an emergency seriously affecting the health or life of some one in the service of the Mission. Of this the Treasur- er must judge and take the responsibility, and look to the Conference and Board for justification. We think the Board will be generous as well as just in such cases.’ Mission Rooms, Cor. Secy New York, May 21st, 1864. CONFERENCE MANUAL. 39 « And now, my dear Brother, allow me to say to you as Treasurer, and to request you to make known to the brethren, that the Board can not consent to what seems to be a practice to some extent among you in In- dia, to your borrowing money and charging the interest on the same in your quarterly accounts, and among or- dinary expenses. No other Mission is allowed to do so. Unless it be a necessity to preserve health or life, or va- luable property, and under circumstances that do not ad- mit of delay to apply to the Board, no member must borrow money on Mission account, expecting the Board to pay the same with interest.” | New York, Océ. 21st, 1867. | Cor. Secy. “* But if a remittance should accidentally be a few days behind, please don’t borrow money at such exorbi- tant rates of interest, unless it be a nécessity rather than a convenience that the Missionaries be paid in full for the whole quarter on the day it begins.” New York, Dec. 30th, 1867. Cor. Secy. 6.—ON THE UNAUTHORIZED CONTRACTING OF DEBTS BY THE MISSION. “It is the opinion of the Committee that the Mission nor any member thereof, ought to contract debts which they expect the Missionary Society to pay, without having first obtained the consent of the Board. Such a course can not be allowed with any safety to, or certainty of, a successful administration of the affairs of the Society, and it should cease at once and for ever. The Board adopted the following Resolution, wiz : Resolved, That the Board desires and expects the Mission in In- dia to keep its expenditures within the appropriations made by the General Missionary Committee, and as made; and that hereafter no debt be made on Mission account without the Board having first given its assent.” Misston Rooms, Sd., D. TERRY, Aug, 16th, 1866, Secy. of Board, 4.0 CONFERENCE MANUAL. 7.—DRAFTS ON THE MISSION TREASURY BY WHOM TO BE DRAWN. “That there may be no uncertainty in this matter, I have consulted the Bishop, and am instructed to say, the President of your Conference will draw the drafts, as President, on the Treasurer, to the order of the Pre- siding Elders respectively.” New York, Nov. 1022, 1865, Cor. Secy. 8.—SENDING MONEY TO THE U. 8. FROM INDIA. “The rule will be hereafter: To allow any mem- ber of the Mission gotp here in New York, for gold deposited in our Missionary Treasury in India, dollar for dollar. Salary dve and wnpaid in India, may be ac- counted gold in the Treasury.” In order to carry out this rule, you will please give to the Brother who makes the deposit with you as Treasurer, a certificate in the following form: wz. iebereby \certity thai: 4h ee on ee has deposited with me, as Treasurer of the India Mission Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the sum of $ in gold, to be repaid to him or to Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 805 Broad- way, New York, upon the presentation of this certificate. Signed, TREASURER.” New York, May 10th, 1867. Cor. Secy. « We will allow you gold here in New York, for gold deposited in our Missionary Treasury in India, dollar for dollar. But in payment for goods ordered by the Missionary, and forwarded to him, we will make CONFERENCE MANUAL, 4.1 the transaction in currency here, and you will credit us in India, gold dollar for dollar there, as heretofore.” New York, Apr. 182%, 1867. Cor. Secy. 9.—LOCAL REVENUES. «These shall be solicited and collected by the prea- cher in charge of the station, aided by the Assistant Missionary or Missionaries and the Presiding Elder, as far as practicable. An exact account shall be kept in the records of the station of the revenues received, and what disposition is made of them, and a quarterly report shall be made of the same to the Presiding Elder on his quarterly visit. The revenues received and the manner of using them, if used, shall be reported to the Conference at its next ensuing Session by the Presiding Elder, and be audited by a Committee appointed by the Conference for this purpose.* In case of funds arising outside of our Mission limits, they shall be paid to the Treasurer of the Mission, as common funds to meet the regular demands on the Mission Treasury; unless the donors shall make special designation, in which case the expressed wishes of the donors shall be respected. “* NOTE.—Rents of Mission property are included in local reve- nues, aud belong to the Mission Treasurer for common purposes, un- less the Conference, as a Conference, shall have expressly and specifi- cally appropriated them, or any portion of them in advance.” New York, May 21st, 1865. Cor. Secy. *The Conference deeming it impracticable to audit all Station Accounts during its Sessions, passed the following Resolution : ** Resolved -—That each Presiding Elder, in connection with some competent person, appointed by himself, be instructed to audit the accounts of each station, at least once a year.” [Minutes of Second Session: Report on auditing P. E’s accounts. | 42 CONFERENCE MANUAL. 10.—RELATING TO MISSION PROPERTY. Renting of.—‘ Mission property may be tempo- rarily rented by the preacher in charge and the Pre- siding Elder jointly ; provided, no contract for rent- ing shall extend the time beyond the next ensuing Ses- sion of the Conference. This is to give the Confer ence the opportunity to dispose of the use of the com-. mon property as it may think best for the interests of the Mission. The rents in this case are returnable to the Treasurer as common funds: the receipts to be reported to the Conference, as a branch of local revenue, as provided in the Minute on local revenue.” Ltepairs and Supervision of.—‘* Mission property is under the immediate supervision of the preacher in charge where it is situated. If he finds occasion urgent, he should report to his Presiding Hlder for advice or aid. If repairs are neccessary to preserve the property, local contributions should be had for it if practicable ; if not, then the Treasurer of the Mission must be applied to, if the emergency be such that re- pairs cannot be postponed until Conference meets. The Conference may protect the property without waiting for the axthority of the Board, if its condition is such as does not admit of waiting.” Sale of.—‘‘ No Mission property (real estate) may be sold without the knowledge and approbation, first, of the Conference assembled, second, of the Board.” CHOICE OF MISSION RESIDENCES. «The right of choice of Mission residences shall be in the order of the list of names of Missionaries on the Minutes of the appointments; provided no Missionary be- ing in possession at the time the appointments are made, shall be required to vacate under the application of this ‘CONFERENCE MANUAL. 43 rule. Nevertheless, in case of appointment of two or more Missionaries to one station, they may distribute the dwellings among themselves, if they can cordially agree so to do.” New York, May 21st, 1865. Cor. Secy. 11—RELATING TO THE RETURN HOME OF MISSIONARIES. “At the late Annual meeting of the Bishops in New York, they took action on several points in regard to foreign Missions, and to the administration of the same : and among other things they passed the following Re- solutions, which they sent to the Secretaries, viz: Resolved, That no Missionary in a foreign field be allowed to re- turn home without the consent of the two Bishops having charge of such Mission, and at least one of their colleagues, obtained previous to such return.” New York, 138¢4 Dec., 1866. Cor, Secy. 12.—REPAIRING TO THE SANITARIUM. “The Committee* recommend the Board to ap- prove of any member of the India Mission Conference repairing to the Sanitarium on account of ill health in the interval of the Conference Sessions, when advised so to do by his physician, approved by the Presiding Elder, and that he may report the actual traveling ex- penses to and from the Sanitarium, to his Conference at its next Session, for audit and payment out of the Contingent fund of the Conference.” ADOPTED BY THE cae Cor. Secy. May 15th, 1866. “ Ina letter from Bro. Waugh the question is ask- ed: Whether under warrant of the Board to pay strict- * On India and Turkey. A4, CONFERENCE MANUAL. ly personal traveling expenses in going to the Sanitari- um on account of ill health, the wives of Missionaries are included: I answer, Yes if they repair to the Sani- tarium on account of ill health, and under medical ad- vice. We consider the wives of Missionaries as Mis- sionaries.” New York, Dec. 13¢h, 1866. Cor. Secy. 13.—SUPPORT OF WIDOWS AND CHILDREN OF NATIVE CONFERENCE MEMBERS. “The attention of the Committee * was called to the case of the widows and children of deceased Native preachers, and especially to the provision that should be made for their support. The rude for the present will be as follows, wz: The Conference may allow to the widow and children of a deceased native member of the Conference, should their necessities require it,.a sum equal to that by which the salary of the preacher while living was augmented on their account.” New York, Nov. 19¢h, 1868. Asst. Cor. Secy. XIV. HINTS ON THE FORM OF STATION ACCOUNTS. For convenience in auditing, at least éwo accounts should be kept in each Station, or separate Institution. 1. A regular Dr. and Cr. account should be kept of the funds received from the Mission Board. It may be conveniently kept,—‘‘ Missionary Society Dr.’ show- ing the items and amount expended each quarter, while the Cr. side should show the receipts from the Society’ itemized, and the whole be footed quarterly, showing balance. * General Committee. CONFERENCE MANUAL. A5 2,—There should be a regular local account of all donations, subscriptions, ‘‘ grants-in-aid,” and funds not claimed as belonging to the general treasury. This ac- count may be kept in the name of the particular station in account with the Missionary, and be carefully pre- pared for auditing (See item Local Revenues). Well kept School accounts would answer as vouchers for School items in the general local account. Norer,—In reality the Missionary is keeping an account with the Missionary Society, or in the case of local funds with his station or in- stitution. Hence by every theory of correct Book keeping, his account should stand—in the case of the Missionary Society's funds— “The Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in ac- count with A. B., Missionary.” ‘And in the case of Local Funds,— ** * * Station in account with A. B., Missionary.” XV. SUGGESTIONS TO MISSIONARIES IN CHARGE. Each Missionary in charge should keep in mind certain Reports, Statistics, and Accounts, required by the Conference at the end of each Conference year. ' A clear legible copy of these should be made out and labeled, defore starting to Conference. 1. Reports, Of general Mission work, and the Or- phanages, for the Annual Missionary Report. 2. Statistics.— (1.) Disciplinary Church statistics. (2.) School statistics, as per blank form. (3.) Colportage, ditto ditto. (4.) Subscriptions and donations with names— Grants-in-aid, and all local revenue, carefully prepared for printed Reports. On the question “What constitute the Local Funds AG CONFERENCE MANUAL. of the Mission?” the following Resolution was adopted by the Conference, February, 1566: * Resolved, That the Committee on Publication of Minutes be instructed to report in the column of mo- neys collected for Missions during the year, all moneys received from all sources, except from the M. H. Mis- sionary, Sunday School, and Tract Societies, the Amer- ican Bible Society, and India Bible and Tract So- cieties.” 3. Accounts, For audit.at Conference or otherwise. (a.) Treasurer’s Account. (.) Presiding Elders’ Accounts. (c.) Accounts of Missionaries in charge of sta- tions—general, of the Home funds—doca/, of moneys collected in India. [See item ‘‘ Local Revenues.’’] (d.) Orphanage Accounts. [Audited by Visiting Committee. | (c.) Press Accounts. [Audited by Publishing Committee. | (7) Special Accounts of buildings, ete. 4. Lstimates, For the year following the one after the close of the coming Session, should be prepared and. brought to Conference. [The Mission Board has or- dered that all estimates for buildings, be accompanied by a full representation, with plan of building or buildings. | Note (1.)—The Mission Board has requested that all estimates and accounts intended for New York, should be made in dollars and cents. Note (2.)—Each Missionary in charge should leave with his suc- cessor a written Memo: of the residents of his station, and such items of information as may be useful to him. CONFERENCE MANUAL. 47 XVI. SUNDRY USEFUL ITEMS. 1. The address of the Mission Board and New York Book Rooms, is “ No. 805, Broadway, New York.” 2. Communications intended for the General Mis- sionary Committee should not be dispatched later than the 15th of September. This is the last ‘‘ safe date, as the Committee meets from the Ist to the 15th of No- vember. An earlier mail than September 15th, is better than this date, as it involves risk.” 3. The official year of the Indian Government begins Apri 1st. 4, Application for “ Grants-in-aid,’’ should be sent at least by the Ist of October. ‘It is necessary that applications for new Grants-in-aid be registered in the Director’s office before the preparation of the Budget Estimates in October,” (Grant-in-aid Rules.) And yet grants have been allowed for buildings and for teachers on applications sent in any time before the Ist of April. » 5. For full information on all postal matters— Time tables, Money Orders, Telegraph Department, etc., get the ‘Indian Postal Guide,” procurable at all the principal post offices in India. Every Missionary should have it, (price Rs.1-8.) Messrs. Cones and Co’s. “ AJ- manac and Book of Directions,” is a cheap annual pub- lication, answering the purposes of a more expensive Directory. |