,transcriber's ,note3 ,obvious printer errors have been corrected4 ,hyphenation has been rationalised4 ,the text is divided into fifty eight ,chapters1 which are grouped into nine ,parts4 ,the ,chapters are not identified in the ,contents pages3 they mostly coincide with the topics noted there1 though not with their numbering4 ,the numbering of pages is occasionally out of sequence1 generally when a topic is discussed more than once4 ,both the ,index and the ,contents ,pages use expressions that identify the page number and section_/subsection to which they relate4 ,these expressions are explained in the ,note immediately before the ,index4 ,a number of words and phrases are bolded in the original4 ,these are identified in this text by equal signs4 ,where the original treatment is unclear a guess has been necessary4 ,passages in smaller font in ,part ,,ix 7,the ,ritual71 that describe actions to be taken by a minister or the congregation1 are identified by plus signs4 ,,the ,,doctrines ,,and ,,discipline ,,of ,,the ,,colored ,,methodist ,,episcopal ,,church ,,revised ,,edition #aiah ,,copyrighted #aiah1 ,by ,the ,,agent and ,publishers of the ,,colored ,m4 ,e4 ,,church ,episcopal ,address ,to the ,members of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church3 ,we esteem it our duty and privilege most earnestly to recommend to you1 as members of our ,church1 our form of ,discipline1 which has been founded on the experience of a long series of years4 ,we wish to see this publication in the house of every member of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church2 and the more so1 as it contains the ,articles of ,religion maintained more or less1 in part or in whole1 by every reformed ,church in the world4 ,far from wishing you to be ignorant of any of our doctrines1 or any part of our ,discipline1 we desire you to read1 mark1 learn1 and inwardly digest the whole4 ,you ought1 next to the ,word of ,god1 to procure the ,articles and ,canons of the ,church to which you belong4 ,we deem it proper1 in this place1 to give you a brief account of the organization of our ,connection3 ,from the introduction of ,methodism on this continent1 we have ever constituted a part of the great ,methodist family--first1 as members of the ,methodist ,episcopal ,church in ,america1 and also after the change took place by which we were known as the ,methodist ,episcopal ,church in the ,united ,states2 and when the division took place1 in #ahdd1 which we regard as a legal and constitutional division of the ,church1 we formed a part of that division called the ,methodist ,episcopal ,church1 ,south1 which relation we continued to sustain until the organization of our ,church took place at the ,general ,conference held at ,jackson1 ,tenn41 which began its session ,december #ae1 #ahgj4 ,the day was spent in prayer and supplication to the ,almighty that his blessings might rest upon us2 and on the following day the regular business of the session began1 ,bishop ,robert ,paine1 ,d4 ,d41 of the ,methodist ,episcopal ,church1 ,south1 in the chair4 ,the circumstances which led to our separate and distinct organization were as follows3 ,when the ,general ,conference of the ,methodist ,episcopal ,church1 ,south1 met in ,new ,orleans1 ,april1 #ahff1 the ,conference found that1 by revolution and the fortunes of war1 a change had taken place in our political and social relation1 which made it necessary that a change should also be made in our ecclesiastical relations1 and provision was made for our organization into separate congregations1 ,districts1 and ,annual ,conferences1 if we desired it2 and that when two or more ,annual ,conferences should be formed1 if it was our wish1 and met the approbation of the ,bishops of the ,methodist ,episcopal ,church1 ,south1 we should have a ,general ,conference organization like that of the ,methodist ,episcopal ,church1 ,south1 and that our preachers should receive ordination according to the regulations and requirements of the ,methodist ,episcopal ,church1 ,south1 as ,deacons and ,elders2 and should a ,general ,conference be organized1 and suitable men be elected to the office of ,bishops1 that the ,bishops of the ,methodist ,episcopal ,church1 ,south1 would ordain and set them apart as ,chief ,pastors among us4 ,at the ,general ,conference of the ,methodist ,episcopal ,church1 ,south1 at ,memphis1 ,tennessee1 ,may1 #ahgj1 it was found that five ,annual ,conferences had been formed among us1 and that an almost universal desire had been expressed on our part that we might be organized into a separate and distinct ,church1 which was acquiesced in by the ,bishops of the ,methodist ,episcopal ,church1 ,south1 and recommended to said ,conference in their address2 whereupon1 by our request1 the ,bishops of the ,methodist ,episcopal ,church1 ,south1 together with ,a4 ,l4 ,p4 ,green1 ,samuel ,watson1 ,edmund ,w4 ,sehon1 ,thomas ,whitehead1 ,r4 ,j4 ,morgan1 and ,thomas ,taylor1 were appointed by said ,conference to aid in organizing our ,general ,conference at the time and place above specified4 ,at the succeeding sessions of our ,annual ,conferences1 delegates were elected to attend our ,general ,conference1 in accordance with the ,discipline of the ,methodist ,episcopal ,church1 ,south4 ,it was further determined by the acts of the ,general ,conference of the ,methodist ,episcopal ,church1 ,south1 #ahff1 that should the time arrive when we should be formed into a separate and distinct organization1 that all property which was intended for the use and benefit of people of color1 held by the ,trustees of the ,methodist ,episcopal ,church1 ,south1 should be transferred to ,trustees appointed by us1 to be held forever for our use and benefit4 ,it will be seen from the facts in the case that our record is clear1 and that we have descended regularly from the very father of ,methodism1 and that our organization is both legal and constitutional4 ,we remain your very affectionate brethren and pastors1 who labor night and day1 both in public and in private1 for your good4 ,,lucius ,h4 ,,holsey1 ,,isaac ,,lane1 ,,robert ,s4 ,,williams1 ,,elias ,,cottrell4 ,,contents #a4 ,episcopal ,address4 ,,part ,i4 ,pages #ae-cc ,articles of ,religion #ae-bi ,general ,rules #bi-cc ,,part ,,ii4 ,pages #cg-ff ,,conferences ,i4 ,,general ,,conference ,how composed1 #cg3a2 delegates1 clerical and lay1 #cg3a-b2 voting1 #ch3c2 time and place of meeting1 #ch3d2 quorum1 #ci3h2 special session1 #ch-ci3e-f2 presiding officer1 #ci3i2 power and restrictions1 #dj-db2 unconstitutional laws1 #db4 ,,ii4 ,,annual ,,conference ,how composed1 #dc3a-b2 rights and duties of members1 #dc-dd3c-d2 number and boundaries--how determined1 #dd3e2 time and place1 #de3f-g2 presiding officer1 #de3h2 order of business1 #df-di2 character and administration of preachers1 #di-ej3a-e2 other business of1 #ea-ec3a-g2 committee of examination1 #ea-eb2 general minutes1 #ec3h2 statistics1 #ec3aj4 ,,iii4 ,,district ,,conference ,time and place of meeting1 #ed3a2 how composed1 #ee3b2 officers1 #ee3c-d2 order of business1 #ee-ef3a-d2 lay delegates1 #ef3c4 ,,iv4 ,,quarterly ,,conference ,how composed1 #eg3a2 time and place of meeting1 #eg3b2 duties and powers of1 #eh-fj3a-h2 divorce1 #ei3f2 order of business1 #fj-fc4 ,v4 ,,church ,,conference ,how composed1 #fc3a2 secretary1 #fd3b2 order of business1 #fd-ff3d-f4 ,,part ,,iii ,pages #fi-ic4 ,,the ,,ministry ,i4 ,,bishops ,how constituted1 #fi3a-b2 duties1 #fi-gd3a-ad2 retirement of1 #gd3ae2 restrictions1 #ge3af-ah2 veto of1 #db4 ,,ii4 ,,presiding ,,elders ,duties and powers of #ge-gh ,,iii4 ,,pastors ,duties of1 #gh-hb2 location of preachers1 #aja3c2 supernumerary1 #hi2 superannuated1 #ij4 ,,iv4 ,,the ,,minister ,,and ,,the ,,annual ,,conference ,reception on trial1 #hb-hc2 admitting into full membership1 #hc-hf2 ministers from other churches1 #ia-ic4 ,v4 ,,deacons ,how constituted1 #hf3a2 qualification1 #hf3b2 duties of1 #hg3a-c2 local preachers as1 #ii3b2 ordination of1 #cag-cbd4 ,,vi4 ,,elders ,how constituted1 #hg3a2 qualification1 #hh3a2 probation1 #hh3b2 duties of1 #hi3a-b2 local preachers as1 #ii-ajj3c2 ordination of1 #cbd-cci4 ,,part ,,iv4 ,pages #ig-aaa ,,local ,,preachers1 ,,exhorters ,,and ,,officers ,,of ,,the ,,church ,i4 ,,the ,,call ,,to ,,preach #ig-ih ,,ii4 ,,local ,,preachers ,,exhorters ,how made1 #ih3a2 qualification1 #ih-ii3b2 deacon1 #ii3b2 ,elder1 #ii-ajj3c2 duties of1 #ajj-aja3a2 certificate of removal1 #ajb3d4 ,,iii4 ,,exhorters ,how made1 #ajb3a duties of1 #ajc3b2 further directions1 #ajc3a-c4 ,,iv4 ,,class ,,leaders ,how made1 #ajd3a-b2 duties1 #ajc-ajd3c4 ,v4 ,,stewards ,how made1 #aje3a2 qualification1 #ajf3b2 duties of1 #ajf-ajg3b-c2 number #ajh3d2 junior stewards1 #ajh3e2 recording stewards1 #aji3f4 ,,vi4 ,,stewardesses ,number and mode of election1 #aji3g2 duties of1 #aji3g3c2 junior1 #aji3g3b4 ,,vii4 ,,trustees ,how made1 #aaj3a2 regulations concerning1 #aaj3b2 number1 #aaa3c2 amenability1 #aaa3d4 ,,part ,v4 ,,church ,,membership1 ,,order ,,of ,,worship2 ,,means ,,of ,,grace1 ,,etc4 ,i4 ,,how ,,to ,,receive ,,members #aae ,,ii4 ,,order ,,of ,,public ,,worship #aaf-aag3a ,special directions1 #aag-aah3b-f2 prayer meeting1 #aah4 ,,iii4 ,,class ,,meetings #aai-abj ,division of membership1 #aai3a2 meetings1 #aai3b2 general class1 #abj3c4 ,,iv4 ,,love ,,feasts ,when1 and by whom held1 #abj3a2 order of service1 #abj3b2 strangers1 #aba4 ,v4 ,,children ,dedication1 #aba3a2 pastoral instruction1 #aba3b2 members of church1 #abb3c2 catechism and doctrine1 #abb3d4 ,,vi4 ,,sunday ,,school ,how formed1 #abc2 board of managers1 #abd3b2 superintendent of1 #abd3e2 department of1 #bbc-bbh4 ,,part ,,vi4 ,,judicial ,,administration1 ,pages #abi-aei ,i4 ,,trial ,,of ,a ,,bishop ,investigation1 #abi2 #acb3d2 suspension1 #acj2 ,court of ,appeals1 #aca-acb3c2 accusation raised at ,general ,conference1 #acc3d2 trial1 #acc4 ,,ii4 ,,trial ,,of ,a ,,traveling ,,preacher4 ,amenability1 #ada3a2 investigation1 #ada-adb2 trial1 #acg2 improper tempers1 words1 or actions1 #acg-ach3c2 erroneous doctrines1 #ach3d2 inefficiency1 #ach3e2 refusing to attend work1 #aci3f4 ,,iii4 ,,trial ,,of ,a ,,preacher ,,on ,,trial #adj3a4 ,,iv4 ,,trial ,,of ,a ,,local ,,preacher ,amenability1 #ada3a2 investigation1 #ada-adb3a-c2 trial1 #adb3d2 improper tempers1 words1 or actions1 #adb-adc3c2 erroneous doctrine1 #adc3d2 inefficiency1 #adc3e4 ,v4 ,,trial ,,of ,a ,,member ,investigation1 #ade3;a2 trial1 #ade3 b1 c1 d1 e2 neglect of duty1 sinful tempers1 dancing1 etc41 #adg3b2 sowing dissension1 #adg3c2 arbitration1 #adh-adi4 ,,vi4 ,,ministerial ,,court ,,of ,,appeals ,how composed1 #aej3a-d2 the right of appeal1 #aea3e2 challenge1 #aea3g2 further procedure1 #aeb3i4 ,,vii4 ,,appeal ,,to ,,the ,,general ,,conference ,appeal carried up1 #aec3b2 trial1 #aec-aed3b-c-d4 ,,viii4 ,,appeal ,,of ,a ,,local ,,preacher ,committee1 #aee3ab2 the evidence1 #aee3c2 procedure1 #aef3d4 ,,ix4 ,,appeal ,,of ,a ,,member4 ,the evidence1 #aef-aeg3b2 procedure #aeg3d4 ,x4 ,,restoration ,,of ,,credentials ,traveling ,elders and ,deacons1 #aeh3a-b2 local elders and deacons1 #aei4 ,,part ,,vii4 ,pages #afc-agd ,,support ,,of ,,the ,,ministry1 ,,building ,,churches ,,and ,,parsonages1 ,,securing ,,and ,,transferring ,,church ,,property ,i4 ,,support ,,of ,,the ,,ministry ,support of pastors1 #afc3a2 of superannuated preachers1 #bca3;,,iv3#a-c2 support of presiding elders1 #afc3b2 #ahe3;d2 support of ,bishops1 #afd3c2 #agi3;,,iv3#a2 retired ,bishops1 #afd3c2 #agi3,v-#b2 widows of ,bishops1 #afe3f2 #agi3;,,iv3#c4 ,,ii4 ,,support ,,of ,,general ,,officers ,book ,agent and ,editor of ,christian ,index1 #aia3,v3#b2 secretaries of2 ,missions1 #aig3e2 ,church ,extension1 #bje3;,,iv3#g2 ,education1 #bai3h2 ,epworth ,league1 #bac3;,,iv3#d2 ,ministerial ,aid1 #bcj1 ,,ii3#f2 ,sunday ,school1 #bbe3d2 not otherwise provided for1 #afe3d4 ,,iii4 ,,church ,,property ,charitable institutions1 #aff3a2 building churches1 #aff-afh3;,,ii2 building parsonages1 #afi3;,,iii4 ,,iv4 ,,buying ,,and ,,selling ,,church ,,property ,securing churches and lots1 #agj-aga3a2 securing parsonages and lots1 #aga-agb3b2 sale of church property1 authority of1 #agb3;,,ii3#b2 relief of trustees1 #agc3c4 ,,part ,,viii4 ,pages #agg-beh4 ,,boards ,,and ,,departments ,i4 ,,financial ,,plan ,general ,assessment1 #agg3a3a2 ,board of ,equalization1 #agg3;,,ii3#a-b2 ,book ,agent1 #agh-ahb3;,,iii3,v3,,vii4 ,,ii4 ,,joint ,,board ,,of ,,finance ,how constituted1 #ahd3b2 duties of1 #ahe-ahf3c3;a-g2 right of ,annual ,conference1 #ahf3e4 ,,iii4 ,publishing ,department #ahg-aic ,,iv4 ,gen4 ,missionary ,department #aic-aii ,v4 ,woman's ,h4 ,miss4 ,society #aii-bja ,,vi4 ,woman's ,gen4 ,miss4 ,board #cge-cgf ,,vii4 ,church ,extension ,board #bja-bji ,,viii4 ,epworth ,league ,board #bji-bad ,,ix4 ,board of ,education #bad-bbc ,x4 ,sunday ,school ,board #bbc-bbh ,,xi4 ,superannuated ,preachers1 ,widows and ,orphans ,board #bbh-bcc ,,xii4 ,,miscellaneous ,children's ,day1 #bcc-bcd2 ,general ,missionary ,day1 #bcd2 ,official ,meeting1 #bce2 ,the ,western ,index1 #bcf2 the ,eastern ,index1 #bcg4 ,,xiii4 ,schools and ,colleges #bcg-bde ,,xiv4 ,founder's ,day #bde-bdf ,,xv4 ,names and ,boundaries of conferences #bdg-beh ,,part ,,ix4 ,pages #bfa-cec ,,the ,,ritual ,i4 ,the ,lord's ,supper #bfa-bgc ,,ii4 ,baptism of ,infants #bgc-bgh ,,iii4 ,baptism of ,adults #bgh-bhe ,,iv4 ,reception of ,members #bhe-bij ,v4 ,matrimony #bij-bie ,,vi4 ,burial of the ,dead #bie-cjd ,,vii4 ,,corner ,,stone and ,,dedication ,form for laying ,corner ,stone of ,church1 #cje-caj2 form for dedication of church1 #caa-cag4 ,,viii4 ,,ordination ,form of ordaining deacons1 #cag2 #cbd2 of elders1 #cbd-cci2 of consecrating ,bishops1 #cci-cec4 ,,appendix ,,part ,x4 ,pages #cee-cgg ,i4 ,addresses of ,bishops and ,general ,officers #cee-cef ,,ii4 ,commissions and ,boards #ceg-cei ,,iii4 ,,course ,,of ,,study ,,for ,,preachers4 ,local preachers1 #cfa-cfb2 traveling preachers1 #cfb-cfd4 ,,iv4 ,rules for ,organization and ,conduct of ,general ,conference #cfe-cgd ,v4 ,woman's ,general ,missionary ,society #cge-cgg ,,part ,i ,,the ,,constitution ,,chapter ,i4 ,,articles ,,of ,,religion ,i4 ,,of ,,faith ,,in ,,the ,,holy ,,trinity4 ,there is but one living and true ,god1 everlasting1 without body or parts2 of infinite power1 wisdom1 and goodness2 the maker and preserver of all things1 both visible and invisible4 ,and in unity of this ,godhead1 there are three persons of one substance1 power1 and eternity--the ,father1 the ,son1 and the ,holy ,ghost4 ,,ii4 ,,of ,,the ,,word1 ,,or ,,son ,,of ,,god ,,who ,,was ,,made ,,very ,,man4 ,the ,son1 who is the ,word of the ,father1 the very and eternal ,god1 of one substance with the ,father1 took man's nature in the womb of the blessed ,virgin2 so that two whole and perfect natures--that is to say1 the ,godhead and manhood--were joined together in one person1 never to be divided1 whereof is one ,christ1 very ,god and very man1 who truly suffered1 was crucified1 dead and buried1 to reconcile his ,father to us1 and to be a sacrifice1 not only for original guilt1 but also for actual sins of men4 ,,iii4 ,,of ,,the ,,resurrection ,,of ,,christ ,christ did truly rise again from the dead1 and took again his body1 with all things appertaining to the perfection of man's nature1 wherewith he ascended into heaven1 and there sitteth until he return to judge all men at the last day4 ,,iv4 ,,of ,,the ,,holy ,,ghost4 ,the ,holy ,ghost1 proceeding from the ,father and the ,son1 is of one substance1 majesty1 and glory1 with the ,father and the ,son1 very and eternal ,god4 ,v4 ,,the ,,sufficiency ,,of ,,the ,,holy ,,scriptures ,,for ,,salvation ,the ,holy ,scriptures contain all things necessary to salvation2 so that whatsoever is not read therein1 nor may be proved thereby1 is not to be required of any man1 that it should be believed as an article of faith1 or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation4 ,in the name of the ,holy ,scripture1 we do understand those canonical books of the ,old and ,new ,testament1 of whose authority was never any doubt in the ,church4 ,,the ,,names ,,of ,,the ,,canonical ,,books ,genesis1 ,exodus1 ,leviticus1 ,numbers1 ,deuteronomy1 ,joshua1 ,judges1 ,ruth1 ,the ,first ,book of ,samuel1 ,the ,second ,book of ,samuel1 ,the ,first ,book of ,kings1 ,the ,second ,book of ,kings1 ,the ,first ,book of ,chronicles1 ,the ,second ,book of ,chronicles1 ,the ,book of ,ezra1 ,the ,book of ,nehemiah1 ,the ,book of ,esther1 ,the ,book of ,job1 ,the ,psalms1 ,the ,proverbs1 ,ecclesiastes1 or the ,preacher1 ,cantica1 or ,songs of ,solomon1 ,four ,prophets the greater1 ,twelve ,prophets the less4 ,all the books of the ,new ,testament1 as they are commonly received1 we do receive and account canonical4 ,,vi4 ,,of ,,the ,,old ,,testament ,the ,old ,testament is not contrary to the ,new2 for both in the ,old and ,new ,testament everlasting life is offered to mankind by ,christ1 who is the only ,mediator between ,god and man1 being ,god and man4 ,wherefore1 they are not to be heard who feign that the old fathers did look only for transitory promises4 ,although the law given from ,god by ,moses1 as touching ceremonies and rites1 doth not bind ,christians1 nor ought the civil precepts thereof of necessity to be received in any ,commonwealth1 yet1 notwithstanding1 no ,christian whatsoever is free from the obedience of the commandments which are called moral4 ,,vii4 ,,of ,,original ,,or ,,birth-,,sin ,original ,sin standeth not in the following of ,adam1 7as the ,pelagians do vainly talk17 but it is the corruption of the nature of every man1 that naturally is engendered of the offspring of ,adam1 whereby man is very far gone from original righteousness1 and of his own nature inclined to evil1 and that continually4 ,,viii4 ,,of ,,free-,,will ,the condition of man after the fall of ,adam is such that he can not turn and prepare himself1 by his own natural strength and works1 to faith and calling upon ,god2 wherefore we have no power to do good works1 pleasant and acceptable to ,god1 without the grace of ,god by ,christ preventing us1 that we may have a good will1 and working with us1 when we have that good will4 ,,ix4 ,,of ,,the ,,justification ,,of ,,man ,we are accounted righteous before ,god1 only for the merit of our ,lord and ,savior ,jesus ,christ1 by faith1 and not for our own works or deservings2 wherefore1 that we are justified by faith only1 is a most wholesome doctrine1 and very full of comfort4 ,x4 ,,of ,,good ,,works ,although good works1 which are the fruits of faith and follow after justification1 cannot put away our sins1 and endure the severity of ,god's judgment2 yet are they pleasing and acceptable to ,god in ,christ1 and spring out of a true and lively faith1 insomuch that by them a lively faith may be as evidently known as a tree discerned by its fruit4 ,,xi4 ,,of ,,works ,,of ,,supererogation ,voluntary works1 besides over and above ,god's commandments1 which are called works of supererogation1 cannot be taught without arrogancy and impiety4 ,for by them men do declare that they do not only render unto ,god as much as they are bound to do1 but that they do more for his sake than of bounded duty is required2 whereas ,christ saith plainly1 ,when ye have done all that is commanded you1 say1 ,we are unprofitable servants4 ,,xii4 ,,of ,,sin ,,after ,,justification ,not every sin willingly committed after justification1 is the sin against the ,holy ,ghost1 and unpardonable4 ,wherefore1 the grant of repentance is not to be denied to such as fall into sin after justification4 ,after we have received the ,holy ,ghost1 we may depart from grace given1 and fall into sin1 and1 by the grace of ,god1 rise again and amend our lives4 ,and1 therefore1 they are to be condemned who say they can no more sin as long as they live here1 or deny the place of forgiveness to such as truly repent4 ,,xiii4 ,,of ,,the ,,church ,the visible ,church of ,christ is a congregation of faithful men1 in which the pure word of ,god is preached1 and the sacraments duly administered1 according to ,christ's ordinance1 in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same4 ,,xiv4 ,,of ,,purgatory ,the ,romanish doctrine concerning purgatory1 pardons1 worshiping1 and adoration1 as well of images as of relics1 and also invocation of saints1 is a fond thing1 vainly invented1 and grounded upon no warrant of ,scripture1 but repugnant to the word of ,god4 ,,xv4 ,,of ,,speaking ,,in ,,the ,,congregation ,,in ,,such ,a ,,tongue ,,as ,,the ,,people ,,understand ,it is a thing plainly repugnant to the word of ,god and the custom of the ,primitive ,church1 to have public prayer in the ,church or to minister the sacraments in a tongue not understood by the people4 ,,xvi4 ,,of ,,the ,,sacraments ,sacraments1 ordained of ,christ1 are not only badges or tokens of ,christian men's profession1 but rather they are certain signs of grace1 and ,god's good will toward us1 by the which he doth work invisibly in us1 and doth not only quicken1 but also strengthen and confirm our faith in him4 ,there are two sacraments ordained of ,christ our ,lord in the ,gospel2 that is to say1 ,baptism and the ,supper of the ,lord4 ,those five commonly called sacraments--that is to say1 ,confirmation1 ,penance1 ,orders1 ,matrimony1 and ,extreme ,unction--are not to be counted for sacraments of the ,gospel1 being such as have partly grown out of the corrupt following of the apostles1 and partly are states of life allowed in the ,scriptures1 but yet have not the like nature of ,baptism and the ,lord's ,supper1 because they have not any visible sign or ceremony ordained of ,god4 ,the sacraments were not ordained of ,christ to be gazed upon1 or to be carried about2 but that we should duly use them4 ,and in such only as worthily receive the same1 they have a wholesome effect or operation2 but they that receive them unworthily purchase to themselves condemnation1 as ,st4 ,paul saith1 #a ,cor4 xi4 #bi4 ,,xvii4 ,,of ,,baptism ,baptism is not only a sign of profession and mark of difference whereby ,christians are distinguished from others that are not baptized2 but it is also a sign of regeneration1 or the new birth4 ,the baptism of young children is to be retained in the ,church4 ,,xviii4 ,,of ,,the ,,lord',s ,,supper ,the ,supper of the ,lord is not only a sign of the love that ,christians ought to have among themselves one to another1 but rather is a sacrament of our redemption by ,christ's death2 insomuch that1 to such as rightly1 worthily1 and with faith receive the same1 the bread which we break is a partaking of the body of ,christ2 and likewise the cup of blessing is a partaking of the blood of ,christ4 ,transubstantiation1 or the change of the substance of bread and wine in the ,supper of the ,lord1 cannot be proved by ,holy ,writ1 but is repugnant to the plain words of ,scripture1 overthroweth the nature of a sacrament1 and hath given occasion to many superstitions4 ,the body of ,christ is given1 taken1 and eaten in the ,supper1 only after a heavenly and spiritual manner4 ,and the means whereby the body of ,christ is received and eaten in the ,supper1 is faith4 ,the sacrament of the ,lord's ,supper was not by ,christ's ordinance reserved1 carried about1 lifted up1 or worshiped4 ,,xix4 ,,of ,,both ,,kinds ,the cup of the ,lord is not to be denied to the lay people2 for both the parts of the ,lord's ,supper1 by ,christ's ordinance and commandment1 ought to be administered to all ,christians alike4 ,,xx4 ,,of ,,the ,,one ,,oblation ,,of ,,christ1 ,,finished ,,upon ,,the ,,cross ,the offering of ,christ once made1 is that perfect redemption1 propitiation1 and satisfaction for all the sins of the whole world1 both original and actual2 and there is none other satisfaction for sin but that alone4 ,wherefore the sacrifice of masses1 in the which it is commonly said that the priest doth offer ,christ for the quick and the dead1 to have remission of pain or guilt1 is a blasphemous fable and dangerous deceit4 ,,xxi4 ,,of ,,the ,,marriage ,,of ,,ministers ,the ministers of ,christ are not commanded by ,god's law either to vow the estate of single life or to abstain from marriage2 therefore it is lawful to marry at their own discretion1 as for them1 as for all other ,christians1 they shall judge the same to serve best to ,godliness4 ,,xxii4 ,,of ,,the ,,rites ,,and ,,ceremonies ,,of ,,churches ,it is not necessary that rites and ceremonies should in all places be the same1 or exactly alike2 for they have been always different1 and may be changed according to the diversity of countries1 times1 and men's manners1 so that nothing be ordained against ,god's word4 ,whosoever1 through his private judgment1 willingly and purposely1 doth openly break the rites and ceremonies of the ,church to which he belongs1 which are not repugnant to the word of ,god1 and are ordained and approved by common authority1 ought to be rebuked openly1 that others may fear to do the like1 as one that offendeth against the common order of the ,church1 and woundeth the consciences of weak brethren4 ,every particular ,church may ordain1 change1 or abolish rights and ceremonies1 so that all things may be done to edification4 ,,xxiii4 ,,of ,,the ,,rulers ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,,of ,,america ,the president1 the congress1 the general assemblies1 the governors1 and the councils of state1 as the delegates of the people are the rulers of the ,united ,states of ,america1 according to the division of power made to them by the constitution of the ,united ,states1 and by the constitution of their respective ,states4 ,and the said ,states are a sovereign and independent nation1 and ought not to be subject to any foreign jurisdiction4#a ,,xxiv4 ,,of ,,christian ,,men',s ,,goods ,the riches and goods of ,christians are not common1 as touching the right1 title1 and possession of the same1 as some do falsely boast4 ,notwithstanding1 every man ought1 of such things as he possesseth1 liberally to give alms to the poor according to his ability4 ,,xxv4 ,,of ,a ,,christian ,,man',s ,,oath ,as we confess that vain and rash by our ,lord ,jesus ,christ and ,james1 his apostle1 so we judge that the ,christian religion doth not prohibit1 but that a man may swear when the magistrate requireth1 in a cause of faith swearing is forbidden ,christian men and charity1 so it be done according to the prophet's teaching1 in justice judgment1 and truth4 ,footnote #a3 ,as far as it respects civil affairs1 we believe it the duty of ,christians and especially all ,christian ministers1 to be subject to the supreme authority of the country where they reside1 and to use all laudable means to enjoin obedience to the powers that be2 and1 therefore1 it is expected that all our preachers and people1 who may be under any foreign government1 will behave themselves as peaceable and orderly subjects4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,the ,,general ,,rules ,the ,general ,rules of ,the ,united ,societies organized by ,mr4 ,wesley in #agci1 are as follows3 ,there is only one condition previously required of those who desire admission into these societies1 a desire to flee from the wrath to come1 and to be saved from their sins4 ,but wherever this is really fixed in the soul1 it will be shown by its fruits4 ,it is therefore expected of all who continue therein that they shall evidence their desire of salvation-- ,first1 by doing no harm1 by avoiding evil of every kind1 especially that which is most generally practiced2 such as3 ,the taking of the name of ,god in vain2 ,the profaning the day of the ,lord1 either by doing ordinary work therein1 or by buying or selling2 ,drunkenness1 or drinking spirituous liquors unless in cases of necessity2 ,fighting1 quarreling1 brawling1 brother going to law with brother1 returning evil for evil1 or railing for railing2 the using many words in buying or selling4 ,the buying or selling goods that have not paid the duty2 ,the giving or taking things on usury1 i4e41 unlawful interest2 ,uncharitable or unprofitable conversation1 particularly1 speaking evil of magistrates or of ministers2 ,doing to others as we would not they should do unto us2 ,doing what we know is not for the glory of ,god3 as1 ,the putting on of gold and costly apparel2 ,the taking such diversions as can not be used in the name of the ,lord ,jesus2 ,the singing those songs1 or reading those books1 which do not tend to the knowledge or love of ,god2 ,softness or needless self-indulgence2 ,laying up treasure upon earth2 ,borrowing without a probability of paying1 or taking up goods without a probability of paying for them4 ,it is expected of all who continue in these societies1 that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation-- ,secondly1 by doing good1 by being in every kind merciful after their power1 as they have opportunity1 doing good of every possible sort1 and as far as possible1 to all men2 ,to their bodies1 of the ability which ,god giveth1 by giving food to the hungry1 by clothing the naked1 by visiting or helping them that are sick or in prison2 ,to their souls1 by instructing1 reproving1 or exhorting all we have any intercourse with1 trampling under foot that enthusiastic doctrine that we are not to do good unless our hearts be free to do it4 ,by doing good1 especially to them that are of the household of faith1 or groaning so to be1 employing them preferably to others1 buying one of another1 helping each other in business2 and so much the more because the world will love its own1 and them only4 ,by all possible diligence and frugality1 that the gospel be not blamed4 ,by running with patience the race which is set before them1 denying themselves1 and taking up their cross daily2 submitting to bear the reproach of ,christ1 to be as the filth and off-scouring of the world2 and looking that men should say all manner of evil of them falsely for the ,lord's sake4 ,it is expected of all who desire to continue in these societies that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation-- ,thirdly1 by attending upon all the ordinances of ,god1 such as2 ,the public worship of ,god2 ,the ministry of the word1 either read or expounded2 ,the ,supper of the ,lord2 ,family and private prayer2 ,searching the ,scriptures1 and ,fasting or abstinence4 ,these are the ,general ,rules of our societies2 all of which we are taught of ,god to observe1 even in his written word1 which is the only rule1 and the sufficient rule1 both of our faith and practice4 ,and all these we know his ,spirit writes on truly awakened hearts4 ,if there be any among us who observe them not1 who habitually break any of them1 let it be known unto them who watch over that soul1 as they who must give an account4 ,we will admonish him of the error of his ways2 we will bear with him for a season2 but if then he repent not1 he hath no more place among us2 we have delivered our own souls4 ,,part ,,ii4 ,,the ,,conferences ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,general ,,conference ,ques4 #a4 ,who shall compose the ,general ,conference1 and what are the regulations and powers belonging to it8 ,ans4 #a4 ,the ,general ,conference shall be composed of one clerical member for every twenty-eight members of each ,annual ,conference1 and one lay member 7who may be a local preacher7 for each ,annual ,conference1 to be appointed as follows3 ,the clerical representatives shall be elected by the clerical members of the ,annual ,conference3 provided that such representatives shall have traveled at least four calendar years from the time they were received on trial1 and are in full connection at the time of holding the ,conference4 ,the lay representatives shall be elected by the lay members of the ,annual ,conference3 provided that such representatives be twenty-five years of age1 and shall have been members of the ,church for at least six years at the time of holding the ,conference4 #b4 ,an ,annual ,conference1 entitled under the second ,restrictive ,rule to two ministerial delegates1 shall not be denied the privilege of two lay delegates also4 #c4 ,the ministers and laymen shall deliberate in one body2 but upon a call of one-fifth of the members of the ,conference1 the lay and clerical members shall vote separately1 and no measure shall be passed without the concurrence of a majority of both classes of representatives4 #d4 ,the ,general ,conference shall meet in the month of ,may1 once in four years perpetually1 in such place or places as shall be fixed on by the ,general ,conference from time to time4 #e4 ,the ,bishops1 or a majority of all the ,annual ,conferences shall have authority to call a ,general ,conference1 if they judge it necessary1 at any time4 #f4 ,when a ,general ,conference is called1 it shall be constituted of the delegates elected to the preceding ,general ,conference1 except when an ,annual ,conference shall prefer to have a new election4 ,the place of holding a called session of the ,general ,conference shall be that fixed by the preceding ,general ,conference4 #g4 ,the ,bishops shall have authority1 when they judge it necessary1 to change the place appointed for the meeting of the ,general ,conference4 #h4 ,at all times when the ,general ,conference is met1 it shall take a majority of the representatives of all the ,annual ,conferences to make a quorum for transacting business4 #i4 ,one of the general superintendents shall preside in the ,general ,conference2 but in case no general superintendent be present1 the ,general ,conference shall choose a president pro tem4 #aj4 ,the ,general ,conference shall have full powers to make rules and regulations for our ,church under the following limitations and restrictions1 viz3 7#a7 ,the ,general ,conference shall not revoke1 alter1 or change our ,articles of ,religion1 or establish any new standards or rule of doctrine contrary to our present existing and established standards of doctrine4 7#b7 ,they shall not allow of more than one representative for every fourteen members of the ,annual ,conference1 nor allow of a less number than one for every thirty2 provided1 nevertheless1 that when there shall be in any ,annual ,conference a fraction of two-thirds the number which shall be fixed for the ratio of representation1 such ,annual ,conference shall be entitled to an additional delegate for such fraction2 and provided1 also1 that no ,conference shall be denied the privilege of two delegates4 7#c7 ,they shall not change or alter any part or rule of our government1 so as to do away with episcopacy1 or destroy the plan of our itinerant general superintendency4 7#d7 ,they shall not revoke or change the ,general ,rules of the ,united ,societies4 7#e7 ,they shall not do away with the privilege of our ministers or preachers of trial by a committee and of an appeal2 neither shall they do away with the privileges of our members of trial before the ,church or by a committee1 and of an appeal4 ,provided1 nevertheless1 that upon the concurrent recommendation of three-fourths of all the members of the several ,annual ,conferences1 who shall be present and vote on such recommendation1 then a majority of two-thirds of the ,general ,conference succeeding shall suffice to alter any of the above restrictions1 excepting the first article2 and also1 whenever such alterations shall have been first recommended by two-thirds of the ,general ,conference1 so soon as three-fourths of the members of all the ,annual ,conferences shall have concurred as aforesaid1 such alteration or alterations shall take effect4 ,provided1 that when any rule or regulation is adopted by the ,general ,conference1 which1 in the opinion of the ,bishops1 is unconstitutional1 the ,bishops may present to the ,conference which passed said rule or regulation1 their objections thereto1 with their reasons1 in writing2 and if then the ,general ,conference shall1 by a two-thirds vote1 adhere to its action on said rule or regulation1 it shall then take the course prescribed for altering a restrictive rule1 and thus passed upon affirmatively1 the ,bishops shall announce that such rule or regulation takes effect from that time4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,annual ,,conferences4 ,ques4 #a4 ,who shall compose an ,annual ,conference1 and what are the regulations and powers belonging to it8 ,ans4 #a4 ,all the traveling preachers in full connection with it1 and four lay representatives--one of whom may be a local preacher--from each ,presiding ,elder's ,district4 #b4 ,the lay members shall be chosen annually by the ,district ,conferences2 provided that no one shall be a representative who is not twenty-five years of age1 and who has not been for six years1 next preceding his election1 a member of the ,church4 #c4 ,the lay members shall participate in all the business of the ,conference1 except such as involves ministerial character4 #d4 ,it shall be the duty of all the members of the ,conference to attend its sessions1 unless providentially hindered4 ,all the preachers on trial1 and those to be admitted on trial1 shall also attend the sessions1 but they shall not vote on any question1 nor speak unless by consent of the ,conference4 ,ques4 #b4 ,who shall determine the number and boundaries of the ,annual ,conferences8 ,ans4 ,the ,general ,conference4 ,provided1 however1 that the ,annual ,conference or ,conferences shall have the right to create other conferences in the interval of the ,general ,conferences4 ,the ,conference or ,conferences desiring to create a new ,conference shall appoint a ,commission for the purpose of arranging the boundary line of such ,conference and giving it a suitable name4 ,the ,commission shall submit its report to the ensuing ,conference or ,conferences for ratification or rejection4 ,in all cases the report of the ,commission to become effective must be adopted by the ,conference or ,conferences which appointed the ,commission4 ,ques4 #c4 ,who shall appoint the times of holding the ,annual ,conferences8 ,ans4 ,the ,bishops2 but they shall allow every ,annual ,conference to sit a week at least4 ,ques4 #d4 ,who shall appoint the places of holding the ,annual ,conferences8 ,ans4 ,each ,annual ,conference shall appoint the place of its own sitting2 but should it become necessary from any unforeseen cause to change the place after it has been fixed by the ,conference1 a majority of the ,presiding ,elders1 with the consent of the ,bishop who is to preside1 shall have power to make such change4 ,ques4 #e4 ,who shall preside in the ,annual ,conferences8 ,ans4 ,the ,bishops4 ,in the absence of a ,bishop1 the ,conference shall elect the president by ballot1 without debate1 from among the traveling elders4 ,the president thus elected shall discharge all the duties of a ,bishop except ordination4 ,ques4 #f4 ,what is the method of proceeding in an ,annual ,conference8 ,ans4 ,the following questions shall be asked3 #a4 ,are all the preachers blameless in their life and official administration8 #b4 ,who are admitted on trial8 #c4 ,who remain on trial8 #d4 ,who are discontinued8 #e4 ,who are admitted into full connection8 #f4 ,who are re-admitted8 #g4 ,who are received by transfer from other ,conferences8 #h4 ,who are the deacons of one year8 #i4 ,what traveling preachers are elected deacons8 #aj4 ,what traveling preachers are ordained deacons8 #aa4 ,what local preachers are elected deacons8 #ab4 ,what local preachers are ordained deacons8 #ac4 ,what traveling preachers are elected elders8 #ad4 ,what traveling preachers are ordained elders8 #ae4 ,what local preachers are elected elders8 #af4 ,what local preachers are ordained elders8 #ag4 ,who are located this year8 #ah4 ,who are supernumerary8 #ai4 ,who are superannuated this year8#b #bj4 ,what preachers have died during the year8 #ba4 ,what is the number of traveling preachers in this ,conference8 #bb4 ,what is the number of local preachers in this ,conference8 #bc4 ,what is the number of lay members in this ,conference8 #bd4 ,how many infants have been baptized during the year8 #be4 ,how many adults have been baptized during the year8 #bf4 ,what is the number of ,sunday-schools8 #bg4 ,what is the number of ,sunday-school teachers8 #bh4 ,what is the number of ,sunday-school scholars8 #bi4 ,what is the number of ,epworth ,league ,chapters8 #cj4 ,what is the number of ,epworth ,league members8 #ca4 ,what amount has been raised for superannuated preachers1 widows1 and orphans of preachers8 7a7 from ,general ,funds8 7b7 from five cents assessment8 7c7 from per capita collection at the ,annual ,conference8 #cb4 ,what amount has been received by claimants in this ,conference8#c #cc4 ,what was contributed for missions on ,general ,missionary ,day8 #cd4 ,what amount was contributed for education on ,children's ,day8 #ce4 ,what amount has been contributed for ,church ,extension8 #cf4 ,what amount was apportioned in this ,conference for ,general ,funds8 #cg4 ,what amount has been raised on ,general ,funds this year8 #ch4 ,what amount was apportioned in this ,conference for ,annual ,conference ,contingent ,fund8 #ci4 ,what has been raised on ,annual ,conference ,contingent ,fund8 #dj4 ,where shall the next session of the conference be held8 #da4 ,where are the preachers stationed this year8 ,ques4 #g4 ,what method is recommended in the examination of the life and official administration of the preachers8 ,ans4 #a4 ,let none be present except members of the ,conference1 and others who may be in attendance on ,conference business1 unless the ,conference by vote shall order otherwise4 #b4 ,let the name of every preacher be called1 and let his ,presiding ,elder1 or some other member of the ,conference1 state whether or not there be any complaint against him4 ,if there be none1 he may retire1 and the ,conference may make further inquiry concerning him1 and pass his character without vote4 #c4 ,if there be a complaint1 and the preacher has been advised of it1 let it be stated to the ,conference1 and let the accused have the privilege of replying4 ,he shall then retire1 and the ,conference shall determine by vote whether or not his character shall pass4 #d4 ,if a trial be necessary1 it shall be conducted according to the provisions of ,chapter ,,xxiv4 #e4 ,the names of any who may be expelled or suspended1 or who may have withdrawn from the ,church1 shall be stated in the minutes4 ,ques4 #h4 ,what other business shall be done in the ,annual ,conference8 ,ans4 #a4 ,let every ,annual ,conference inquire into the state and character of all the institutions of learning that may be under its care1 and the best means of promoting their interests1 and1 if necessary1 of increasing their number4 ,provided1 no member of the ,c4 ,m4 ,e4 ,church1 bishop1 presiding elder1 or preacher shall establish a school in the name of the ,c4 ,m4 ,e4 ,church without first getting the consent of the ,quarterly or ,annual ,conference within whose bounds said school may be located4 #b4 ,let every ,annual ,conference take account of all the church buildings1 parsonages1 and other church property within its bounds1 and see that same be legally secured to the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church1 according to the provisions of the ,discipline4 #c4 ,in each ,annual ,conference1 the bishop presiding shall appoint a committee of examination on the course of study provided for candidates for the ministry4 ,the committee of examination shall consist of not less than three 7#c7 nor more than eleven 7#aa7 of the most competent members of the conference4 ,the committee shall serve four years1 provided they are appointed at the first session of the conference following the ,general ,conference4 ,the ,bishop may appoint one or more of the committee as often as he thinks the interests of the work require it4 #d4 ,the committee of examination shall assemble one day in advance of the ,conference1 and at the same place1 to hold examination for all candidates4 ,as far as practicable1 all examinations shall be conducted in writing and at least ten 7#aj7 questions shall be proposed in each branch of study4 #e4 ,all applicants for admission on trial1 into full connection and for ordination1 and all local preachers seeking ordination as deacons or elders1 must be examined in the course of study provided by the bishops and approved by the ,general ,conference4 ,all applicants must meet the committee one day before the opening of the ,annual ,conference4 #f4 ,the standard of examination shall be one hundred 7#ajj71 but in no case shall an applicant be promoted or ordained who falls below seventy 7#gj7 in examination1 provided1 nevertheless the provisions for ordaining ,missionaries be not changed4 #g4 ,let every ,annual ,conference have a record of its proceedings1 kept by a secretary chosen for that purpose2 said record shall be signed by the ,president and the ,secretary1 and a copy of the same be sent to the ,general ,conference at its next ensuing session4 #h4 ,the ,secretary of each ,annual ,conference shall forward to the ,editor of the ,christian ,index or ,book ,agent full and correct answers to the foregoing forty-one questions1 for insertion into the ,general ,minutes1 according to the form therein adopted4 #i4 ,the ,joint ,board of ,finance shall fix the salary and traveling expenses of the ,presiding ,elders1 and apportion the same in and to the several charges within the ,district4 #aj4 ,,secretary ,,of ,,statistics 7a7 ,the ,secretary of ,statistics shall keep a record of the number of itinerant ministers and lay members1 the number of churches and parsonages1 the value of the same by ,annual ,conferences2 all moneys raised for general and local purposes shall be tabulated by ,annual ,conferences1 and published in pamphlet form annually4 ,the pamphlet containing such information shall be known as ,the ,year ,book of the ,c4 ,m4 ,e4 ,church1 and shall be printed by the ,book ,agent4 7b7 ,the ,secretary of each ,annual ,conference shall1 as soon as the conference closes1 send to the ,secretary of ,statistics an accurate return from the ,statistical ,secretary and ,joint ,board of ,finance1 all figures necessary to be used in making up said ,year ,book4 ,footnote #b3 ,,note3 ,let the answer to this question embrace the names of all superannuated with the date of their superannuation4 ,footnote #c3 ,let answer embrace amount paid to each claimant in the conference4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,,district ,,conferences ,ques4 #a4 ,what directions are given concerning ,district ,conferences8 ,ans4 #a4 ,there shall be held annually1 in each presiding elder's ,district1 a ,district ,conference4 ,the time shall be fixed by the ,presiding ,elder1 and the place by the conference4 #b4 ,the ,district ,conference shall be composed of all the preachers1 in the ,district1 both traveling and local1 and of laymen1 the number of whom1 and their mode of appointment1 each ,annual ,conference may determine for itself4 #c4 ,the ,presiding ,elder shall preside4 ,in his absence1 the ,conference shall elect a president4 #d4 ,the ,conference shall elect a secretary1 who shall keep a record of all its proceedings4 #a4 ,it shall be the duty of the ,conference to examine ,quarterly ,conference ,journals1 and to inquire particularly into the condition of the several charges in the ,district3-- 7a7 ,as to their spiritual state1 and 7b7 ,as to missions within the ,district1 where new ones should be established1 or what missions should be raised to circuits or stations4 7c7 ,as to the ,sunday-schools1 and the manner of conducting them1 and as to education generally4 7d7 ,as to the financial system1 the contributions to church purposes1 and the condition of houses of worship and parsonages4 7e7 ,as to the mission work and ,church ,extension2 the amount raised for each4 7f7 ,as to the ,epworth ,league chapters and the manner of conducting them4 #b4 7a7 ,hearing reports from ,special ,committees4 7b7 ,reading and discussion of papers4 #c4 ,the ,district ,conference shall elect annually1 by ballot1 from the ,district1 four delegates to the ensuing ,annual ,conference2 provided1 no member of the ,annual ,conference shall vote in said election4 #d4 ,at these conferences prominence shall be given to religious exercises1 such as preaching1 prayer meetings1 love feast1 and the administration of the sacraments4 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,,quarterly ,,conferences4 ,ques4 #a4 ,who shall compose a ,quarterly ,conference8 ,ans4 ,all the traveling and local preachers1 exhorters1 stewards 7senior and junior71 stewardesses 7senior and junior71 trustees of church property1 class leaders1 presidents of ,epworth ,league chapters1 ,presidents of ,woman's ,missionary ,societies1 ,superintendents of ,sunday ,schools1 ,secretaries of ,church ,conferences1 and choristers1 who are members of the church1 and none else4 ,ques4 #b4 ,when and where shall each ,quarterly ,conference meet8 ,ans4 ,four times a year1 at such place as the ,conference may appoint1 and at such time as the ,presiding ,elder may designate4 ,ques4 #c4 ,who shall preside in a ,quarterly ,conference8 ,ans4 ,the ,presiding ,elder1 or1 in his absence1 the preacher in charge4 ,ques4 #d4 ,what is the regular business of a ,quarterly ,conference8 ,ans4 #a4 ,to receive and try appeals1 to hear complaints1 and examine ,church ,records and ,registers4 #b4 ,to superintend the interests of ,sunday-schools and the instruction of children4 #c4 ,to take cognizance of all the local preachers and exhorters in the circuits1 stations1 or missions1 and to inquire annually into the gifts1 labors1 and usefulness of each by name4 #d4 ,to try1 suspend1 expel1 or acquit any local preacher in the circuit1 station1 or mission1 against whom charges may be brought4 #e4 ,to license proper persons to exhort and to preach2 provided that no person shall thus be licensed to either preach or exhort who1 for any cause1 marries a divorced woman2 to renew their license annually1 when1 in its judgment1 their gifts1 grace1 and usefulness will warrant a renewal4 ,all votes to license preachers shall be taken by ballot4 #f4 ,to recommend suitable candidates to the ,annual ,conference for deacon's or elder's orders in the local connection1 and for admission on trial and re-admission into the traveling connection3 ,provided 7a7 that no one shall be admitted or allowed to remain in the traveling connection who marries a divorced woman3 ,provided 7b7 that no person shall be recommended to the ,annual ,conference for admission on trial1 or for ordination1 without first being examined in the ,quarterly ,conference on the subject of doctrine and discipline1 and giving satisfactory evidence of his ability to read the word of ,god4 ,all votes to recommend preachers for admission on trial1 or re-admission into the traveling connection1 or for deacon's or elder's orders shall be taken by ballot4 #g4 ,to elect trustees1 stewards1 and stewardesses1 superintendents of ,sunday-schools1 according to the discipline1 for the circuit1 station1 or mission1 and of the stewards1 to appoint one a ,recording ,steward4 #h4 ,to see that all its proceedings be faithfully recorded1 by a secretary chosen for the purpose1 in a book to be kept by the ,recording ,steward2 the records of each session being signed by the ,president and ,secretary4 ,ques4 #e4 ,what order of business shall be observed in the ,quarterly ,conference8 ,ans4 ,after religious service1 let the roll be called1 and the following inquiries be made-- #a4 ,are there any appeals8 #b4 ,are there any complaints8 #c4 ,is there a written report from-- 7a7 ,the ,pastor as to the number and state of the church8 7b7 ,the ,superintendent as to the number and state of the ,sunday ,school8 7c7 ,senior and ,junior ,stewards8 7d7 ,senior and ,junior ,stewardesses8 7e7 ,trustees of ,church ,property8 7f7 ,woman's ,missionary ,society8 7g7 ,epworth ,league8 7h7 ,church ,extension8 7i7 ,chorister8 #d4 ,what were the estimated claims1 and what the final settlement of the same1 in the charge1 during the past year8 7#a7 ,the answer to this question will embrace the amount assessed and paid ,presiding ,elder1 ,pastor1 ,general ,funds1 ,church ,extension1 ,missions1 ,education1 ,superannuated preachers1 widows1 and orphans of preachers and other items4 #e4 ,what amount has been estimated by the ,board of ,stewards for the support of the preacher in charge1 and his assistant1 for the present year8 7#a or #b74 #f4 ,what amount has been apportioned this charge by the ,joint ,board of ,finance3 #a1 for ,presiding ,elder's salary and traveling expenses8 #b1 for ,general ,funds1 ,education1 ,missions and ,church ,extension8 7#a or #b74 #g4 ,are there any applications-- 7a7 ,for license to exhort8 7b7 ,for license to preach8 #h4 ,who are elected to fill vacancies in the ,board of ,trustees8 #i4 ,what amount was raised for education on ,children's ,day8 7#c or #d47 #aj4 ,have the ,general ,rules been read8 #aa4 ,is there a ,church ,register1 and a ,record of ,church ,conferences for each church on the charge1 and have they been faithfully kept8 #ab4 ,have the exhorters and local preachers passed an examination of character1 and have their license been renewed8 7#c or #d47 #ac4 ,are there any applications to the ,annual ,conference to be admitted on trial into the traveling connection1 or for re-admission8 7#d74 #ad4 ,what local preachers are recommended to the ,annual ,conference for ordination8 7#d47 #ae4 ,who are elected ,senior and ,junior ,stewards1 and ,senior and ,junior ,stewardesses for the ensuing conference year8 #af4 ,who is elected ,recording ,steward8 7#d47 #ag4 ,who are elected ,sunday ,school ,superintendents8 7#d47 #ah4 ,what amount was raised for ,missions on ,general ,missionary ,day8 7#c or #d47 #ai4 ,what are the statistics to be reported to the ,annual ,conference8 7#d47 #bj4 ,is there any miscellaneous business8 #ba4 ,where shall the next ,quarterly ,conference be held8 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,,church ,,conferences ,ques4 #a4 ,what directions are given concerning ,church ,conferences8 ,ans4 #a4 ,all the members of the ,church1 and resident members of the ,annual ,conference shall come together once a month1 or on circuits at least every three months1 at every appointment1 to hold a ,church ,conference1 over which the preacher in charge shall preside4 ,it may be held at any time most convenient for assembling the greatest number of members2 but if on the ,sabbath1 it should not interfere with the morning public worship4 #b4 ,a secretary shall be elected annually1 at the first meeting after the session of the ,annual ,conference4 ,he shall make a record of the proceedings1 and shall keep in a book1 and return to the ,quarterly ,conference1 all statistics which the ,discipline requires to be reported to an ,annual ,conference4 #c4 ,the roll of members shall be called at every meeting1 unless otherwise ordered1 and the ,conference may strike off the names of any who1 on account of removal or other causes1 have been lost sight of for twelve months2 provided1 however1 that if such member appears and claims membership1 he may be restored by a vote of the meeting4 #d4 ,the following is suggested as the general order of business3 #a4 ,receive reports-- 7a7 ,from the preachers1 of their labors since the last meeting4 7b7 ,from the class leaders4 7c7 ,from the ,sunday-schools4 7d7 ,from the stewards and stewardesses of that ,church4 #b4 ,the ,conference shall inquire-- 7a7 ,what is the number of the poor of the ,church8 7b7 ,have they been provided for8 7c7 ,is the church here doing its duty for the cause of missions and other ,church enterprises1 and for the collections ordered by the ,annual ,conference8 7d7 ,is our religious literature circulated and read8 7e7 ,can the ,church extend its work by establishing additional prayer meetings1 ,sunday-schools or in any other way8 7f7 ,can anything more be done to strengthen and build up the ,church in the community1 and to advance the cause of ,christ8 #e4 ,if the observance of this order of business is likely to protract the session beyond a reasonable limit1 the president may1 from time to time1 select the most important matters and bring them forward4 #f4 ,let the ,church ,conference be opened and closed with religious service1 and conducted in a devout and prayerful spirit4 ,,part ,,iii4 ,,the ,,minister ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,,the ,,election ,,and ,,consecration ,,of ,,bishops ,,and ,,their ,,duties ,ques4 #a4 ,how is a ,bishop to be constituted8 ,ans4 ,by the election of the ,general ,conference1 and the laying on of hands of three ,bishops1 or at least of one ,bishop and two ,elders4 ,ques4 #b4 ,if by death1 expulsion1 or otherwise1 there be no ,bishop remaining in our church1 what shall we do8 ,ans4 ,the ,general ,conference shall elect a ,bishop2 and the ,elders1 or any three of them1 who shall be appointed by the ,general ,conference for that purpose1 shall ordain him according to our form of ordination4 ,ques4 #c4 ,what are the duties of a ,bishop8 ,ans4 #a 7a7 ,to preside in the ,general and ,annual ,conferences4 7b7 ,to fix the appointments of the preachers in the ,annual ,conferences2 provided1 he shall not allow any preacher to remain in the same circuit1 station or mission more than six years successively1 except where the presiding ,bishop thinks a longer term of service will promote the welfare of the charge4 ,the ,book ,agent1 ,editor of the ,christian ,index1 the ,secretaries of ,missions1 ,church ,extension and ,epworth ,leagues1 superannuated and supernumerary preachers1 ,missionaries in foreign stations1 ,chaplains to military posts1 preachers who may be appointed to labor for seamen and the ,american ,bible ,society and the presidents1 principals or other teachers of seminaries and other institutions of learning under our superintendence are exceptions to the time limit as above indicated1 7c7 ,when requested by an annual conference1 the ,bishop may appoint a preacher for a term of years to any seminary or institution of learning not under our supervision and care4 7d7 ,he shall have authority when requested by the ,annual ,conference to appoint an agent1 who shall travel throughout the bounds of such conference for the purpose of organizing ,sunday ,schools1 aiding needy ones1 and distributing tracts4 7e7 ,when requested by any annual conference1 he shall have authority to appoint an agent or agents who shall travel and work in the interest of our literary institutions4 ,sec4 #b4 ,to choose the ,presiding ,elders1 fix their stations1 and to change them when he judges it necessary1 provided1 however1 that no ,elder shall preside longer than six years consecutively1 nor shall be reappointed to a district until he has served1 at least1 two years1 in the pastorate or otherwise4 7,mission fields excepted47 #c4 ,to change1 receive1 and suspend preachers in the intervals of the ,conferences1 as necessity may require1 and as the ,discipline directs4 #d4 ,to ordain bishops1 elders1 and deacons2 and to see that the names of the persons ordained by him be entered on the journals of the ,conference4 #e4 ,to decide all questions of law coming before him in the regular business of an ,annual ,conference3 provided1 such questions be presented in writing1 and with his decisions be recorded on the journals of the ,conference4 ,when the ,bishop shall have decided a question of law1 the ,conference shall have the right to determine how far the law thus decided or interpreted is applicable to the case then pending4 ,an ,annual ,conference shall have a right to appeal from such decision to the ,college of ,bishops1 whose decision in such cases shall be final4 ,and no ,episcopal decision shall be authoritative except in the case pending1 nor shall any such be published until it shall have been approved by the ,college of ,bishops4 ,and each ,bishop shall report in writing to the ,episcopal ,college1 at an annual meeting to be held by them1 such decisions as he has made subsequently to the last preceding meeting2 and all such decisions1 when approved by the ,college of ,bishops1 shall be recorded in a permanent form1 and published in such manner as the ,bishops shall agree to adopt2 and when so approved1 recorded1 and published1 they shall be authoritative interpretations or constructions of the law4 #f4 ,to hear and decide appeals of the ,quarterly ,conferences on questions of law1 when he shall be presiding in any ,annual ,conference2 and the question contained in the appeal1 together with the ,bishop's decision1 shall be recorded on the journal of the ,annual ,conference4 #g4 ,to see that the ,districts be formed according to his judgment2 provided1 that no ,district shall contain more than eighteen appointments4 #h4 ,to unite two or more circuits stations or missions together1 for ,quarterly ,conference purposes1 allowing the financial interests and pastoral duties of each to remain separate and independent2 and to divide a circuit1 station1 or mission into two or more1 when he judges it necessary4 #i4 ,to spend at least six months annually from charge to charge1 through out his ,episcopal ,district1 in order to preach1 and to oversee the spiritual and temporal affairs of the ,church4 #aj4 ,to organize ,annual ,conferences in the interval of the ,general ,conference1 when in his judgment it seems wise to do so2 and to see that one clerical and one lay delegate be elected from such ,conference to the ,general ,conference1 according to the provision of the second ,restrictive ,rule4 #aa4 ,to appoint one of their number to preach the quadrennial sermon before the ,general ,conference on the day of its opening4 #ab4 ,they shall divide the entire ,church into ,districts1 according to the number of active ,bishops4 #ac4 ,the ,bishops shall choose their own work4 #ad4 ,they shall change their ,districts at least every four years4 #ae4 ,any ,bishop elected since #ahgc shall be automatically retired at the ,general ,conference nearest his seventieth birthday4 #af4 ,no ,bishop shall be treasurer or custodian of an ,educational or ,general ,church moneys4 #ag4 ,a ,bishop shall not raise or cause to be raised1 collect or cause to be collected1 or receive any public donations from any ,annual ,conference or ,conferences in the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church4 #ah4 ,the ,bishop shall be ,president of the ,board of ,trustees of all schools and colleges located in his district4 ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,,presiding ,,elders ,ques4 #a4 ,what are the duties of a ,presiding ,elder8 ,ans4 #a4 ,to travel through his appointed ,district1 in order to preach and superintend the spiritual and temporal affairs of the ,church4 #b4 ,in the absence of the ,bishop1 to take charge of all the traveling and local preachers1 and exhorters1 in his ,district4 #c4 ,to change1 receive1 and suspend preachers in his ,district during the intervals of the ,conferences1 and in the absence of the ,bishop1 as the ,discipline directs4 #d4 ,to be present1 as far as practicable1 at all the quarterly meetings1 and call together the members of the ,quarterly ,conference1 over which he shall also preside4 #e4 ,to decide all questions of law which may come up in the regular business of the ,quarterly or ,district ,conferences1 when submitted to him in writing1 subject to an appeal to the ,president of the next ,annual ,conference2 but in all cases the application of law shall be with the ,quarterly or ,district ,conferences1 which shall record in its journal all such questions and decisions4 #f4 ,to take care that every part of the ,discipline be enforced in his ,district2 to promote1 by all proper means1 the cause of the ,epworth ,league1 ,church ,extension1 missions and ,sunday-schools1 and the publication1 at our own press1 of tracts and ,sunday school books2 to inquire carefully at each ,quarterly ,conference1 whether the rules respecting the instruction of children have been faithfully observed2 and to report to the ,annual ,conference the names of all delinquent traveling preachers within his ,district4 #g4 ,to attend the ,bishops when present in his ,district2 and to give them1 when absent1 all necessary information by letter1 of the state of his ,district4 #h4 ,to direct the candidates for the ministry to those studies recommended for them by the ,bishops4 #i4 ,to procure at the fourth ,quarterly ,conference full statistics from every charge1 to be reported at the ,annual ,conference1 in case the preacher in charge fails to make his report4 #aj4 ,if any preacher absents himself from his circuit1 the ,presiding ,elder shall1 as far as possible1 fill his place with another preacher4 ,ques4 #b4 ,shall the ,presiding ,elder have the power to employ a preacher who has been rejected at the previous ,annual ,conference8 ,ans4 ,he shall not1 unless the ,conference should give him liberty under certain conditions4 ,,chapter ,x4 ,,pastors ,,and ,,their ,,duties ,ques4 #a4 ,what are the duties of a preacher who has the charge of a circuit1 station1 or mission8 ,ans4 #a4 ,to receive1 try1 and expel members1 according to the provisions of the ,discipline1 and to subscribe for the ,christian ,index4 ,any minister failing to subscribe for the same shall be guilty of neglect of duty4 #b4 ,to appoint all the leaders1 and change them when he sees it necessary4 #c4 ,to see that all the ordinances and regulations of the ,church be duly observed1 and that the ,general ,rules be read at least once a year in every congregation4 #d4 ,to see that a fast be held in every congregation within his charge on the ,friday preceding every quarterly meeting1 and that suitable services be held on the occasion1 wherever practicable4 #e4 ,to hold ,quarterly ,conferences in the absence of the ,presiding ,elder4 #f4 ,to hold a meeting of the leaders and stewards of his charge once a week1 if practicable1 to receive their reports4 #g4 ,to report at each ,quarterly ,conference the names of all who have been received into the ,church1 and of all who have died1 removed1 withdrawn1 or been excluded from it during the preceding quarter1 and give a statement of the general condition of his station1 circuit1 or mission4 #h4 ,to give an account of his charge every quarter to his ,presiding ,elder4 #i4 ,to see that all the people within the bounds of his charge be duly supplied with our books and periodicals4 #aj4 ,to keep a directory1 in which the residence of all the members shall be noted1 wherever it may be necessary to facilitate pastoral visitation4 #aa4 ,to leave his successor a particular account of his charge including an account of the subscribers for our periodicals4 #ab4 ,to see that a permanent record be kept of all the baptisms and marriages within the bounds of his charge4 #ac4 ,to see that a register be kept1 in which shall be noted the names1 with the time and manner of the reception and disposal of every person belonging to the ,church in his station1 circuit1 or mission1 distinguishing between local elders1 deacons and preachers1 and lay members2 and to report to the ,annual ,conference the number of each that may be under his charge at the time of its session4 #ad4 ,to promote all the interests of the ,sunday ,school1 ,epworth ,league1 ,church ,extension1 ,board of ,missions1 ,superannuated ,preachers1 ,widows1 and ,orphans of ,preachers ,society1 and the ,tract ,society of our ,church in such a way as the ,discipline and ,annual ,conference may direct1 and to report to the ,annual ,conference the amount raised in his charge during the year for these several claims4 #ae4 ,to see that reports are made at each session of the ,quarterly ,conference of the number and state of the ,sunday ,school1 ,epworth ,league1 and ,woman's ,missionary ,society1 and that the report of the work for the year in the above named departments be sent to the fourth ,quarterly ,conference and the ,annual ,conference4 #af4 ,to furnish every one removing from his charge with a certificate in the following form3 ,,certificate ,,of ,,transfer ,the bearer hereof4444444444444444 is an acceptable member of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church4444 444444444station 44444444444 ,annual ,conference1 and is hereby cheerfully recommended to the fellowship of any body of ,christian believers with whom 444444444444444may cast444444444lot4 444444444444,pastor4 444444444444,sec'ty of ,church4 ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,,admitting ,,on ,,trial ,,and ,,into ,,full ,,connection4 ,,election ,,to ,,deacon',s ,,and ,,elder',s ,,orders4 ,i4 ,,admitting ,,preachers ,,on ,,trial ,ques4 ,how is a preacher to be admitted on trial into the traveling connection8 ,ans4 #a4 ,by the ,annual ,conference4 ,in the interval of the ,conference1 he may be received and employed in the work by a ,bishop1 or the ,presiding ,elder of the ,district1 until the sitting of the ,conference4 #b4 ,no one shall be admitted on trial unless he procures a recommendation from the ,quarterly ,conference2 nor shall a vote be taken upon the admission of any candidate who shall not have passed an approved examination upon the course of study prescribed by the ,bishops1 before a committee appointed by the ,bishop for the purpose4 #c4 ,the ,annual ,conference may then admit him as a probationer by a vote of the majority4 ,observe taking on trial is entirely different from admitting a preacher into full connection4 ,one on trial may be1 either admitted or rejected without doing him any wrong2 otherwise it would be no trial at all4 ,,ii4 ,,admitting ,,preachers ,,into ,,full ,,connection ,ques4 ,who shall be admitted into the ,conference in full connection8 ,ans4 #a4 ,no one except a preacher who has been employed two successive years in the regular itinerant work1 7which is to commence from his being admitted on trial at the ,annual ,conference17 and who is approved by the ,annual ,conference4 #b4 ,before any preacher is admitted into full connection1 he shall have passed an approved examination upon the ,course of ,study prescribed by the ,bishops for candidates for the ministry2 and in no case shall a vote be taken to admit any one until he is recommended by the examining committee4 #c4 ,a missionary employed on a foreign mission may be admitted into full connection1 if recommended by the superintendent of the mission where he labors1 without being present at the ,annual ,conference for examination4 ,ques4 #b4 ,what method do we use in admitting a preacher into full connection at the ,conference8 ,ans4 ,after solemn fasting and prayer1 every person proposed shall then be asked before the ,conference the following questions1 7with any1 others which may be thought necessary71 namely3 ,have you faith in ,christ8 ,are you going on to perfection8 ,are you groaning after it8 ,are you resolved to devote yourself wholly to ,god and his work8 ,are you willing to conform to the ,discipline of the ,church8 ,will you diligently instruct the children in every place8 ,will you visit from house to house8 ,will you recommend fasting1 or abstinence1 both by precept and example8 ,will you especially observe the following directions8-- #a4 ,be diligent4 ,never be unemployed4 ,never be triflingly employed4 ,never trifle away time2 neither spend any more time at any place than is strictly necessary4 #b4 ,be punctual4 ,do every thing exactly at the time4 ,and do not mend our rules1 but keep them2 not for wrath1 but conscience's sake4 #c4 ,act in all things not according to your own will1 but as a son in the gospel4 ,it is therefore your duty to employ your time in the manner which we direct2 in preaching1 meeting the classes1 visiting from house to house1 and especially visiting the sick2 in reading1 meditation and prayer4 ,above all1 if you labor with us in the ,lord's vineyard1 it is needful you should do that part of the work which we advise at those times and places which we judge best for his glory4 ,if he gives satisfactory answers to these questions1 the ,conference1 by a vote of the majority1 may admit him into full connection4 ,,iii4 ,,election ,,to ,,deacon',s ,,orders ,ques4 #a4 ,how is a deacon constituted8 ,ans4 #a4 ,by the election of a majority of the ,annual ,conference1 and the laying on of the hands of a ,bishop4 #b4 ,before any traveling preacher is ordained deacon1 he shall have passed an approved examination upon the ,course of ,study prescribed by the ,bishops for candidates for the ministry2 and in no case shall a vote be taken to elect any one to deacon's orders until he is recommended by the examining committee4 ,ques4 #b4 ,what shall be the time of probation of a traveling preacher for the office of a deacon8 ,ans4 ,no one shall be so elected and ordained who has not been one year in the regular itinerant work1 except such as may be selected by the ,bishop for missionary work1 when the ,annual ,conference shall have authority to elect to the deacon's office sooner1 if the ,conference judge it expedient4 ,ques4 #c4 ,what are the duties of a ,traveling ,deacon8 ,ans4 #a4 ,to administer baptism and to perform the office of matrimony1 in the absence of the ,elder4 #b4 ,to assist the ,elder in administering the ,lord's ,supper4 #c4 ,to do all the duties of a traveling preacher4 ,,iv4 ,,election ,,of ,,deacons ,,to ,,elder',s ,,orders4 ,ques4 #a4 ,how is an ,elder constituted8 ,ans4 #a4 ,by the election of a majority of the ,annual ,conference1 and the laying on of the hands of a ,bishop and some of the ,elders that are present4 #b4 ,before any traveling preacher is ordained ,elder1 he shall have passed an approved examination upon the ,course of ,study prescribed by the ,bishops for candidates for all the ministry2 and in no case shall a vote be taken to elect any one to ,elder's ,orders until he is recommended by the examining committee4 ,ques4 #b4 ,what shall be the time of probation of a traveling deacon for the office of an ,elder8 ,ans4 ,every traveling deacon shall exercise that office for two years1 before he is eligible to the office of ,elder2 except in the case of missionaries1 when the ,annual ,conference shall have authority to elect to the ,elder's office sooner1 if the ,conference judge it expedient2 ,provided1 always1 that when a preacher has passed his examination1 and been elected to deacon's orders1 but fails of his ordination through the absence of a ,bishop1 his eligibility to the office of ,elder shall run from the time of his election to the office of ,deacon4 ,ques4 #c4 ,what are the duties of a traveling ,elder8 ,ans4 #a4 ,to administer baptism and the ,lord's ,supper and to perform the rite of matrimony1 and conduct all parts of ,divine worship4 #b4 ,to do all the duties of a traveling preacher4 ,,chapter ,,xii4 ,,supernumerary ,,and ,,superannuated ,,preachers-- ,,preachers ,,from ,,other ,,churches ,i4 ,,supernumerary ,,preachers ,ques4 ,what is a supernumerary preacher8 ,ans4 #a4 ,a supernumerary preacher is one who is so disabled by affliction as to be unable to preach constantly1 but is willing to do any work in the ministry which the ,bishop may direct1 and he may be able to perform4 #b4 ,a supernumerary preacher who refuses to attend to the work assigned him1 unless in case of sickness or other unavoidable cause or causes1 shall not be allowed to exercise the functions of his office1 nor even to preach among us2 nevertheless1 the final determination of the case shall be with the ,annual ,conference of which he is a member1 which shall have power to acquit1 suspend1 locate1 or expel him1 as the case may be4 ,,ii4 ,,superannuated ,,preachers4 ,ques4 ,what is a superannuated preacher8 ,ans4 #a4 ,a superannuated preacher is one who is worn out in the itinerant service4 #b4 ,a superannuated preacher1 living out of the bounds of the ,conference of which he is a member1 shall be held responsible to the ,annual ,conference within whose bounds he may reside1 which shall have power to try1 acquit1 suspend or expel him1 in the same manner as if he were a member of said ,conference4 ,,iii4 ,,receiving ,,preachers ,,from ,,other ,,churches ,ques4 #a4 ,how shall we receive those ministers who may offer to unite with us from other ,christian ,churches8 ,ans4 #a4 ,ministers of other ,churches who may desire to unite with us as local preachers1 may be received by a ,quarterly ,conference1 upon giving satisfaction that they are suitable persons2 but they shall not exercise the peculiar functions of deacons or elders until their orders are recognized by the ,annual ,conference3 ,provided1 no one who has been expelled from the ministry and membership of another ,church shall be permitted to enter our itinerancy under five years from date of said expulsion4 ,provided1 that the ,bishop may1 at his discretion1 allow ministers thus received to exercise their functions as ,deacons or ,elders until the session of the ,annual ,conference4 #b4 ,after such reception1 and a recommendation by the ,quarterly ,conference1 the ,annual ,conference1 if satisfied of their being in order1 and of their agreement with us in doctrine and discipline1 and also of their gifts1 graces and usefulness1 may recognize them accordingly1 without the re-imposition of hands1 on condition of their taking upon them our ordination vows4 ,if they cannot attend the ,annual ,conference1 they shall send up a certified subscription to our doctrines and discipline1 and to our ordination vows4 #c4 ,ministers of other ,churches1 duly accredited as ,deacons or ,elders1 who may desire to unite with us as traveling preachers1 may be admitted as ,deacons or ,elders in full connection1 after they shall have been members of the ,quarterly ,conference at least one year1 and procuring a recommendation from the ,quarterly ,conference3 provided1 the ,conference is satisfied with their gifts1 graces and usefulness1 and their agreement with us in doctrine and discipline1 on condition of their taking upon them our ordination vows1 without the re-imposition of hands4 #d4 ,when a minister has been received and recognized in orders1 he shall be furnished with a certificate1 signed by one of our ,bishops1 in the following words1 viz3 ,this is to certify that44444444444444 has been admitted into444444444444444 ,conference as a traveling preacher 7or has been received as a local preacher on444444444444444444444444,circuit71 he having been ordained to the office of a deacon1 7or elder1 as the case may be17 according to the usages of the44444444444444444,church1 of which he has been a member and minister2 and he is hereby authorized to exercise the functions pertaining to his office in the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church in ,america so long as his life and conversation are such as become the gospel of ,christ4 ,given under my hand and seal1 at 444444this4444444444day of44444444in the year of our ,lord444444444 ,,part ,,iv4 ,,local ,,preachers1 ,,exhorters1 ,,and ,,officers ,,of ,,the ,,church ,,chapter ,,xiii4 ,,the ,,call ,,to ,,preach ,ques4 #a4 ,how shall we try those who profess to be moved by the ,holy ,ghost to preach8 ,ans4 ,let the following questions be asked1 namely3 #a4 ,do they know ,god as a pardoning ,god8 ,have they the love of ,god abiding in them8 ,do they desire nothing but ,god8 ,and are they holy in all manner of conversation8 #b4 ,have they gifts 7as well as graces7 for the work8 ,have they 7in some tolerable degree7 a clear1 sound understanding1 a right judgment in the things of ,god1 a just conception of salvation by faith8 ,do they speak justly1 readily1 clearly8 #c4 ,have they fruit8 ,are any truly convinced of sin and converted to ,god by their preaching8 ,as long as these three marks concur in any one1 we believe he is called of ,god to preach4 ,these we receive as sufficient proof that he is moved by the ,holy ,ghost4 ,,chapter ,,xiv4 ,,local ,,preachers ,,and ,,exhorters ,i4 ,,local ,,preachers ,ques4 #a4 ,what directions are given concerning the licensing of persons to preach8 ,ans4 #a4 ,the ,quarterly ,conference shall have authority to license proper persons to preach1 and to renew their license annually1 when1 in its judgment1 their gifts1 graces and usefulness will warrant it4 #b4 ,no person shall be licensed to preach without the recommendation of the ,church of which he or she is a member1 or of the ,leaders' ,meeting of the charge to which he or she belongs4 ,nor shall any one be licensed to preach without first being examined in the ,quarterly ,conference on the subject of doctrines and discipline1 and giving satisfactory evidence of his or her ability to read the word of ,god2 nor shall any license be valid unless signed by the ,president and ,secretary of the ,conference4 ,ques4 #b4 ,what shall be the time of probation of a local preacher for the office of a deacon8 ,ans4 ,a local preacher shall be eligible to the office of a deacon after he has preached four years from the time he received a regular license1 and has obtained a recommendation from the ,quarterly ,conference1 on a proper examination1 signed by the ,president and ,secretary1 and after his character has passed1 and he has obtained the approbation of the ,annual ,conference4 ,ques4 #c4 ,what shall be the time of probation of a local deacon for the office of an elder8 ,ans4 ,a local deacon shall be eligible to the office of an elder after he has preached four years from the time he was ordained a deacon1 and has obtained a recommendation from the ,quarterly ,conference1 on a proper examination1 certifying his qualifications in doctrine1 discipline1 talents and usefulness1 signed by the ,president and ,secretary4 ,he shall present to the ,annual ,conference such recommendation1 with a note certifying his belief in the doctrine and discipline of our ,church--the whole being examined by the ,annual ,conference2 and if approved1 he may be ordained4 ,ques4 #d4 ,what further directions are given concerning local preachers8 ,ans4 #a4 ,it shall be the duty of local preachers to aid the preacher in charge of the circuit1 station1 or mission to which they belong in supplying the people with the ministry of the word4 ,they shall subscribe annually for the ,christian ,index1 and their license shall not be renewed by the ,quarterly ,conference until they shall have subscribed for the same4 ,they shall accordingly be applied to by the preacher in charge as soon as he enters his work1 to state what amount of service they are able and willing to perform2 he may then draw up a plan by which their labors shall be regulated4 ,they shall be authorized to form new congregations1 to take a list of the names of all candidates for ,church membership1 and1 if expedient1 receive them into the ,church2 provided1 that all such congregations1 candidates1 and members be reported as soon as possible to the preacher in charge1 in order that they may be placed immediately under his pastoral care4 #b4 ,every local elder1 deacon1 and licentiate shall have his name recorded on the ,journal of the ,quarterly ,conference of which he is a member4 #c4 ,when any traveling preacher is located he shall be amenable to the ,quarterly ,conference of the charge last filled by him1 until he presents his certificate of location to some other ,quarterly ,conference4 #d4 ,when a local elder1 deacon or licentiate removes from one circuit1 station or mission1 to another1 he shall procure from the ,presiding ,elder of the ,district or from the ,preacher having charge1 a certificate of his official standing in the ,church at the time of his removal2 without which he shall not be received as a local preacher in other places4 ,,ii4 ,,exhorters ,ques4 #a4 ,what directions are given concerning the licensing of persons to exhort8 ,ans4 #a4 ,the ,quarterly ,conference shall have authority to license proper persons to exhort1 and to renew their license annually1 when1 in its judgment1 their gifts1 graces and usefulness will warrant it4 #b4 ,no person shall be licensed to exhort without the recommendation of the ,church of which he is a member1 or of the ,leaders' ,meeting of the charge to which he belongs2 nor shall any license be valid unless signed by the ,president of the ,conference4 ,ques4 #b4 ,what are the duties of an exhorter8 ,ans4 ,to hold meetings for prayer and exhortation whenever opportunity is afforded1 subject to the direction of the preacher in charge4 ,ques4 #c4 ,what further directions are given concerning exhorters8 ,ans4 #a4 ,let every exhorter diligently exercise the functions of his office without assuming those of a preacher4 #b4 ,every exhorter1 by virtue of his office1 shall be a member of the ,quarterly ,conference of the charge to which he belongs2 but in all other respects he shall be dealt with as a private member of the ,church4 #c4 ,when an exhorter removes from one circuit1 station or mission to another1 he shall not be recognized as such unless he obtains a certificate of his official character from the ,presiding ,elder of the ,district1 or the preacher to whose charge he belongs at the time of his removal4 ,,chapter ,,xv4 ,,class ,,leaders ,ques4 #a4 ,how are the class leaders to be appointed8 ,ans4 ,by the preacher in charge1 who shall appoint one person in each class to be the leader thereof4 ,ques4 #b4 ,what are the regulations concerning the class leaders8 ,ans4 #a4 ,let them be men of sound judgment and truly devoted to ,god4 #b4 ,let every one of them be carefully examined by the preacher in charge at least once a quarter1 concerning his method of leading his class4 #c4 ,it is the leader's duty-- 7#a7 ,to see each person in his class once a week1 at least1 in order to inquire how their souls prosper2 to advise1 reprove1 comfort1 or exhort1 as occasion may require2 to receive what they are willing to give toward the support of the preacher in charge and for the relief of the poor4#d 7#b7 ,to meet the ministers and the stewards of the society once a week in order-- ,to inform the minister of any that are sick1 or of any that walk disorderly and will not be reproved4 ,to pay the stewards what they have received of their several classes in the week preceding provided1 the leaders collect from each member #e;c per week1 class dues4 ,footnote #d3 ,this part refers to towns and cities where the poor are generally numerous and ,church expenses considerable4 ,,chapter ,,xvi4 ,,stewards ,,and ,,stewardesses ,ques4 #a4 ,how are ,stewards and ,junior ,stewards to be appointed8 ,ans4 ,the preacher in charge shall have the right of nomination1 subject to the confirmation or rejection of the ,quarterly ,conference4 ,ques4 #b4 ,what are the regulations concerning ,stewards and ,junior ,stewards8 ,ans4 #a4 ,let them be men of solid piety1 who both know and love the ,methodist doctrine and discipline1 and of good natural and acquired ability to transact temporal business of the ,church4 #b4 ,it shall be the duty of the ,stewards to make estimates of expenses and provision for the support of the gospel2 to take an exact account of all moneys collected or other provisions made for the support of the ministry2 expenditure of money1 whether for the support of the ministry or the relief of the sick1 or the poor2 to seek the needy and distressed in order to relieve and comfort them2 to inform the preachers of any sick or disorderly persons2 to tell the preachers what they think wrong in them2 to attend the official meetings and the quarterly meetings2 to give advice1 if asked1 in planning the circuit2 to attend committees for the application of money to churches2 to give counsel in matters of arbitration2 to provide elements for the ,lord's ,supper2 to appoint some one1 whenever necessary1 to receive contributions for the support of the ministry and other purposes1 and to obtain from each collector thus appointed the money received by him1 that it may be reported to the ,quarterly ,conference2 to take up collections quarterly in every congregation1 if it be necessary1 and to write circular letters to the societies to be more liberal1 if need be2 and to let them know1 when occasion requires1 the financial state of the ,church1 as reported at the ,quarterly ,conference4 ,they shall elect their own chairman1 secretary and treasurer4 #c4 ,the ,stewards of each circuit and station shall be a standing committee 7where there is no parsonage7 to provide houses for the families of married preachers1 or to assist the preachers to obtain houses for themselves when they are appointed to labor among them4 ,ques4 #c4 ,to whom are ,stewards accountable for the faithful performance of their duties8 ,ans4 ,to the ,quarterly ,conference1 which shall have power to remove them from office4 ,ques4 #d4 ,what shall be the number of ,stewards in each circuit or station8 ,ans4 #a4 ,every pastoral charge shall be entitled to one ,steward for every thirty members1 to be elected annually3 provided1 nevertheless1 that each society in a circuit shall have one ,steward1 and each circuit or station may have at least seven4 #b4 ,when two or more circuits or stations are united1 the ,stewards shall hold office till the first ,quarterly ,conference elects a new ,board4 ,ques4 #e4 ,what directions are given concerning ,junior ,stewards8 ,ans4 ,they shall be auxiliary to ,stewards and their number and manner of election shall be the same4 ,ques4 #f4 ,what are the duties of a ,recording ,steward8 ,ans4 ,to preserve the records of the ,quarterly ,conference1 and to report to the ,joint ,board of ,finance of the ,annual ,conference a full account of the acts of his ,board of ,stewards the preceding year4 ,ques4 #g4 ,what are the regulations concerning ,stewardesses and ,junior ,stewardesses8 ,ans4 ,there shall be a ,board of ,stewardesses and ,junior ,stewardesses in each circuit1 station or mission1 whose number and mode of election shall be the same as ,stewards4 #b4 ,junior ,stewardesses shall be auxiliary to ,stewardesses4 #c4 ,it shall be the duty of the ,stewardesses to serve the table of the ,lord1 the table of the poor1 and the table of the ministry2 to assist in the collection of the ,general ,funds1 ,presiding ,elder's and ,pastor's salary1 and to do any other work that may be assigned to them by the pastor in charge or ,board of ,stewards of the ,church4 ,,chapter ,,xvii4 ,,trustees ,,of ,,church ,,property ,ques4 #a4 ,how are ,trustees to be appointed8 ,ans4 ,except where the laws of the ,state or ,territory provide differently1 the ,preacher in ,charge1 or1 in his absence1 the ,presiding ,elder1 shall have the right of nomination1 subject to the confirmation or rejection of the ,quarterly ,conference4 ,ques4 #b4 ,what are the regulations concerning the ,trustees8 ,ans4 #a4 ,no person shall be eligible as a ,trustee of any of our parsonages or churches who is not a member of our ,church1 and at least twenty-one years of age4 #b4 ,all vacancies in the ,board of ,trustees1 occasioned by death1 resignation1 or otherwise1 shall be filled without delay4 #c4 ,let nine ,trustees be appointed for holding ,church property1 when proper persons can be procured1 otherwise1 seven1 five1 or three1 who shall elect their own chairman1 secretary1 and treasurer4 #d4 ,the ,board or ,boards of ,trustees of every circuit1 station1 or mission1 shall be members of1 and responsible to1 the ,quarterly ,conference of the same1 which shall have power to dismiss any of them from office2 and shall be required to present a report of their acts1 at least once a year1 to the ,quarterly ,conference4 #e4 ,no person who is a ,trustee shall be ejected while he is in joint security for money1 unless such relief be given him as is demanded1 or the creditor will accept4 ,,part ,v4 ,,church ,,membership1 ,,order ,,of ,,worship1 ,,means ,,of ,,grace1 ,,children1 ,,and ,,sunday-,,school ,,chapter ,,xviii4 ,,how ,,to ,,receive ,,members4 ,ques4 ,how shall members be received into the ,church8 ,ans4 #a4 ,when persons offer themselves for ,church-membership1 let the preacher in charge inquire into their spiritual condition1 and receive them into the ,church when they have given satisfactory assurances of their desire to flee from the wrath to come1 and to be saved from their sins2 and also1 of the genuineness of their faith1 and of their willingness to keep the rules of the ,church4 #b4 ,when satisfied on these points1 let the minister bring the candidates before the congregation1 whenever practicable1 and receive them according to the prescribed form4 #c4 ,if a member in good standing in any other ,church shall desire to unite with us1 such applicant may1 by giving satisfactory answers to the usual inquiries be received without these formalities4 ,,chapter ,,xix4 ,,order ,,and ,,directions ,,for ,,public ,,worship ,ques4 #a4 ,what directions are given for uniformity in public worship8 ,ans4 #a4 ,the morning service shall be conducted in the following order3 ,,order ,,of ,,public ,,worship #a4 ,organ voluntary or song4 #b4 ,singing1 congregation standing4 #c4 ,repeating ,apostles' ,creed4 #d4 ,prayer--closing with ,lord's prayer1 repeated or chanted4 #e4 ,singing--anthem or hymn4 #f4 ,reading lessons out of the ,old and the ,new ,testament--with chant by choir or suitable song between the lessons4 #g4 ,announcements and notices4 #h4 ,singing--congregation sitting4 #i4 ,preaching4 #aj4 ,singing--congregation standing4 #aa4 ,prayer4 #ab4 ,doxology and benediction4 #b4 ,the afternoon and evening services shall be the same as the morning1 except that one of the lessons1 or both1 may be omitted1 at the discretion of the minister4 #c4 ,the ,lord's ,supper shall be administered monthly1 in every congregation1 wherever it is practicable2 and where it is not1 at every quarterly meeting4 ,let the service preceding the administration be so proportioned as to admit of due time for this solemn ordinance4 #d4 ,let the ,lord's ,prayer be used on all occasions of public worship1 in concluding the first morning prayer1 the congregation repeating after the minister2 and the apostolic benediction 7#b ,cor4 xiii4 #ad7 in dismissing the congregation4 #e4 ,the ,ritual shall be invariably used in all the offices for which it is prescribed4 ,ques4 #b4 ,how shall we guard against formality in singing8 ,ans4 #a4 ,by choosing such hymns as are proper for the occasion4 #b4 ,by not singing too much at once2 seldom more than five or six verses4 #c4 ,by suiting the tune to the words4 #d4 ,by often stopping short1 when the words are given out1 and asking the people3 ,now1 do you know what you said last8 ,did you speak no more than you felt8 #e4 ,in all our congregations let the people learn to sing1 and use our own ,hymn and ,tune ,books4 #f4 ,exhort every person in the congregation to sing4 ,,chapter ,,xx4 ,,other ,,meetings ,,of ,,the ,,church ,i4 ,,prayer ,,meetings ,ques4 ,what directions are given concerning our prayer meetings8 ,ans4 ,let the pastor hold prayer-meetings1 weekly1 in every church where it is practicable2 and when he cannot himself attend1 let him engage local preachers1 exhorters1 class-leaders1 and others1 to hold them4 #b4 ,let prayer-meetings be held also at other places where there is a probability of their doing good4 ,,ii4 ,,class ,,meetings ,ques4 #a4 ,what directions are given concerning class-meetings8 ,ans4 #a4 ,let the membership of every church1 wherever it is practicable1 be divided into smaller companies1 called classes1 according to their respective places of abode2 and let the members be exhorted to attend the meetings of the same4 #b4 ,two or more classes may meet at the same time and place1 at their own option1 and their leaders may alternate in conducting the exercises4 #c4 ,the pastor shall visit every class once a quarter1 and report its condition to the ,quarterly ,conference2 and let him hold general class-meetings as often as he shall find it expedient4 ,ques4 #b4 ,can any thing be done in order to make the class-meetings more profitable8 ,ans4 #a4 ,change improper leaders4 #b4 ,let the leaders frequently meet each other's classes4 #c4 ,let us observe which leaders are the most useful2 and let these meet the other classes as often as possible4 ,,iii4 ,,love-,,feasts ,ques4 #a4 ,what directions are given concerning love-feasts8 ,ans4 #a4 ,love-feasts shall be held quarterly1 or at such other times as the preacher in charge may consider expedient1 with closed doors1 to which1 besides ,church members1 other serious persons may be admitted by him4 #b4 ,in conducting the love-feast1 after singing and prayer1 the preacher may make a short address1 setting forth the nature and design of this institution2 every one present then partakes of a little bread and water in token of brotherly love2 the members then give brief details of their religious experience2 and the meeting is closed with singing and prayer4 ,ques4 #b4 ,how often shall we permit strangers to be present at our love-feasts8 ,ans4 ,let them be admitted with the utmost caution2 and the same person on no account above twice or thrice4 ,,chapter ,,xxi4 ,,children ,,of ,,the ,,church ,ques4 ,what directions are given concerning the children of the ,church8 ,ans4 #a4 ,let the minister diligently instruct and exhort all parents to dedicate their children to the ,lord in baptism as early as convenient4 #b4 ,in his pastoral visitations let him pay special attention to the children2 speak to them personally and kindly on experimental and practical godliness1 according to their capacity2 pray earnestly for them1 and cause them to be faithfully instructed in the nature1 design1 privileges1 and obligations of their baptism4 #c4 ,as soon as they comprehend the responsibilities involved in a public profession of faith in ,christ1 and give evidence of a sincere and earnest determination to discharge the same1 see that they be duly recognized as members of the ,church1 agreeably to the provisions of the ,discipline4 #d4 ,let our ,catechisms be used as extensively as possible1 both in our ,sunday-schools and families2 and let the preachers faithfully enforce upon parents and ,sunday-school teachers the great importance of instructing children in the doctrines and duties of our holy religion4 #e4 ,it shall be the special duty of the preachers to form ,bible-classes wherever they can1 for the instruction of larger children and youth2 and where they cannot superintend them personally1 to appoint suitable leaders for that purpose4 ,,chapter ,,xxii4 ,,the ,,sunday-,,school ,ques4 ,what directions are given concerning ,sunday-schools8 ,ans4 #a4 ,let ,sunday-schools be formed in all our congregations1 where ten children can be collected for that purpose4 ,and it shall be the especial duty of preachers having charge of circuits and stations1 with the aid of the other preachers1 to see that this be done2 to engage the co-operation of as many of our members as they can2 to visit the schools as often as practicable2 to preach on the subject of ,sunday-schools and religious instruction in each congregation2 to have the ,superintendents lay before the ,quarterly ,conference1 at each quarterly meeting1 to be entered on its journal1 a written statement of the number and state of the ,sunday-schools within their respective circuits and stations1 and to make a report of the same to their several ,annual ,conferences4 #b4 ,each ,quarterly ,conference shall be deemed a ,board of ,managers1 having supervision of all the ,sunday-school ,societies within its limits4 #c4 ,it is recommended that each ,annual ,conference1 where the general state of the work will allow1 request the appointment of a special agent1 to travel throughout its bounds1 for the purpose of promoting the interests of ,sunday-schools and his expenses shall be paid out of collections which he shall be directed to make1 or otherwise1 as shall be ordered by the ,conference4 #d4 ,let our ,catechisms be used as extensively as possible in our ,sunday-schools2 and let the preachers faithfully enforce upon ,sunday-school teachers the great importance of instructing children in the doctrines and duties of our holy religion4 #e4 ,the ,superintendent of the ,sunday-school shall be nominated by the preacher in charge1 subject to the confirmation or rejection of the ,quarterly ,conference4 ,,part ,,vi4 ,,judicial ,,administration ,,chapter ,,xxiii4 ,,trial ,,code ,,of ,a ,,bishop ,ques4 #a4 ,to whom is a ,bishop amenable for his conduct8 ,ans4 #a4 ,to the ,general ,conference which has power to try him for improper conduct and to acquit1 suspend1 reprimand1 retire with or without salary or expel him4 ,ques4 #b4 ,what provision is made for the trial of a ,bishop if he be accused of immorality in the interval of the ,general ,conference8 ,ans #b4 ,when a bishop shall be under a report or be accused of immorality1 three traveling elders shall1 after notice to him1 carefully inquire into the case and if they believe an investigation necessary1 they shall report the matter to another bishop--and it shall be his duty to call together at some convenient place not fewer than twelve 7#ab7 traveling elders-- and also the witnesses by whom the accusation is expected to be established1 and the said elders shall be a committee for the investigation of the charge against the ,bishop4 ,if the majority of them believe a trial necessary1 they shall suspend him until the next ,general ,conference4 ,the presiding ,bishop shall cause an exact record of the investigation1 signed by the president and secretary1 to be transmitted to the ,general ,conference4 ,by this record and such other testimony as may be obtained1 the case shall be considered and determined by the ,general ,conference without the intervention of another committee4 ,but in no case shall the inquiring elders be recognized as the accusers1 but the three elders afore-mentioned must act wholly upon rumors and not personal knowledge1 and shall not take any further part in the case4 ,ques4 #c4 ,what provision is made for the appeal of a ,bishop who may be suspended during the interval of the ,general ,conference8 ,ans4 #c4 ,there shall be a court of appeals composed of fifteen 7#ae7 persons appointed as follows3 ,two by each ,bishop and one by the fourteen 7#ad7 appointed by the ,bishops--one of the ,bishops shall be ex-officio president of said court4 ,the number composing said court shall be increased at the same ratio as the number of ,bishops may be increased until the number composing the court shall reach twenty-five 7#be71 to which all appeals shall be made by the accused who may have been suspended in the interval of the ,general ,conference2 said court shall have the power to sustain the action of the investigating committee1 reverse and remand1 or reverse and dismiss4 ,in all cases their decisions shall be final except when the action of the investigating committee is sustained by it4 ,in said excepted case1 the suspension remains until the ensuing ,general ,conference4 ,the ,bishop appointed to preside over said court is hereby authorized1 upon the receipt of an appeal1 from the decision of any committee of investigation1 to cause to be appointed the fifteen 7#ae7 members as above stated1 which said number will sit as an appellate court as before stated at a place most convenient to all parties concerned4 ,but should an appeal reach the ,bishop within three months of the sitting of the ,general ,conference1 the court shall not be convened--but the case takes its regular course4 ,ques4 #d4 ,what provision is made for the trial of a ,bishop if he should be accused during the session of the ,general ,conference8 ,ans4 #a4 ,an accusation preferred during the session of the ,general ,conference shall be referred for investigation to a committee of twenty-five 7#be7 members of the ,general ,conference to be selected by the president4 ,of this number1 the accused shall have the right of challenge for fifteen 7#ae7 of the twenty-five 7#be7 appointed by the ,bishop or president--and the committee shall report to the ,general ,conference whether or not a trial is necessary4 ,if the committee of investigation decides that a trial is necessary1 they shall formulate charges and specifications conforming them with the grade of offense involved in the accusation and shall appoint one or more of their number to prosecute the case4 ,the bill of charges and specifications shall be a part of the report of the committee to the ,general ,conference4 ,every case to be tried under this process1 shall1 upon finding of a bill of charges1 be referred to the ,committee on ,episcopacy1 who shall have full power to try the case and whose decision shall be final save as to the right of appeal4 ,the said committee shall make a written report to the ,general ,conference and deliver to the secretary the whole record of the case with the decision rendered4 #b4 ,a ,bishop who shall be found guilty by the committee on ,episcopacy shall have the right to appeal to the ,general ,conference then in session which shall finally determine the case4 #c4 ,no charge against a ,bishop shall be tried unless it be made in writing with specifications signed by the accusers--and a copy of the charge with the specifications shall be delivered to the accused in sufficient time before the trial to enable him to make all necessary preparation for his defense4 ,,chapter ,,xxiv4 ,,trial ,,of ,a ,,traveling ,,preacher ,ques4 #a4 ,to whom is a traveling preacher amenable for his conduct8 ,ans4 ,to the ,annual ,conference1 which shall have power to try1 acquit1 or expel him4 ,ques4 #b4 ,what shall be done when a traveling preacher is accused of immorality8 ,ans4 #a4 ,when a traveling elder or deacon is under report of being guilty of some crime expressly forbidden in the ,word of ,god1 if it be in the interval of the ,annual ,conference1 let the ,presiding ,elder1 in the absence of the ,bishop1 call as many traveling preachers as he shall think fit--at least three--and1 if possible1 bring the accused and the accuser face to face4 ,if the accused be clearly convicted1 he shall be suspended till the ensuing ,annual ,conference4 ,the ,presiding ,elder shall cause an exact record of the investigation1 signed by the ,president and ,secretary1 to be transmitted to the ,annual ,conference1 by which his case shall be fully considered and determined4 ,if the accused be a ,presiding ,elder1 any three traveling ,elders or ,deacons of his ,district may inquire into the case1 and if they judge it necessary report to the ,bishop1 who shall appoint a committee of at least three ,elders1 from within the bounds of the ,annual ,conference of which the accused is a member2 he shall also preside at the investigation1 or some traveling ,elder appointed by him2 and the accused1 if guilty1 shall be suspended4 ,if the accused and the accuser cannot be brought face to face1 but the supposed delinquent evades an investigation1 it shall be received as a presumptive proof of guilt2 and out of the mouth of two or three witnesses he shall be condemned1 and be accordingly suspended4 ,nevertheless1 even in that case1 the ,annual ,conference shall consider and determine the whole matter4 #b4 ,when the accusation is preferred during the session of the ,annual ,conference1 it shall first be referred to a committee of three traveling ,elders for investigation1 who shall report to the ,conference whether or not they judge a trial necessary4 ,if the ,conference differ in judgment from the committee1 a new committee may be appointed to inquire into the facts and report4 ,the committee of investigation reporting a case for trial1 shall bring forward the bill of charges in proper form and appoint one or more of their number to prosecute it4 ,every case to be tried shall be referred to a committee of not less than nine1 nor more than thirteen1 who1 in the presence of a ,bishop or a chairman1 whom the ,president of the ,conference shall appoint1 and one or more of the ,secretaries of the ,conference1 shall have full power to try the case1 and their decision shall be final1 save as to the right of appeal3 provided1 that the accused shall1 upon good grounds alleged1 be allowed to challenge five in a committee of nine1 or seven in a committee of thirteen1 and in the same ratio for any other number4 ,and the said committee shall make a faithful report to the ,conference1 in writing1 and deliver up to the ,secretary the whole record of the case1 with the decision rendered4 ,ques4 #c4 ,what shall be done in cases of improper tempers1 words1 or actions8 ,ans4 ,the person so offending shall be reprehended by his senior in office4 ,should a second transgression take place1 one1 two1 or three ministers or preachers are to be taken as witnesses4 ,if he be not then cured1 accusation shall be preferred at the next ,annual ,conference1 and the accused shall be dealt with as in a case of immorality4 ,ques4 #d4 ,what shall be done with those ministers or preachers who hold and disseminate1 publicly or privately doctrines which are contrary to our ,articles of ,religion8 ,ans4 ,let the same process be observed as in case of immorality2 but if the minister or preacher so offending do solemnly engage not to disseminate such erroneous doctrines in public or in private1 he shall be borne with till his case be laid before the next ,annual ,conference1 which shall determine the matter4 ,ques4 #e4 ,what shall be done when a traveling preacher is complained of as being so unacceptable1 inefficient1 or secular1 as to be no longer useful in his work8 ,ans4 #a4 ,the ,conference to which he belongs shall investigate the case1 and if it appears that the complaint is well founded1 and he does not give the ,conference satisfaction that he will amend or voluntarily retire1 it may locate him without his consent4 #b4 ,he shall be at liberty to defend himself before the ,conference in person1 or by his representative2 and if he be located in his absence1 without having been previously notified of an intention thus to proceed against him1 he may apply to the ,conference1 at its next session1 to be heard in his defense1 and the matter shall be reconsidered for that purpose4 ,ques4 #f4 ,what shall be done in the case of a preacher who refuses to attend to the work assigned him8 ,ans4 ,no ,deacon or ,elder who ceases to travel without the consent of the ,annual ,conference1 certified under the hand of the ,president of the ,conference1 except in case of sickness1 debility or other unavoidable circumstances1 shall1 on any account1 exercise the peculiar functions of his office1 or even be allowed to preach among us2 but the final determination in all such cases is with the ,annual ,conference4 ,nevertheless1 in all the above mentioned cases of trial and conviction1 an appeal to the ,ministerial ,court of ,appeals shall be allowed1 if the condemned person signifies to the ,president or the ,secretary of the ,conference his intention to appeal at the time of his condemnation2 or at any time within two months thereafter4 ,,chapter ,,xxv4 ,,trial ,,of ,,probationers ,,and ,,local ,,preachers4 ,i4 ,,trial ,,of ,a ,,probationer ,ques4 ,what shall be done with a preacher on trial who is accused of immorality8 ,ans4 ,he shall be accountable to the ,quarterly ,conference of the circuit on which he travels4 ,the ,presiding ,elder shall call a committee of investigation1 and the course of ,discipline shall be pursued that is made and provided for a ,local ,preacher under a like accusation4 ,,ii4 ,,trial ,,of ,a ,,local ,,preacher ,ques4 #a4 ,to whom is a ,local ,preacher amenable for his conduct8 ,ans4 ,to the ,quarterly ,conference1 which shall have power to try1 acquit1 or expel him4 ,ques4 #b4 ,what shall be done when a ,local ,preacher is accused of immorality8 ,ans4 #a4 ,when a ,local ,preacher is under report of being guilty of some crime expressly forbidden in the ,word of ,god1 the preacher in charge shall appoint a committee of three ,local ,preachers to investigate the report2 and if they judge a trial to be necessary1 they shall appoint one or more of their number to prepare a bill of charges and specifications1 and present it before the ensuing ,quarterly ,conference4 #b4 ,the ,committee of ,investigation shall1 in every case1 make a report to the ,quarterly ,conference2 and if the ,conference differs in judgment1 a new committee may be appointed to inquire into the facts and to report4 #c4 ,a ,local ,preacher who has been notified by the ,presiding ,elder1 or preacher in charge1 of a bill of charges and specifications thus found against him1 shall not be allowed to exercise the functions of his office until the case has been presented to1 and determined by1 the ,quarterly ,conference4 #d4 ,the ,president of the ,quarterly ,conference1 shall at the commencement of the trial1 appoint a ,secretary1 who shall take down regular minutes of the evidence and proceedings4 ,the minutes1 when read and approved1 shall be signed by the ,president1 and also by the members who are present1 or a majority of them1 and the sentence of the ,quarterly ,conference shall be pronounced by the ,president4 ,ques4 #c4 ,what shall be done in cases of improper tempers1 words1 or actions8 ,ans4 ,the person so offending shall be reprehended by the preacher having charge4 ,should a second transgression take place1 one1 two1 or three faithful friends are to be taken as witnesses4 ,if he be not then cured1 he shall be dealt with as in a case of immorality2 and if found guilty and impenitent1 he shall be expelled from the ,church4 ,ques4 #d4 ,what shall be done with those ,local ,preachers who hold and disseminate1 publicly or privately1 doctrines which are contrary to our ,articles of ,religion8 ,ans4 ,let the same process be observed as in a case of immorality4 ,ques4 #e4 ,what shall be done when a ,local ,elder or ,deacon is complained of as being so unacceptable or inefficient as to be no longer useful in his work1 and the ,quarterly ,conference refuses to pass his character on that ground8 ,ans4 ,the ,quarterly ,conference next succeeding shall proceed to investigate the case2 and if it appears that the complaint is well founded1 and he does not give the ,conference satisfaction that he will amend or voluntarily retire1 the ,conference may depose him from the ministry4 ,he shall be at liberty to defend himself before the ,conference in person1 or by his representative4 ,the ,president of the ,quarterly ,conference shall have regular minutes of the investigation taken which on being read and approved1 shall be signed by himself and a majority of the members of the ,conference4 ,nevertheless1 in all the above mentioned cases of trial and conviction1 an appeal to the ensuing ,annual ,conference shall be allowed1 if the condemned person signifies his intention to appeal at the time of his condemnation1 or at any time thereafter when he is informed thereof4 ,,chapter ,,xxvi4 ,,trial ,,of ,a ,,member ,ques4 #a4 ,how shall an accused member be brought to trial8 ,ans4 #a4 ,before the church of which he is a member1 or a select number of them1 in the presence of a ,bishop1 ,elder1 ,deacon or ,preacher1 in the following manner3 7a7 ,when a member of the ,church is under report of being guilty of some crime expressly forbidden in the ,word of ,god1 the preacher having charge shall appoint a committee of three discreet members1 who shall investigate the report1 and if they judge a trial to be necessary1 they shall appoint one of their number to prepare a bill of charges and specifications1 and also to prosecute the case4 7b7 ,upon the presentation of such bill of charges1 the preacher shall appoint a committee of not less than five1 nor more than thirteen1 before whom the accused shall be duly cited to appear1 who shall have full power to try the case2 and if the accused be found guilty by a majority of the committee1 let the preacher declare him suspended or expelled4 ,nevertheless1 the preacher may1 at his discretion1 bring the case before the whole ,church for trial4 7c7 ,a copy of the charge and specifications shall be delivered to the accused a sufficient length of time before the trial1 to enable him to make all necessary preparations for his defense2 and in case of trial before a committee1 he shall be allowed1 upon good reasons alleged1 to challenge two in a committee of five1 and in like ratio for any other number4 7d7 ,the preacher in charge shall preside at the trial1 and decide all questions of law appertaining to or growing out of the case4 ,he shall1 at the commencement of the trial1 appoint a secretary1 who shall take down regular minutes of the evidence and proceedings1 which minutes1 when read and approved1 shall be signed by the president and the secretary4 7e7 ,if the accused person evades a trial by absenting himself after sufficient notice given him1 and the circumstances of the accusation be strong and presumptive1 let him be esteemed as guilty1 and be accordingly suspended or expelled4 ,witnesses from without shall not be rejected4 #b4 ,but in case of neglect of duties of any kind--imprudent conduct1 indulging sinful tempers or words1 dancing1 or disobedience to the order and the ,discipline of the ,church2 ,first1 let private reproof be given by a preacher or leader2 and if there be an acknowledgement of the fault and proper humiliation1 the person may be borne with4 ,on a second offense1 the preacher or leader may take one or two faithful friends4 ,on a third offense1 let the case be brought before the ,church1 or a select number2 and if there be no sign of real humiliation1 the offender must be cut off4 #c4 ,if a member of our ,church endeavor to sow dissension in any of our societies1 by inveighing against either our doctrines or ,discipline1 such person so offending shall be first reproved by the senior minister or preacher of his circuit2 and if he persist in such pernicious practices1 he shall be expelled from the ,church4 ,ques4 #b4 ,what shall be done in case of disputes between members of the ,church8 ,ans4 #a4 ,on any dispute between two or more members of our ,church1 concerning the payment of debts or otherwise1 which cannot be settled by the parties concerned1 the preacher in charge shall inquire into the circumstances of the case2 and shall recommend to the contending parties a reference1 consisting of one arbiter chosen by the plaintiff1 and another chosen by the defendant2 which two arbiters so chosen shall nominate the third--the three arbiters being members of our ,church4 #b4 ,but if one of the parties be dissatisfied with the judgment given1 such party may apply to the ensuing ,quarterly ,conference for a second arbitration2 and if the ,quarterly ,conference see sufficient reason1 they shall grant a second arbitration1 in which case each party shall choose two arbiters1 and the four arbiters shall choose a fifth1 the judgment of the majority of whom shall be final2 and any person refusing to abide by such judgment shall be excluded from the ,church4 #c4 ,and if any member of our ,church shall refuse1 in cases of debt or other disputes1 to refer the matter to arbitration1 when recommended by him who has the charge of the circuit1 or shall enter into a lawsuit with another member before these measures are taken1 he shall be expelled1 unless the case be of such a nature as to require and justify a process of law4 ,nevertheless1 in all the above mentioned cases of trial and expulsion1 an appeal to the ensuing ,quarterly ,conference shall be allowed1 if the condemned person signifies to the pastor his intention to appeal at the time of his condemnation1 or at any time thereafter when he is informed thereof4 ,,chapter ,,xxvii4 ,,ministerial ,,court ,,of ,,appeals4 #a4 ,each ,annual ,conference shall elect every two years beginning with its first session after the ,general ,conference1 three ,elders1 who shall be men of experience1 judgment and information touching the law of the ,church1 to be known as ,triers of ,appeals4 #b4 ,the ,ministerial ,court of ,appeals shall consist of a ,president1 who shall be a ,bishop1 and the ,triers of ,appeals from three ,conferences adjacent to that of which the appellant was a member4 #c4 ,the ,president of the ,ministerial ,court shall be appointed by the ,house of ,bishops2 but in no case shall they appoint the ,bishop who presided in the ,annual ,conference which tried the appellant4 #d4 ,should any member of the ,ministerial ,court of ,appeals1 become an appellant to the ,court of ,appeals1 he shall be disqualified to sit as a member of the said ,court2 his place declared vacant and another appointed in his stead4 #e4 ,any member of any ,annual ,conference who has been tried and convicted shall have the right to appeal to the ,ministerial ,court2 provided1 he signifies to the ,bishop of the ,conference1 his intention so to do within two months after the action of the ,annual ,conference4 #f4 ,the ,secretary of the ,annual ,conference shall carefully preserve the record of the proceedings of the trial1 all charges and specifications and documents relating thereto1 and shall forward the same to the ,president of the ,ministerial ,court of ,appeals as soon as he has been appointed4 #g4 ,the right of peremptory challenge shall not be denied an appellant1 provided1 the exercise of such challenge does not reduce the members of the ,court below five1 which number shall constitute a quorum4 #h4 ,the ,ministerial ,court of ,appeals shall elect a ,secretary from its own members to keep a record of its proceedings4 ,in all cases the proceedings and findings of the ,court shall be subject to review by the ,general ,conference4 #i4 ,the appellant or his representative shall state the grounds of his appeal1 and the representative of the lower court shall then be heard4 ,the charges and specifications and all documents bearing on the case1 together with the minutes of the lower ,court1 shall be read4 ,the appellant is then heard in his defense and reply is made by the representative of the lower ,court4 ,when the representatives of the appellant and the ,court below have been heard1 they retire and the ,court of ,appeals deliberates and decides the case4 ,,chapter ,,xxviii4 ,,appeal ,,of ,a ,,traveling ,,preacher ,,to ,,the ,,general ,,conference #a4 ,in all cases1 it shall be the duty of the ,secretary of the ,annual ,conference to preserve the documents relating to the trial of members1 which documents only1 in an appeal from the decision of an ,annual ,conference1 shall be presented to the ,ministerial ,court of ,appeals in evidence on the case4 #b4 ,when an appeal is made from the ,ministerial ,court of ,appeals1 and allowed by the ,general ,conference1 there shall be a committee appointed consisting of one delegate from each ,annual ,conference1 who1 in the presence of a ,bishop and one or more of the ,secretaries of the ,general ,conference1 shall have full power to try the case2 and their decision shall be final4 ,and the said committee shall make a faithful report to the ,general ,conference1 in writing1 and deliver up to the ,secretary the whole record of the case with the decision rendered4 #c4 ,no member shall be appointed to serve on any appeal when he has been a member of the committee that first tried the case4 #d4 ,the appellant shall state1 either personally or by his representative1 7who shall be a member of the ,conference17 the grounds of his appeal1 showing cause why he appeals1 and he shall be permitted to make his defense without interruption4 ,after which the representatives of the ,ministerial ,court of ,appeals from whose decision the appeal is made shall be permitted to respond in presence of the appellant1 who shall be at privilege of replying1 which shall close the pleadings on both sides4 ,this done1 the appellant shall withdraw and the committee shall decide4 #e4 ,no minister1 after such form of trial and expulsion1 shall be restored to the communion of the ,church without giving satisfactory evidence of repentance1 unless the ,annual ,conference shall become convinced that he was innocent of the crime for which he was expelled2 in which case the ,conference may restore him to his previous standing4 ,,chapter ,,xxix4 ,,appeal ,,of ,a ,,local ,,preacher4 #a4 ,when an appeal of a ,local ,preacher is made and allowed by the ,annual ,conference1 the ,president shall appoint a committee of not less than nine nor more than thirteen1 who shall have full power to try the case2 and their decision shall be final4 #b4 ,no member of the ,quarterly ,conference that first tried the case shall be appointed on this committee4 #c4 ,the minutes of the trial in the ,quarterly ,conference shall be laid before this committee1 which documents only shall be in evidence2 and the said committee shall make a faithful report to the ,annual ,conference in writing1 and deliver up to the ,secretary the whole record of the case with the decision rendered4 #d4 ,the appellant shall state1 either personally or by his representative 7who shall be a member of the ,conference71 the grounds of his appeal1 showing cause why he appeals1 and he shall be permitted to make his defense without interruption4 ,after which the representatives of the ,quarterly ,conference from whose decision the appeal is made1 shall be permitted to respond in presence of the appellant1 who shall have privilege of replying1 which shall close the pleadings on both sides4 ,this done1 the appellant shall withdraw and the committee shall decide4 ,,chapter ,,xxx4 ,,appeal ,,of ,a ,,member4 #a4 ,if there be a murmur or complaint from any excluded person1 that justice has not been done in the trial before the ,church or committee1 he shall be allowed an appeal to the next ,quarterly ,conference4 #b4 ,the appeal being made and allowed1 the preacher in charge shall present the minutes of the trial to the ,quarterly ,conference1 from which minutes the case shall finally be determined4 #c4 ,no member of the committee for trial shall vote on the appeal4 #d4 ,the appellant shall state1 either personally or by his representative1 7who shall be a member of the church7 the grounds of his appeal1 showing cause why he appeals1 and he shall be permitted to make his defense1 without interruption4 ,after which the representatives of the society or committee from whose decision the appeal is made1 shall be permitted to respond in presence of the appellant1 who shall have privilege of replying1 which shall close the pleadings on both sides4 ,this done1 the appellant shall withdraw1 and the majority of the members of the ,quarterly ,conference present shall finally determine the case4 #e4 ,no member1 after such form of trial and expulsion1 shall be restored to the communion of the ,church without giving satisfactory evidence of repentance1 unless the ,quarterly ,conference shall become convinced that he was innocent of the crime for which he was expelled2 in which case he may be restored4 ,,chapter ,,xxxi4 ,,restoration ,,of ,,credentials ,i4 ,,traveling ,,elders ,,and ,,deacons4 #a4 ,when any traveling ,elder or ,deacon is deprived of his credentials of ordination by expulsion or otherwise1 they shall be filed with the papers of the ,annual ,conference of which he was a member4 #b4 ,should he1 at any future time1 give satisfactory evidence to said ,conference of his amendment or innocence1 and procure a certificate of the ,quarterly ,conference of the circuit or station where he resides1 or of the ,annual ,conference which may have admitted him on trial1 recommending him to the ,annual ,conference1 of which he was formerly a member1 the restoration of his credentials1 the said ,conference may restore them4 ,,ii4 ,,local ,,elders ,,or ,,deacons4 #a4 ,when any local ,elder or ,deacon is deprived of his credentials of ordination by expulsion or otherwise1 it shall be the duty of the ,presiding ,elder to require them of him1 and to file them with the papers of the ,annual ,conference within the limits of which the said ,local ,preacher resides4 #b4 ,should he1 at any future time1 produce to the ,annual ,conference a certificate of his restoration by the ,quarterly ,conference1 signed by the ,president and ,secretary thereof1 his credentials may be restored to him4 ,,part ,,vii4 ,,support ,,of ,,the ,,ministry1 ,,building ,,churches ,,and ,,parsonages-- ,,securing ,,and ,,transferring ,,church ,,property ,,chapter ,,xxxii4 ,i4 ,,support ,,of ,,pastors #a4 ,every minister1 who by the rules and usages of the ,church is a claimant on its funds1 shall1 as far as practicable1 have his claim estimated by those who are to pay it1 or by an agent authorized to act for them4 #b4 ,the salary and traveling expenses of preachers on circuits and stations shall be estimated by their respective ,boards of ,stewards4 #c4 ,the ,stewards shall report to each ,church meeting the whole amount to be raised1 and that part of it which each congregation is expected to pay4 ,the ,church ,conference shall adopt its own method of raising this money4 ,,ii4 ,,support ,,of ,,presiding ,,elders #a4 ,the salary and traveling expenses of ,presiding ,elders shall be estimated by the ,joint ,board of ,finance4 #b4 ,the ,joint ,board of ,finance shall apportion the amount allowed among the different pastoral charges of the ,district1 whose ,boards of ,stewards shall add the sum1 thus apportioned1 to the amounts agreed on to be raised for their preachers1 and its collection shall be provided for in the same way4 ,,iii4 ,,support ,,of ,,bishops ,the ,bishops shall be supported according to the following plan3 #a4 ,the allowance of the ,bishops for salary and traveling expenses shall be estimated by the ,committee on ,finance of the ,general ,conference and the sum thus allowed shall be paid out of the ,general ,fund by the ,book ,agent4 #b4 ,the ,book ,agent shall pay each ,bishop one fourth of the sum allowed per annum1 quarterly1 according to the provision in the ,financial ,plan4 #c4 ,the ,bishops who shall have been placed on the retired list1 shall be paid the sum of six hundred 7#fjj4jj7 dollars per annum1 to be paid quarterly as other ,bishops4 #d4 ,those ,bishops who are unable to do full work shall be paid the same amount and in the same way as those who are efficient and actively engaged in the work4 #e4 ,in case of the death of a retired ,bishop1 the remainder of his allowance for that year shall be paid to his widow4 #f4 ,the ,book ,agent shall pay to the widows of deceased ,bishops twenty 7#bj4jj7 dollars per month1 to be paid quarterly as long as she remains a widow in good standing in the ,c4 ,m4 ,e4 ,church4 ,if she should die before her children1 they shall receive the same allowance until they become fourteen years of age4 ,,iv4 ,,support ,,of ,,those ,,not ,,otherwise ,,provided ,,for ,all officers appointed by the ,general ,conference1 and not otherwise provided for by law1 shall have their salaries fixed by the ,joint ,board of ,finance of the ,conference of which they are members1 or within the bounds of which the work assigned them by the ,general ,conference lies2 and be paid from the proceeds of their office1 or by such other means as the ,conference may devise4 ,,chapter ,,xxxiii4 ,,churches ,,and ,,parsonages ,i4 ,,charitable ,,institutions ,any church or churches in any ,annual ,conference of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church in ,america1 shall have the right to establish an ,,old ,,folks' ,home1 ,,orphan ,,asylum1 ,,hospital1 or other charitable institutions in conformity to the laws of the ,state or ,territory in which they are located4 ,the ,trustees of all such institutions shall be members of the ,colored ,m4 ,e4 ,church1 and shall have authority to found1 maintain and operate such institutions in the name of the ,c4 ,m4 ,e4 ,church in ,america4 ,,ii4 ,,building ,,churches ,ques4 ,is anything advisable in regard to building churches8 ,ans4 #a4 ,let all our churches be plain and decent1 and with free seats1 as far as practicable2 and they shall in no wise be used for political purposes or assemblages4 #b4 ,in order more effectually to prevent our people from contracting debts which they are not able to discharge1 it shall be the duty of the ,quarterly ,conference of every circuit and station where it is contemplated to build a house of worship to secure the ground or lot on which such house or houses are to be built1 according to our deed of settlement1 which deed must be legally executed2 and also said ,quarterly ,conference shall appoint a judicious committee of at least three members of our church1 who shall form an estimate of the amount necessary to build2 and three-fourths of the money1 according to such estimate1 shall be secured or subscribed before any such building shall be commenced4 #c4 ,in all cases where debts for building houses of worship have been or may be incurred contrary to1 or in disregard of1 the above recommendation1 our members and friends are requested to discountenance by declining pecuniary aid to all agents who shall travel abroad beyond their own circuits or districts for the collection of funds for the discharge of such debts1 except in such peculiar cases as may be approved by an ,annual ,conference4 #d4 ,in future1 we will admit no charter1 deed1 or conveyance for any house of worship to be used by us1 unless it be provided in such charter1 deed1 or conveyance1 that the ,trustees of said house shall at all times permit such ministers and preachers1 belonging to the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church in ,america1 as shall from time to time be duly authorized by the ,general ,conference of our ,church1 or by the ,annual ,conferences1 to preach and expound ,god's holy ,word1 and to execute the ,discipline of the ,church1 and to administer the sacraments therein1 according to the true meaning and purport of our deed of settlement4 ,,iii4 ,,building ,,parsonages ,ques4 ,what advice or direction is given concerning the building of dwelling houses for the use of the married traveling preachers8 ,ans4 #a4 ,it is recommended to our friends in general1 to purchase a lot of ground in each pastoral charge1 and to build a preacher's house thereon1 and to furnish it with at least heavy furniture1 and to settle the same on trustees appointed by the ,quarterly ,conference1 according to our deed of settlement4 #b4 ,it shall be the duty of the ,presiding ,elders and preachers to use their influence to carry the above rules respecting building houses1 for the accommodation of preachers and their families1 into effect4 ,in order to do this1 each ,quarterly ,conference shall appoint a committee1 7unless other measures have been adopted71 who1 with the advice and aid of the preachers and ,presiding ,elder1 shall devise such means as may seem fit to raise money for that purpose4 ,and it is recommended to the ,annual ,conferences to make a special inquiry of their members respecting this part of their duty4 ,,chapter ,,xxxiv4 ,,securing1 ,,selling1 ,,or ,,transferring ,,church ,,property4 #a4 ,,securing ,,churches ,,and ,,parsonages ,ques4 ,what shall be done for the security of our preaching houses and parsonages1 and other ,church property1 and the premises belonging thereto8 ,ans4 #a4 ,each ,annual ,conference is authorized to make such modification in the deeds as they may find the different usages and customs of law require in the different ,states and ,territories1 so as to secure the property firmly by deed1 and permanently in fee simple1 to the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church in ,america2 but in all conveyances of ground for the building of houses of worship1 or upon which they may have been already built1 let the following clause be inserted at the proper place3 ,in trust1 that said premises shall be used1 kept1 maintained1 and disposed of as a place of ,divine ,worship for the use of the ministry and membership of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church in ,america2 subject to the ,discipline1 usage1 and ministerial appointments of said ,church1 as from time to time authorized and declared by the ,general ,conference of said ,church1 and the ,annual ,conference within whose bounds the said premises are situated4 #b4 ,likewise1 in all conveyances of ground for the building of dwelling houses for the use of the preachers1 or upon which they may have been already built1 let the following clause be inserted at the proper place3 ,in trust1 that said premises shall be held1 kept1 and maintained and disposed of as a place of residence for the use and occupancy of the preachers of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church in ,america1 who may from time to time be appointed in said place2 subject to the usage and ,discipline of said ,church1 as from time to time authorized and declared by the ,general ,conference of said ,church1 and by the ,annual ,conference within whose bounds the said premises are situated4 ,,ii4 ,,division1 ,,transfer1 ,,or ,,sale ,,of ,,church ,,property #a4 ,when any circuit1 station1 or mission shall be divided into two or more charges1 each separate charge may constitute a new ,board or ,boards of ,trustees2 and the ,church property held by the ,trustees of the original charge shall be conveyed to the new ,boards thus created1 and the former ,board or ,boards shall be freed from all pecuniary liabilities1 such being transferred to the new ,boards respectively4 #b4 ,the ,trustees1 with the consent of the preacher in charge and the ,quarterly ,conference1 shall have power to sell any church or parsonage property1 which has gone out of use or should be removed to another place1 the proceeds of which shall be under the direction of the ,quarterly ,conference4 #c4 ,if the said ,trustees1 or any of them1 or their successors1 have advanced1 or shall advance1 any sum or sums of money1 or shall be responsible for any sum or sums of money1 on account of ,church property1 and they1 the said ,trustees1 or their successors1 be obliged to pay the said sum or sums of money1 they1 or a majority of them1 shall be authorized to raise the said sum or sums of money by a mortgage on the said property1 or by selling the said property1 after notice given to the preacher in charge1 or the ,presiding ,elder of the ,district1 if the money due be not paid to the said ,trustees1 or their successors1 within one year after such notice has been given2 provided1 that in no case shall any such trustees sell or mortgage any ,church property unless they are authorized by the ,quarterly ,conference1 the ,presiding ,elder being present in person4 ,any sale or mortgage made without the authority of the ,quarterly ,conference is hereby declared ,,null and ,,void2 and if such sale takes place1 the said ,trustees1 or their successors1 after paying the debt and other expenses which are due from the money arising from such sale1 shall pay over the remainder of the money produced by the said sale to the ,steward1 or ,stewards1 of the circuit1 station1 or mission2 which surplus of the produce of said sale shall be forwarded by the said ,steward1 or ,stewards1 to the ,quarterly ,conference within whose bounds it is situated1 at its next session2 which said ,quarterly ,conference shall dispose of the said money1 by a vote of the majority for the use of the said circuit1 station or mission4 ,,part ,,viii4 ,,boards ,,and ,,departments ,,financial ,,plan ,,chapter ,,xxxv4 ,,financial ,,plan ,article ,i4 7#a7 ,the ,general ,funds of the ,colored ,m4 ,e4 ,church in ,america shall be one hundred thousand 7#ajj1jjj7 dollars per annum2 provided1 the assessment in any ,conference or charge shall not exceed #ej;c per capita4 #b4 ,said amount shall be divided as follows3 7a7 ,bishops' salary #be per cent 7b7 ,education #bb per cent 7c7 ,general ,missions #bb per cent 7d7 ,publishing ,int4 #aj per cent 7e7 ,building ,fund #e per cent 7f7 ,conf4 ,claimants #aj per cent 7g7 ,contingent ,fund #f per cent ,article ,,ii4 7#a7 ,there shall be a ,board of ,equalization consisting of one ,bishop1 the ,book ,agent1 and the ,auditing ,committee4 #b4 ,the ,board of ,equalization shall apportion to each ,annual ,conference according to its numerical strength1 its pro rata of the ,general ,assessment4 #c4 ,the ,joint ,board of ,finance of each ,annual ,conference shall apportion1 and adjust the same in and to all the charges according to the number of ministers and members reported in the first ,annual ,conference after the ,general ,conference4 ,such assessment must stand unchanged for four years4 ,art4 ,,iii4 7#a7 ,the ,general ,funds shall be collected quarterly by the pastor in charge1 and paid to the ,presiding ,elder each quarterly visit4 #b4 ,the ,presiding ,elder shall forward the amount collected from the several charges in his district quarterly to the ,agent1 and take his receipt for the same4 ,the receipt for each quarterly remittance shall be kept by the ,presiding ,elder and turned over to the ,joint ,board of ,finance at the ,annual ,conference4 #c4 ,the ,joint ,board of ,finance shall forward the receipts with the balance of the money1 that may be reported in the ,annual ,conference to the ,book ,agent and take his receipt for the whole amount of ,general ,funds paid by said ,conference during the year4 ,art4 ,,iv4 7#a7 ,the salary and traveling expenses of the ,bishops shall be two thousand two hundred and fifty 7#bbej4jj7 dollars each per annum1 one fourth of which shall be paid quarterly4 #b4 ,the salary of retired ,bishops shall be six hundred 7#fjj7 dollars each per annum1 one fourth of which shall be paid quarterly4 #c4 ,the allowance to widows of deceased ,bishops shall be two hundred and forty 7#bdj4jj7 dollars each per annum4 ,art4 ,v4 ,the ,book ,agent shall receive all the ,general ,funds1 and shall keep an itemized account of the same4 ,he shall report to the ,publishing ,board annually1 the amount received from each ,annual ,conference in the connection2 and to the ,general ,conference1 the whole amount received during the quadrennium4 ,art4 ,,vi4 ,the eight-four 7#hd7 per cent4 of the ,general ,funds handled by the ,book ,agent shall be apportioned by him according to the following plan4 7a7 ,the ,bishops shall be paid quarterly1 each #efb4ej 7b7 ,the retired ,bishops shall be paid quarterly1 each #aej4jj #b4 ,should a sufficient amount not be realized from the #be per cent4 collected quarterly to enable the active ,bishops to travel through their ,episcopal ,fields1 the ,agent shall draw on the whole amount of ,general ,funds1 to make up the deficiency4 #c4 ,the twenty-two per cent4 collected under the provision of ,article ,i for ,missions shall be paid to the ,book ,agent who shall turn over #ej per cent of the above amount to the ,secretary of ,missions to be used for ,missions and missionaries on the fields4 ,art4 ,,vii4 7#a7 ,all money raised for ,education under the provision of ,article ,i shall be apportioned to the ,institutions of learning1 recognized by the ,general ,conference and ,board of ,education4 #b4 ,the ,annual ,conference1 within whose bounds said money is raised1 shall have the right to designate the school to which its money shall be paid4 #c4 ,every ,annual ,conference shall have the right to direct that one half of its money be held by the ,secretary for ,education of a minister1 or ministers on trial1 and to designate the school to be attended by said minister1 or ministers2 provided1 however that the student be required to return three-fourths at least of said money used for his expenses to the school--one fourth each year until the full amount shall have been paid4 #d4 ,no one shall be recommended to our schools to be supported by the conference unless it be proven that he is unable to pay his own expenses4 #e4 ,a student recommended for support to secure an education1 shall give his personal note to the conference covering the amount to be received by him before he enters school4 #f4 ,the ,joint ,board of ,finance shall send a statement to the ,agent1 naming the school to which its money shall be paid4 #g4 ,money for ,education from the ,general ,funds shall go to the ,secretary of ,education4 ,the ,book ,agent shall send #ej per cent4 of this amount in quarterly installments1 and the remainder shall be turned over after the annual meeting of the ,publishing ,board4 ,art4 ,,viii4 7#a7 ,the ten per cent4 collected under provision of ,article ,,ii for ,publishing ,fund shall be retained by the ,agent1 subject to the order of the ,publishing ,board4 #b4 ,the ,publishing ,board1 after paying the salaries of the ,book ,agent1 ,editor of the ,christian ,index1 ,editor of the ,eastern and ,western ,index1 shall use the balance of the money in purchasing ground1 erecting buildings1 and1 in any other way necessary for the advancement of ,publishing ,interests4 #c4 ,the five per cent4 raised for building fund shall be retained by the ,agent for said purposes4 ,art4 ,,ix4 ,should there be a surplus accruing from the twenty-five per cent41 for ,bishops' salary1 it shall be kept as a contingent fund on ,bishops' salary4 ,art4 ,x4 7#a7 ,the ten per cent4 collected under ,article ,i for ,conference ,claimants shall be forwarded by the ,joint ,board of ,finance to the ,secretary of the ,department for ,superannuated ,preachers1 widows and orphans of preachers1 to be applied according to the constitution of said department4 #b4 ,the six per cent4 for ,annual ,conference ,contingent ,fund shall be retained by the ,joint ,board of ,finance to be used as the ,conference may direct4 ,art4 ,,xi4 ,it is the duty of every pastor to raise the full assessment1 laid against his charge by the ,joint ,board of ,finance4 ,the ,presiding ,elder shall use his influence to help raise the same4 ,art4 ,,xii4 ,all laws in conflict with the above plan are hereby repealed4 ,,chapter ,,xxxvi4 ,,the ,,joint ,,board ,,of ,,finance #a4 ,each ,annual ,conference shall have a ,joint ,board of ,finance1 appointed by the ,president of the ,conference1 7unless otherwise ordered17 at the close of its annual session1 to hold their office until the close of the next ensuing ,annual ,conference session4 #b4 ,said ,board shall consist of one clerical member of the ,conference and one layman for each ,presiding ,elder's ,district4 ,they shall elect their own ,chairman and ,secretary1 and the ,board shall fill all vacancies that may occur in the body2 provided1 they do so by keeping up an equal number of clerical and lay members4 #c4 ,it shall be the duty of the ,joint ,board of ,finance-- 7a7 ,to receive all moneys collected as ,annual ,conference collections or otherwise1 and to forward the amount collected for superannuated preachers1 widows1 and orphans to the ,secretary of that fund4 7b7 ,to estimate the amount necessary to meet the claims of the superannuated preachers1 widows1 and orphans of preachers1 and send a list of these claimants to the ,secretary of that department1 together with the number of years each superannuate has served in the active itinerant ministry and the age of each child4 7c7 ,to adjust and apportion the ,general and ,contingent ,funds in and to all the charges of the ,annual ,conference1 according to the number of ministers and members reported at each session of the ,conference4 7d7 ,to fix the salary and traveling expenses of ,presiding ,elders and apportion the same in and to the several charges within the ,district4 7e7 ,to decide all issues that may arise between stewards and ,presiding ,elders1 or between stewards and preachers in charge1 with regard to salary4 ,the decision of the ,joint ,board shall be final1 but in no case1 shall any preacher hold a claim against any charge after his removal4 7f7 ,to carefully consider and report to the conference upon all financial interests referred to it4 ,all financial matters of the conference shall be referred to this ,board4 7g7 ,to make a full report of all its proceedings to the conference1 which shall have power to amend1 approve1 or re-commit4 #d4 ,the ,recording ,steward of each circuit or station shall report to the ,joint ,board of ,finance a full account of the transactions of the ,board of ,stewards of the preceding year4 #e4 ,each ,annual ,conference shall adopt its own method of raising money for its legal claimants and its own expenses1 provided such methods are in harmony with the ,general laws and do not interfere with the rights of the church conference to adopt its own method of raising money to meet its expenses4 ,,chapter ,,xxxvii4 ,,the ,,publishing ,,department ,art4 #a4 7#a7 ,there shall be and is a ,publishing ,department of the ,c4 ,m4 ,e4 ,church in ,america4 #b4 ,the ,publishing ,house shall be located in ,nashville1 ,tenn4 #c4 ,the ,publishing ,department was established for the object and purpose of spreading the ,christian religion by the publication1 sale and dissemination of moral and religious literature1 the promotion of ,christian education1 and for publishing books1 book-making1 book selling and for the transaction of such other business as is legitimately connected with a ,publishing ,department4 #d4 ,this department shall publish weekly the ,christian ,index1 as the ,official ,organ of the church1 and shall supervise the publication of the ,eastern ,index and the ,western ,index1 which shall also be published weekly4 ,subscription to the ,christian ,index shall be #a4ej per year2 of the ,eastern ,index and the ,western ,index1 #a4jj each1 per year4 #e4 ,the interests of the ,publishing ,department and the publication of the ,christian ,index shall be under the management of the ,book ,agent1 who1 with the ,editor1 shall be elected by the ,general ,conference4 #f4 ,the editors of the ,eastern ,index and ,western ,index shall be elected by the ,general ,conference and shall co-operate with the ,agent in furthering the interests of the ,publishing ,house4 ,article ,,ii4 7#a7 ,the ,publishing ,board shall have general supervision and direction of all the publishing interests of the church4 #b4 ,the officers of the ,board shall be a chairman1 who shall be one of the ,bishops of the ,church1 a secretary and such other officers as may be necessary4 #c4 ,the annual meeting of the ,publishing ,board shall be held on the first ,wednesday in ,may of each year1 or at such other times and places as the ,board may appoint or as the chairman may direct4 ,at all meetings of the ,board1 a majority shall1 constitute a quorum4 #d4 ,the ,publishing ,board shall keep a correct record of all its proceedings and shall examine carefully into the affairs of the ,publishing ,department4 ,article ,,iii4 7#a7 ,there shall be an ,auditing ,committee elected by the ,general ,conference consisting of three members1 one of whom shall be a layman1 and two clerical 7members71 who shall live in proximity to the ,publishing ,department4 ,the auditors shall meet annually1 at least a week before the regular meeting of the ,board1 to audit the accounts of the ,agent1 inspect the entire business of the ,publishing ,department1 and to see that all complaints about the management of the ,book ,house in neglecting to fill orders for publications1 including the ,index are properly adjusted4 ,the expenses of said committee shall be borne by the ,publishing ,department4 #b4 ,the ,general ,conference shall elect quadrennially a ,book ,agent who under the direction of the ,publishing ,board1 shall have authority to regulate the production and distribution of our publications and to conduct the affairs of the ,publishing ,department4 #c4 ,it shall be the duty of the ,book ,agent to publish1 purchase1 sell and distribute such books1 periodicals and publications as are authorized by the ,general ,conference or the ,publishing ,board4 #d4 ,the ,book ,agent shall keep the account of the ,publishing ,department by such uniform system as he may think best or as directed by the ,auditing ,committee4 #e4 ,the ,book ,agent shall receive all ,general ,funds1 keep an itemized account of the same1 and report to the ,publishing ,board the whole amount of ,general ,funds received from each ,annual ,conference1 and finally at the ,general ,conference report all moneys received during the quadrennium4 #f4 ,he shall pay the ,bishops their salaries and traveling expenses quarterly1 and shall give his entire time to promote the success of the ,publishing ,department and faithfully perform all duties which properly belong to his office4 ,article ,v4 7#a7 ,the editor of the ,christian ,index shall faithfully perform all duties which properly belong to the editorial office and co-operate with the ,agent in doing whatever he can to build up the interests of the ,publishing ,department4 #b4 ,the salary of the ,book ,agent shall be fifteen hundred 7#aejj4jj7 dollars per annum and the salary of the editor of the ,christian ,index shall be fifteen hundred 7#aejj4jj7 dollars per annum4 #c4 ,the editors of the ,eastern and ,western ,index shall receive #fjj per annum each to be applied to publication of the respective papers and in part payment on salary4 ,they shall serve a charge for balance of support4 #c4 ,the ,publishing ,board by a two-third vote shall have power to suspend the ,agent or ,editor for immoral conduct or inefficiency in office during the interval of the ,general ,conference4 ,in such cases1 if an investigation is found necessary1 the accused shall be given due notice1 and one of the ,bishops shall be appointed to preside at the investigation4 ,if the accused shall be judged guilty1 he shall be suspended from office1 and the ,annual ,conference to which he belongs shall proceed to try him as provided by the book of ,discipline4 ,article ,,vi4 7#a7 ,the proceeds of the ,publishing ,house after a sufficient amount with which to carry on its affairs has been retained1 shall be regularly applied to the benefit of the traveling1 supernumerary and retired preachers1 their widows and children4 #b4 ,all laws in conflict with this constitution are hereby repealed4 ,,chapter ,,xxxviii4 ,,the ,,general ,,missionary ,,department4 ,art4 #a4 ,there shall be a ,mission ,board of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church1 chartered according to the laws of the ,state of ,tennessee4 ,the ,mission ,board shall have general supervision of all ,missionary operations of the church4 ,art4 #b4 ,the members of this ,board shall be a ,bishop1 who shall be ,president1 the ,secretary of ,missions1 and one representative from each ,episcopal ,district4 ,the ,secretary of ,missions and the members from ,episcopal ,districts1 shall be elected by the ,general ,conference4 ,art4 #c4 ,the ,mission ,board shall regulate its own operations1 appropriate money for its expenses1 provide for ,missions not provided for by ,annual ,conferences1 and contribute to the support of preachers in ,mission ,fields4 ,it shall assist in building houses of worship1 provide such literature as may be necessary for the advancement of the work and co-operate with other ,methodist ,bodies in similar work1 whenever it may be necessary and mutually agreeable4 ,art4 #d4 7#a7 ,the revenue of the ,mission ,board shall be derived from collections on ,general ,missionary ,day1 ,sunday ,schools1 ,epworth ,leagues1 ,sunday ,school ,conventions1 ,district and ,annual ,conferences1 collections taken by the ,secretary and the ,bishops1 #ej per cent4 of the ,mission money accruing from the ,general ,funds1 and #bj per cent4 of all money raised by the ,missionary ,societies of ,annual ,conferences4 #b4 ,twenty per cent4 of all money raised by the ,annual ,conference ,board of ,missions1 shall be directed to the ,secretary of ,missions and his receipt taken for same4 ,the ,bishops shall present the receipt of the ,secretary with their reports1 to the ,mission ,board4 ,art4 #e4 7#a7 ,the ,second ,sunday in ,august of each year shall be ,general ,missionary ,day4 ,this day shall be strictly observed by all ,presiding ,elders1 pastors and congregations throughout the connection4 ,presiding ,elders and pastors will preach at one service1 on the subject of ,missions1 and may provide a program bearing on the same subject for another service4 ,care and study shall be given to teach the people the place and importance of ,missionary work in the church4 #b4 ,each member of the church is requested to pay five cents for ,missions on ,general ,missionary ,day1 and each congregation will be expected to report a sum equal to five cents per capita at the ,annual ,conference4 #c4 ,each pastor will forward the amount raised on ,general ,missionary ,day at once to his ,presiding ,elder1 and the ,presiding ,elder will remit the same at once to the ,secretary of ,missions and take his receipt1 which receipt will be counted in the settlement of the ,district at the ,annual ,conference4 ,art4 ,,vi4 7#a7 ,the ,secretary shall be a minister of the ,gospel1 but may be a member of any ,annual ,conference4 ,he shall keep a permanent record of the operations of the ,department1 publish a synopsis of his work quarterly in one of the papers of the church1 attend to all legal business relating to the work1 travel throughout the church in interest of the work1 and report annually1 to the ,board1 or as often as they deem it necessary4 #b4 ,the ,secretary of ,missions shall devise plans and co-operate with all ,annual ,conference ,missionaries in holding such institutes1 conventions1 and ,missionary ,meetings1 as will advance the interest of the church4 ,in all cases1 the ,missionary ,department shall share in the money raised by such devices and meetings4 #c4 ,the ,secretary shall distribute literature for all ,missionaries throughout the ,church1 which literature1 shall be uniform4 #d4 ,the ,secretary of ,missions is authorized to organize ,missionary ,societies wherever he finds it necessary1 and to publish a ,missionary paper1 monthly1 provided1 it shall not cost the church more than #bjj per annum4 #e4 ,the salary and traveling expenses of the ,secretary shall be #aejj per annum1 to be paid quarterly by the ,book ,agent from the ,mission fund4 ,art4 #g4 ,the ,bishops shall report annually to the ,mission ,board1 the number of ,missionaries employed1 the amount of support allowed each1 the number of ,missions established1 the number of members1 and the cost of maintaining each point4 ,their reports shall be written and shall embrace a statement of the condition and prospect of each ,mission4 ,art4 #h4 ,the funds of the ,mission ,board shall be deposited in bank in the name of the ,board of ,missions of the ,c4 ,m4 ,e4 ,church1 subject to checks drawn by the ,secretary and signed by the ,president4 ,art4 #i4 ,any ,annual or ,district ,conference1 church1 ,sunday ,school1 ,epworth ,league ,chapter1 or individual1 may assume in part or in whole1 the support of a ,missionary1 ,mission1 or ,mission ,school1 which may be established or approved by the ,mission ,board1 provided1 that in all cases1 the money be sent to the ,mission ,board ,for application4 ,art4 #aj4 ,presiding ,elders shall see that each pastor organize a ,missionary ,society or ,societies1 in his charge encourage the idea and spirit of ,missions among the people1 see that each society is supplied with literature1 and preach a sermon on ,missions in every charge in his ,district at least once a year4 ,art4 #aa4 ,the ,mission ,board shall form an auditing committee from its own membership1 which committee shall audit the books of the ,secretary and see that they are properly kept4 ,art4 #ab4 ,all laws in conflict herewith1 are repealed4 ,,chapter ,,xxxix4 ,,woman',s ,,missionary ,,board ,art4 #a4 ,this ,society shall be known as the ,woman's ,home ,missionary ,society of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church in ,america4 ,art4 ,,ii4 ,the object of this ,society shall be to enlist the members of our ,church in the work of giving aid to mission points and mission preachers in all our conferences2 to help to build parsonages and suitable houses of worship2 to foster the cause of religious instruction among the neglected poor1 and to otherwise aid the cause of the blessed ,master4 ,art4 ,,iii4 ,this ,society shall be controlled by the ,annual ,conference in whose bounds it may operate1 which shall elect its own officers and regulate its own affairs1 provided it does not interfere with any of the work that may be planned by the ,mission ,board4 ,art4 ,,iv4 ,the officers of the ,woman's ,home ,missionary ,society shall be elected annually1 and shall consist of a ,president1 ,vice-,president1 ,secretary-,treasurer1 and five managers1 who shall be an ,executive ,board for the ,annual ,conference1 controlling all the missions that may be under the supervision of the ,annual ,conference4 ,art4 ,v4 ,the funds of the ,society shall be derived from membership fees1 mite boxes1 contributions1 card devices1 donations1 and such other means as may be adopted by the ,annual ,conference4 ,art4 ,,vi4 ,each ,annual ,conference shall have full control of all money that may be raised by the ,woman's ,home ,missionary ,society1 and shall retain the same to be used as the ,conference may see fit4 ,art4 ,,vii4 ,the ,annual ,conference ,boards shall arrange constitutions and by-laws governing the ,woman's ,home ,missionary ,society within their bounds1 and shall also arrange for ,juvenile ,societies to be formed among the children1 and they shall send a report of their work each year to the ,secretary of ,missions for publication4 ,art4 ,,viii4 ,there shall be held in each ,district a ,missionary ,convention of the ,woman's ,home ,missionary ,society1 which shall be under the supervision of the ,presiding ,elder1 and composed of the preachers in charge of circuits1 stations and missions1 and one representative from each society formed in the ,district4 ,the time for holding this ,convention shall be fixed by the ,presiding ,elder1 and the place by the ,convention4 ,,chapter ,,xl4 ,,the ,,church ,,extension ,,department ,art4 ,i4 ,there shall be a ,board of ,church ,extension of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church in ,america1 which shall be conducted as a body corporate under such laws and regulations as the ,general ,conference may1 from time to time1 adopt4 ,art4 ,,ii 7#a7 ,the ,board shall consist of a ,bishop1 who shall be ,president1 a ,vice-,president1 the ,general ,secretary1 a ,treasurer1 and nine managers1 who shall be elected by the ,general ,conference4 ,all ,bishops1 except the ,president1 shall be ex-officio members of the ,board4 #b4 ,the ,board shall meet annually4 ,seven members shall constitute a quorum4 #c4 ,the location or headquarters of the ,board shall be fixed by the ,general ,conference at ,louisville1 ,ky4 #d4 ,the ,board shall have authority to fill all vacancies which may occur in the interval of the ,general ,conference1 regulate its own proceedings1 appropriate money to meet its own expenses1 determine what amount may be donated or loaned to each applicant1 and do such other business as may be regular and legitimate1 provided however1 that no money shall be appropriated in the general work for other purposes than purchasing and securing church lots and securing or erecting church buildings1 paying the ,general ,secretary1 and meeting such other expenses as are necessary to carry on the work of the ,board4 ,art4 ,,iii4 7#a7 ,there shall be an ,executive ,committee to consist of five members4 ,the members of this committee shall be appointed by the ,board of ,church ,extension4 #b4 ,the ,executive ,committee shall meet quarterly1 unless otherwise ordered by the ,board4 ,three members shall constitute a quorum4 #c4 ,it shall be the duty of the ,executive ,committee to carry out the instructions of the ,board given them from time to time4 ,art4 ,,iv4 7#a7 ,the ,general ,secretary shall be a minister of the ,gospel1 but may be a member of any ,annual ,conference4 #b4 ,he shall be subject to the authority and control of the ,board and shall conduct the correspondence under its direction4 #c4 ,he shall have access to all conferences and congregations of the connection1 and be permitted to take collections in any and all of them for the ,department4 #d4 ,he shall make a quarterly report to the ,executive ,committee of all moneys received and paid out1 and to whom2 this report to be signed by the ,president and ,treasurer of the ,board4 #e4 ,he shall1 when called upon1 go to any part of the church1 in order to help ,presiding ,elders and pastors buy lands and build suitable churches and parsonages thereon4 #f4 ,in every case where the ,general ,secretary helps a mission1 circuit1 or station1 in raising money1 one half of the money raised must be given to the mission1 circuit1 or station1 and the other half must go to the ,department1 but1 where a mission has no lot1 upon which to build1 it shall retain and use all money raised1 but shall give a note for one half of this amount to the ,general ,secretary1 said note to be paid in one to seven years4 #g4 ,the ,general ,secretary shall receive for salary #aejj per annum and whatever the ,board of ,church ,extension may allow for traveling expenses4 ,art4 ,v4 7#a7 ,the revenue of the ,board shall be derived from an assessment of #e;c per capita on the membership of the ,church1 special collections by the ,secretary and ,bishops1 devices of the ,secretary1 and gifts and bequests4 #b4 ,in all cases1 the moneys raised by the ,general ,secretary shall be sent to the ,treasurer of the ,board1 who shall in turn1 pay out money on the order of the ,president and ,secretary of the ,board1 provided the order shall be in accord with the action of the ,board4 #c4 ,the ,general ,secretary shall not charge more than #f per cent4 interest on money loaned any church2 he may1 wherever conditions require1 and ability permits1 charge less4 #d4 ,all orders for money on the ,treasurer of the ,board shall be signed by the ,president and ,secretary of said ,board1 and1 in the absence of the ,president1 by the ,vice-,president4 ,art4 ,,vi4 7#a7 ,the ,church ,extension ,board shall have authority to negotiate loans1 furnish security for the payment of same1 and to foreclose any mortgage and secure the property in fee simple to this ,department1 provided1 that in no case1 shall any fore-closure dispossess a congregation of the rightful use of the property4 ,in case the membership should abandon the use of any property by moving away or joining other churches1 both the title and possession of such property shall revert to the ,board4 #b4 ,in no case1 shall any loan be made on church property unless it is secured by a first mortgage4 ,art4 ,,vii4 ,all applications for aid shall set forth3 #a4 ,a description of the building for which aid is asked4 #b4 ,an estimate on probable cost to complete building4 #c4 ,amount of cash and reliable subscription on hand4 #d4 ,the nature of the title1 its validity1 and whether held in trust for the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church in ,america4 #e4 ,the name of the ,board of ,trustees4 #f4 ,number of church members1 number of ,sunday ,school scholars1 and population of the town or city4 #g4 ,the leading industry of the town or city4 #h4 ,any additional information that may be deemed necessary or useful to the ,board4 ,art4 ,,viii4 7#a7 ,each ,annual ,conference shall organize a conference ,board of ,church ,extension1 which shall be auxiliary to the parent board4 ,it shall have charge of all the interests and work of ,church ,extension within its conference4 ,the ,secretary and ,treasurer of each ,annual ,conference ,board shall make a report to the parent board at such times1 and subject to such rules and regulations as may be provided by the parent board2 shall forward all moneys raised by said board to the ,general ,secretary without delay1 but may retain #be per cent4 to be used within the bounds of said ,annual ,conference4 #b4 ,no one shall be authorized to organize any local auxiliary at any time4 ,art4 ,,ix4 7#a7 ,presiding ,elders shall call for a report of ,church ,extension from each charge in the ,district ,conference1 which report shall be recorded as a part of the business of the ,district ,conference4 #b4 ,they shall bring the interests of ,church ,extension prominently before their ,quarterly ,conferences1 and collect at least one fourth of the #e;c per capita assessment from each charge and forward same quarterly to the ,general ,secretary4 ,art4 ,x4 ,the books of the ,church ,extension ,department shall be kept open for inspection by any member of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church4 ,art4 ,,xi4 ,these laws may be amended at any session of the ,general ,conference4 ,,chapter ,,xli4 ,,the ,,epworth ,,league ,,society ,art4 ,i4 ,there shall be and is an ,epworth ,league ,society of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church4 ,art4 ,,ii4 ,the object of the ,epworth ,league ,society shall be to promote piety and loyalty in the young people and friends of the church2 to bring into deeper sympathy1 closer union1 and mutual co-operation1 the three stages of life1 youth1 middle1 and old age2 to stimulate the study of the ,holy ,scriptures2 to deepen and intensify the desire for purity of heart1 consecration of life1 and growth in grace1 and to train its members for true service to ,christ and the ,church4 ,art4 ,,iii4 7#a7 ,the ,epworth ,league ,society shall consist of four general departments2 ,the ,general ,conference ,chapter1 the ,annual ,conference ,chapter1 the ,district ,conference ,chapter1 and the ,local ,chapter4 #b4 ,each ,chapter shall have seven departmental sections or committees as follows3 7#a7 ,devotional or ,spiritual2 7#b7 ,literary and ,social2 7#c7 ,mercy and ,help2 7#d7 ,correspondence2 7#e7 ,missions and ,care for the ,aged2 7#f7 ,finance2 and1 7#g7 ,music4 ,art4 ,,iv4 7#a7 ,the ,general ,conference ,chapter shall have a ,board composed of one ,bishop1 who shall be ,president1 a ,general ,secretary1 who shall be fourth vice-president1 and six other members1 all elected by the ,general ,conference4 #b4 ,the ,epworth ,league ,board shall hold its meetings annually at such time and place as the ,president may determine4 ,it shall hear1 audit1 and pass on the report of the ,secretary1 select proper literature for use in all the ,leagues1 supervise and direct the work of the ,secretary1 and see that the ,department meets the object of its organization1 as set forth in ,article ,,ii4 ,art4 ,v4 7#a7 ,each ,annual and ,district ,conference and ,local ,chapter shall have its president and a vice-president for each department4 ,all officers shall be elected annually4 #b4 ,each vice-president of ,annual and ,district ,conferences and ,local ,chapters1 shall choose three 7#c7 persons1 who1 with the vice-president1 shall constitute an ,executive ,committee of his ,department4 #c4 ,officers of the ,local ,chapters shall be nominated by the ,league1 and confirmed by the ,quarterly ,conference4 #d4 ,annual ,conference ,chapters shall meet annually1 separate and apart from the ,annual ,conference at such time as may be appointed by the ,conference ,president1 and at such place as the ,league may choose4 ,the ,president shall notify the ,general ,secretary of the time and place of such meeting4 #e4 ,district ,chapters shall meet once a year1 at such time and place as the ,presiding ,elder may select4 ,the ,district ,conference ,chapter shall be composed of representatives of each ,local ,league in the ,district4 #f4 ,local ,chapters should meet weekly1 or as often as circumstances will permit1 and shall be under the supervision of the pastor1 who shall organize a chapter or chapters in his charge1 and see that they are conducted in accordance with the ,guide4 #g4 ,a ,city ,league ,chapter may be organized in any town or city where two or more local leagues exist4 ,this ,league shall meet quarterly4 ,the ,president of the ,league of the first church shall conduct these meetings in the same manner as meetings of ,local ,leagues4 ,art4 ,,vi4 7#a7 ,the ,secretary1 who may be a preacher or a layman1 shall be elected by ballot by the ,general ,conference for a term of four years4 #b4 ,he shall have supervision of the ,annual and ,district ,conference1 and ,local ,chapters1 shall conduct the correspondence of the ,department1 and travel throughout the ,church in interest of the ,league4 ,he shall keep a record of the ,annual and ,district ,conference and ,local ,chapters1 with the number of members and work accomplished by each4 #c4 ,he shall report annually1 to the ,board the general state and condition of the ,league1 the number of members and the amount of money received from each ,annual ,conference1 and by special efforts1 and quadrennially1 to the ,general ,conference4 #d4 ,the salary and traveling expenses of the ,general ,secretary shall be #aejj annually1 to be paid out of the revenue of the ,department4 ,art ,,vii4 7#a7 ,the revenue of the ,department shall be derived from one half of the money raised by conference leagues1 #a4jj from each pastoral charge or ,league ,chapter to be paid by pastor at the ,annual ,conference1 and from the activities of the ,secretary on the field4 #b4 ,each member of the ,annual ,conference ,league shall pay #be;c at its ,annual meeting1 the same to be applied to the revenue of the ,general ,department4 ,art4 ,,viii4 ,all ,presiding ,elders1 pastors1 local preachers1 and officers of ,local ,chapters shall be members of the ,annual ,conference ,league4 ,art4 ,,ix4 ,the business of the ,league shall be conducted in accordance with the ,epworth ,league ,guide4 ,,chapter ,,xlii4 ,,the ,,board ,,of ,,education ,art4 #a4 ,the educational operations of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church shall be conducted under the following provisions and regulations4 ,art4 #b4 ,there shall be a ,board of ,education of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church to be known as the ,general ,conference ,board of ,education1 to consist of nine members including a ,bishop and the ,secretary of ,education1 one from each ,episcopal ,district1 the ,bishop and the ,secretary being at large4 ,art4 #c4 7#a7 ,this ,board shall have an advisory relation to the schools of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church1 shall devise ways and means to aid our institutions1 shall receive and disburse such funds as shall be committed to it from time to time4 ,it shall serve as a ,board of ,reference or ,arbitration1 and when necessary may take measures to protect the property interests of our ,educational ,institutions4 ,it shall seek to promote general1 industrial1 theological and ,bible training1 and it shall seek to promote the cause of ,education throughout the church by collecting and publishing statistics by giving counsel with regard to the location and organization of our educational institutions4 ,it shall also serve as a general agency for communications between teachers desiring employment and institutions needing their service4 #b4 ,the further objects of this ,board shall be 7#a7 to recommend institutions for connectional relations2 7#b7 to classify the ,educational ,institutions of the ,church2 7#c7 to decide upon uniform entrance requirements for ,college and ,normal courses in our ,institutions2 7#d7 to decide upon a uniform course of study for our ,college work as to credits required for meritorious degrees2 7#e7 to assist in raising endowment funds and holding ,educational rallies and mass meetings in large centers2 7#f7 to prorate equitably money coming to the ,board2 7#g7 to work in every way practical to advance the cause of ,education for our ,church2 7#h7 to promote ,correspondence courses and ,ministerial ,preparation4 ,art4 #d4 7#a7 ,the ,general ,conference ,board of ,education shall meet annually at such time and place as it may appoint1 and in special session when called by the ,president upon request of the ,secretary of ,education or when requested in writing by five members4 ,five members shall constitute a quorum for a regular and four members for a call meeting4 #b4 ,the members of the ,board shall be elected by the ,general ,conference upon nomination by the ,committee on ,education4 ,the term of office shall be four years1 but they hold over until their successors are duly elected4 ,vacancies occurring in the ,board in the interval of the ,general ,conference shall be filled by the ,board and such member or members shall serve until the ,general ,conference shall fill the place4 ,art4 #e4 ,the work of the ,board of ,education shall be conducted under such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the ,general ,conference from time to time4 ,the operations of the ,board shall be conducted under charter secured by the ,board according to the laws of the ,state of ------4 ,the ,board shall have authority to receive and apply donations1 devices1 bequests1 to own1 buy and sell real estate1 to do all other things provided for in said charter1 or subject to and under the provisions of the charter under which said ,board shall operate4 #b4 ,the ,board shall have authority to regulate its own proceedings1 to provide quarters for the work of the ,secretary of ,education and such necessary aid as the ,board shall deem advisable4 ,the ,board shall further have the authority to fix and pay the salary of a ,director of a ,correspondence ,school whenever ,funds may be given to the ,board to do such work2 to determine annually what schools and educational enterprises shall receive aid2 to appropriate money for necessary expense of maintaining the office2 provided1 however1 that no appropriation shall be made for building except from funds contributed for that purpose1 to secure and distribute aid to students preparing for the mission field or for providing aid to needy students especially the children of our itinerant preachers4 ,art4 #f4 ,the ,board shall have authority to raise an ,endowment and ,loan ,fund4 ,these shall be separate funds raised for general distribution4 ,the ,board shall have the authority to receive and hold in trust for the ,c4 ,m4 ,e4 ,church any real or personal property and to sell and convey same for uses and objects herein declared4 ,only the interest on this fund 7except when the donor directs otherwise7 shall be used1 the principal remaining as a permanent fund4 ,art4 #g4 ,the ,board shall gather statistics and other educational and religious information and shall prepare1 publish and distribute pamphlets and leaflets suitable to advance the cause of ,christian education in our homes and schools among our people4 ,art4 #h4 ,the ,secretary of ,education who shall be elected by the ,general ,conference at the time of electing the other general officers for a term of four years1 shall be the executive officer of the ,board of ,education4 ,he shall1 as corresponding secretary of the ,board1 receive all moneys and turn same over to the treasurer of the ,board4 ,the salary of the ,secretary of ,education shall be fixed by the ,general ,conference at fifteen hundred dollars1 which shall be paid out of the ,general ,education money monthly4 ,all moneys of public and special collections by the ,secretary shall be placed in the treasury and his traveling expenses shall be paid on his order to the treasurer4 ,art4 #i4 ,the revenue of the ,board of ,education shall be from the education money out of the ,general ,fund1 #hj per cent4 of which shall be forwarded by the ,book ,agent to the ,secretary of ,education as collected quarterly2 from special collections by the ,secretary of ,education1 the ,bishops and others2 and from gifts1 devices1 bequests and appropriations from other ,boards4 ,the ,secretary of ,education shall be bonded in the sum of #c1jjj4 ,art4 #aj4 ,it shall be the duty of each ,annual ,conference to organize within its bounds an ,annual ,conference ,board of ,education which shall have charge of all educational work within its bounds1 literary and religious4 ,the ,annual ,conference ,board shall be auxiliary to the ,general ,conference ,board of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church2 they shall conduct their work in harmony with the educational policy of the church as set forth in this constitution and other acts of the ,general ,conference2 they shall co-operate with the ,board of ,education in promoting both general and local educational work4 ,the ,annual ,conference ,board of ,education shall provide for an ,educational ,anniversary during the ,annual ,conference session and shall co-operate with the ,secretary of ,education in providing a suitable program for such meetings4 ,this ,annual ,conference ,board shall hold at least one meeting annually for the consideration and promotion within the bounds of the ,annual ,conference of the general and local interests of literary and religious education4 ,art4 #aa4 ,the ,board may establish a teachers' ,bureau for the purpose of bringing graduates of our ,church institutions and other competent persons desiring to teach into communication with institutions seeking teachers4 ,art4 #ab4 ,there shall be a ,commission on ,educational standards1 of six practical educators appointed with the ,secretary of ,education to arrange and protect the standards of our ,church institutions4 ,they shall prescribe the minimum requirements to be demanded in the several courses given in our schools4 ,the ,commission shall carefully work out a plan for the classification of our schools and shall report within one year to the ,board of ,education1 its work4 ,it shall then be the duty of the ,general ,conference ,board of ,education through its ,secretary to inspect the financial condition and equipment1 the amount and quality of work done in all educational institutions1 of the church1 to classify them as ,grammar ,school1 ,high ,school1 ,academy1 ,junior ,college1 ,college1 ,theological ,seminary according to the relation of its equipment and the work done by it to the standards established by the commission on education4 ,the ,commission on ,educational ,standards shall be elected by the ,general ,conference on nomination by the ,bishops and ,secretary of ,education4 ,art4 #ac4 ,the ,board shall meet immediately after its election upon call of the ,corresponding ,secretary of ,education and elect a ,president1 ,vice-,president1 ,recording ,secretary and ,treasurer4 ,art4 #ad4 ,all laws and parts of laws in our ,discipline in conflict with this enactment are hereby repealed4 ,,chapter ,,xliii4 ,,the ,,sunday ,,school ,,department ,in order to perfect ,bible knowledge for the moral and religious training of the children of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church in ,america2 the ,general ,conference of the ,c4 ,m4 ,e4 ,church directs that there shall be a ,sunday ,school ,department which shall be under the general supervision of a ,general ,sunday ,school ,board1 to be authorized by the ,general ,conference1 whose chief officer shall be that of ,editor1 and said department shall be located in the ,publishing ,house1 wherever settled1 etc4 #a4 ,the ,sunday ,school ,department shall include all of the ,sunday-schools in the ,c4 ,m4 ,e4 ,church1 and shall be subject to such rules and regulations as ,the ,general ,sunday ,school ,board and the ,general ,conference may from time to time direct4 #b4 ,the purpose of said ,department shall be to educate our young people in all of the phases of ,sunday ,school training and service1 to give course and impetus to a systematic study of the ,holy ,bible1 and to supply the ,sunday ,schools with the proper literature including ,catechisms and tracts1 and to assist needy ,sunday ,schools whenever practical4 #c4 ,the ,general ,conference shall elect an ,editor for the ,sunday ,school ,department1 whose term of office shall be four years1 and until his successor is elected4 ,the ,editor shall be the executive officer of the ,sunday ,school ,department1 and shall edit all ,sunday ,school literature comprising ,lessons1 ,leaves1 ,books1 ,tracts1 ,magazines1 ,lithographs and etc4 ,it shall be the duty of the ,editor to approve or disapprove of whatever ,sunday ,school helps that may be suggested by the ,general ,sunday ,school ,board for use in our ,sunday ,schools4 #d4 ,his salary shall be fixed by the ,general ,sunday ,school ,board per annum plus his necessary traveling expenses4 ,the ,general ,sunday ,school ,board shall fix a salary or wage for a stenographer1 or other necessary help of the ,department4 #e4 ,the ,editor shall render an annual report to the ,general ,sunday ,school ,board1 and an annual report to each ,annual ,conference in the connection as to the amount of literature used1 and number of ,sunday ,schools using the ,sunday ,school supplies of our own ,church1 within its bounds1 and a quadrennial report to the ,general ,conference4 #f4 ,the ,editor of the ,sunday ,school ,department shall be amenable for his official conduct to the ,general ,sunday ,school ,board and to the ,general ,conference who shall have right and power for cause sufficient to them to remove him from office2 the ,general ,board having the right to suspend and to fill the vacancy until the ensuing ,general ,conference4 #g4 ,all of the ,sunday ,schools of the ,c4 ,m4 ,e4 ,church shall be under the management of the ,sunday ,school ,department1 the regulations of which shall be as follows3 ,there shall be a ,sunday ,school ,board in every ,annual ,conference and ,district ,conference1 and ,district ,sunday ,school ,convention1 and ,quarterly ,conference4 ,it shall be the duty of the ,annual ,conference ,sunday ,school ,board to inquire into the reports read by the pastors1 as to the kind and amount of literature each ,sunday ,school uses1 and to make full reports to the ,annual ,conference in session on our ,sunday ,school work1 with the recommendations4 ,this report must be printed annually in the ,minutes4 ,as in the order above1 the ,district ,conference and ,district ,sunday ,school ,convention shall confine their reports and recommendations to the ,sunday ,school work of the ,district4 ,the ,quarterly ,conference ,sunday ,school ,board shall be composed of the pastor and superintendents1 officers and teachers of a station1 circuit or mission2 whose duty shall be to extend the circulation and influence of our ,sunday ,school literature into every possible local precinct1 and to make report with recommendation of the progress of ,sunday ,school work1 to the quarterly conference and church conference and to the district conference and ,sunday ,school ,convention4 ,a ,sunday ,school ,board1 like a committee1 may consist of from three to forty-nine4 #h4 ,an ,annual ,conference ,sunday ,school ,board shall be appointed by the ,presiding ,bishop and shall continue their work for four years4 ,all of the district and quarterly conference ,boards shall be affected and reorganized by the appointments of a ,presiding ,elder and pastor4 #i4 ,it shall also be the duty of the ,sunday ,school ,editor to assist the ,book ,agent by supplying our ,sunday ,schools 7including needy schools7 with our own literature4 ,suggested order of business for a local ,sunday ,school ,board4 7a7 ,devotion4 7b7 ,reading ,minutes of previous meeting4 7c7 ,unfinished business4 7d7 ,report and recommendation of ,superintendent4 7e7 ,treasurer's report4 7f7 ,librarian's report4 7g7 ,new business4 ,,chapter ,,xliv4 ,,superannuated ,,preachers1' ,,widows1' ,,and ,,orphans' ,,fund4 ,art4 ,i4 7#a7 ,there shall be and is a department known as the ,superannuated ,preachers1' ,widows1' and ,orphans' ,fund of the ,colored ,m4 ,e4 ,church4 #b4 ,the object of this department is to provide a fund for ,superannuated ,preachers1 ,widows and ,orphans of deceased preachers4 #c4 ,this department shall be under the management of a ,board of ,directors consisting of a ,bishop1 the ,secretary-treasurer and five ministers elected by the ,general ,conference4 #d4 ,the ,board of ,directors shall meet annually at such time and place as the ,president of the ,board shall determine4 #e4 ,the ,board of ,directors shall supervise the work of the department1 hear and audit the report of the ,secretary-,treasurer1 and co-operate with him in every possible way to build up the department4 ,art4 ,,ii4 7#a7 ,the ,secretary-,treasurer shall receive all moneys of this department and give his receipt for the same4 ,he shall keep an accurate account of all moneys received and paid out to claimants by ,annual ,conferences4 ,he shall report annually to the ,board of ,directors and quadrennially to the ,general ,conference4 #b4 ,he shall keep a record of the ,superannuated preachers1 widows and orphans in each ,annual ,conference1 showing the time each superannuate has served in the active ministry1 the number and age of the orphans of each minister's family1 and the time served in active work by every minister1 whose widow is a claimant on this fund4 #c4 ,he shall pay claims only on the recommendation of the ,annual ,conference1 endorsed by the ,presiding ,bishop and the ,president of the ,joint ,board of ,finance4 #d4 ,he shall make settlement with all claimants on or about ,january #ast of each year in order to get reports from all conferences4 #e4 ,the ,secretary-,treasurer is authorized to devise plans to raise money to meet payments when it becomes necessary4 #f4 ,the ,secretary-,treasurer shall furnish such bond as the ,board of ,directors may deem necessary for protection of the funds of the department4 ,he shall receive for salary #abjj per annum4 #g4 ,the books of the department shall be open for inspection at any time on request of the ,board4 ,art4 ,,iii4 7#a7 ,the funds of this department shall accrue from the #aj per cent4 of the ,general ,funds for ,superannuated preachers1 widows and orphans1 from a per capita of one dollar on all active preachers and laymen of every ,annual ,conference and from plans and devices of the ,secretary-,treasurer4 #b4 ,should there be an insufficient amount in the treasury to pay the minimum pension1 the ,secretary-,treasurer shall notify the ,board and1 in case they cannot make provision to raise the shortage1 he shall pay each claimant in proportion to the amount of his pension4 ,art4 ,,iv4 7#a7 ,superannuated preachers who have served in the itinerancy for ten or more years1 shall receive a pension of not more than #bej4jj nor less than #aej4jj4 #b4 ,superannuated preachers who have served in the itinerancy from five to ten years1 shall receive a pension of not more than #aej1 nor less than #ajj4 #c4 ,superannuated preachers who have served from one to five years in the itinerancy shall receive not more than #ajj1 nor less than #fe4 ,art4 ,v4 7#a7 ,the widow of an itinerant or superannuated preacher with children1 under fourteen years of age1 shall receive the same pension as her husband until the children are fourteen years old4 #b4 ,the widow of an active or superannuated preacher without children shall receive one half the pension allowed her husband so long as she remains in good standing in the ,c4 ,m4 ,e4 ,church4 #c4 ,when the father and mother of children under fifteen years of age die1 the children shall receive the same pension allowed widows under section #b4 ,art4 ,,vi4 ,the ,bishop presiding shall appoint a representative in each ,annual ,conference1 who shall collect and send to the ,secretary-,treasurer1 the following items3 7#a7 ,the name of each ,superannuated preacher1 his age and term of active service in the ministry4 7#b7 ,name of each widow1 number and age of children2 time the husband of each widow served in the active service4 7#c7 ,name and age of children whose father and mother are dead2 time father served in active ministry4 7#d7 ,the name1 time of service1 name of widow1 and number of children of each preacher whose death is reported at each session of the ,annual ,conference4 ,,chapter ,,xlv4 ,,miscellaneous ,,children',s ,,day4 ,ques4 ,what directions are given concerning ,children's ,day8 ,ans4 #a4 ,there shall be held annually throughout the ,church1 a day to be known as ,children's ,day4 #b4 ,the exercises of this day shall consist of appropriate services held in all our congregations for the especial benefit of the children4 #c4 ,the first collection at every service on that day shall be for the cause of education4 #d4 ,each ,annual ,conference shall decide as to which of the recognized connectional schools the money raised for education on this day shall be appropriated4 #e4 ,each ,annual ,conference shall reserve the right to fix its ,children's ,day4 ,,ii4 ,,general ,,missionary ,,day ,the second ,sunday in ,august of each year shall be observed in every pastoral charge throughout the connection as ,general ,missionary ,day4 ,on said day the congregation should be asked to make an offering for the extension of our ,church4 ,presiding ,elders and pastors in charge should put forth every effort to make this day a success4 ,,iii4 ,,official ,,or ,,leaders' ,,meeting ,ques4 #a4 ,what directions are given concerning ,official or ,leaders' ,meetings8 ,ans4 #a4 ,they shall be held weekly in every pastoral charge wherever practicable4 #b4 ,the ,official ,meeting shall be composed of the pastor in charge1 all the ,stewards1 ,class-leaders and ,local ,preachers of the circuits1 stations or mission1 over which the pastor or some one appointed by him shall preside4 #c4 ,the following shall be the general order of business3 7a7 ,are there any sick8 7b7 ,are there any who require temporal relief8 7c7 ,are there any who walk disorderly and will not be reproved8 7d7 ,are there any who wilfully neglect the means of grace8 7e7 ,are there any to be recommended for license to exhort8 7f7 ,what amount has been raised for the pastor in charge8 7g7 ,what amount has been raised for the ,presiding ,elder8 7h7 ,is there any other business8 ,,iv4 ,,the ,,western ,,index #a4 ,the ,western ,index shall be published weekly at such place as the ,editor and a special committee may determine4 ,the subscription price shall be one 7#a4jj7 dollar per annum4 ,the ,editor shall be elected by the ,general ,conference1 and the special committee shall be composed of one member selected by each ,annual ,conference ,west of the ,mississippi ,river4 #b4 ,the paper shall be under the management of the ,general ,committee or ,publishing ,interest and the ,editor4 #c4 ,the ,editor shall serve an appointment1 and the ,general ,committee shall supplement the salary received from such appointment by paying him six hundred 7#fjj4jj7 dollars per annum4 #d4 ,all expenses incurred in running the ,western ,index shall be paid out of subscriptions to1 and advertisements in1 the paper4 #e4 ,the ,editor shall keep an account of the receipts and expenditures of the paper and report the same to the ,general ,committee4 ,he shall purchase no property nor printing presses unless authorized by the ,general ,committee in its regular meeting4 ,any such contract or obligation made without authority of the ,committee shall be on the ,editor's personal responsibility1 and the ,committee shall in no case be responsible for any such obligation4 ,v4 ,,the ,,eastern ,,index ,the ,eastern ,index shall be under similar management and subject to the same rules and regulations as the ,western ,index4 ,,chapter ,,xlvi4 ,,schools1 ,,colleges ,,or ,,universities #a4 ,the ,general ,conference or any ,annual ,conference or ,conferences of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church in ,america shall have the right to establish and maintain1 ,schools1 ,colleges or ,universities for educational purposes1 which shall at all times be under control and subject to the ,discipline1 usage and ministerial appointments of this ,church as now exist1 or as from time to time authorized and declared by said ,general1 or ,annual ,conference or ,conferences1 providing no additional schools1 colleges or university shall be created without the consent of the ,educational ,board after ,june first1 #aiad4 #b4 ,the ,schools1 ,colleges or ,universities established1 or maintained by the ,general1 or ,annual ,conference or ,conferences of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church in ,america shall be managed1 operated or conducted by a ,board of ,trustees of which the ,bishop of this ,church in charge of the ,annual ,conference in whose bounds the same is located shall be ,president2 which ,board shall consist of not less than three nor more than --------2 who shall be ministers of the ,gospel or laymen of this ,church in good standing and who shall1 at all times1 be amenable to and subject to removal by the ,general1 ,annual ,conference or ,conferences appointing them2 said ,trustees to be elected and held in accordance with the laws of the ,state or ,territory in which the ,school1 ,college or ,university1 for which they were elected1 is located in case of such laws1 but if none then in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed by the ,general or ,annual ,conference1 or ,conferences appointing them4 #c4 ,the ,trustees of any school1 college or university may1 or shall1 when authorized or directed by the ,general1 or ,annual ,conference or ,conferences of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church in ,america establishing or maintaining the same or appointing them1 incorporate under the laws of the ,state or ,territory in which it may be located1 such corporation1 however1 to be under control of said ,church and the ,trustees thereof1 of either1 officers to be elected1 to be appointed or elected by the ,general or ,annual ,conference in whose bounds any school or college is located4 ,the ,president to be subject or amenable thereto at all times and may be removed by the same at any time4 #d4 ,the ,board of ,trustees1 of which the ,bishop in charge of the ,annual ,conference is located is ,president1 shall appoint or elect such officers and teachers for same as are necessary and proper and as are usually had by like institutions1 such officers1 however1 to be subject to rejection or removal by the ,general or ,annual ,conference or ,conferences1 establishing or maintaining such ,schools1 ,colleges or ,universities4 #e4 ,the ,board of ,trustees of which the ,bishop in charge of the ,annual ,conference in which any school1 college or university is located shall be ,president1 conducting or operating any school1 college or university established or maintained by the ,general or ,annual ,conference or ,conferences of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church in ,america shall make all necessary and proper rules and regulations for governing the same1 subject1 however1 to the rejection or revision of such ,general or ,annual ,conference or ,conferences at any time1 and may grant diplomas to students thereof who have pursued the prescribed course of study and confer degrees of every nature as are usually conferred by like institutions4 #f4 ,the ,board of ,trustees may acquire by purchase or gift1 necessary land and erect necessary buildings thereon and purchase the necessary equipment for any ,school1 ,college or ,university1 operated by them for the ,general or ,annual ,conference or ,conferences1 and to this end contract indebtedness and borrow money and pledge or mortgage any property held by them for the use of or benefit of the ,general ,conference or ,annual ,conference or ,conferences establishing and maintaining such1 provided1 however1 that no property held by said trustees1 shall be pledged or mortgaged without the indorsement in writing on the instrument pledging or mortgaging the same1 of the ,bishop in charge of the ,annual ,conference in whose bounds such ,school1 ,college or ,university is located1 which shall be witnessed or acknowledged by him in accordance with the law of the ,state or ,territory in which said property is located4 #g4 ,the ,trustees of any ,school1 ,college1 or ,university established or maintained by the ,general1 ,annual ,conference or ,conferences of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church in ,america may acquire by purchase and hold1 or receive by gift or bequest and hold real1 mixed or personal property and hold in action for the use and benefit of said ,church for educational purposes in connection with and for the benefits of such ,school1 ,college1 or ,university as an endowment or for any legitimate purposes of the same4 #h4 ,all deeds of conveyance or any property conveyed for the ,general or ,annual ,conference or ,conferences of the ,colored ,methodist ,church in ,america for educational purposes shall have the following clause inserted in the proper place ,in trust that said premises shall be used1 kept1 maintained and disposed of for educational purposes for the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church in ,america2 subject to the usage1 and ministerial appointments of said ,church1 as from time to time authorized and declared by the ,general ,conference of said ,church and the ,annual ,conference or ,conferences operating and maintaining such school1 ,college or ,university4 #i4 ,the ,trustees of any property belonging to any school1 ,college or ,university of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church in ,america1 with the consent of any ,bishop of this ,church in charge of the ,annual ,conference in whose bounds such property is located1 which is to be indorsed upon the deed of conveyance in writing and acknowledged as deeds are acknowledged in the ,state or ,territory in which such property is located shall have power to sell or dispose of the same when it is no longer necessary for such purposes or when it is deemed best or expedient but shall hold and use the proceeds thereof for such ,school1 ,college or ,university1 or of the ,general or ,annual ,conference or ,conferences establishing or maintaining the same to be turned over to such whenever directed4 #aj4 ,the ,treasurer or ,custodian of any money or negotiable instruments belonging to any ,school1 ,college or ,university operated or maintained by the ,general ,conference or ,annual ,conference or ,conferences shall be required by the ,trustees thereof to give adequate bond for the faithful performance of his duties as such and for the proper accounting for and deliverance or payment to the persons authorized to be paid by said ,trustees of all such money or negotiable instruments so held4 #aa4 ,all ,schools1 ,colleges or ,universities established1 or which are now being maintained and operated1 by the ,general ,conference or any ,annual ,conference or ,conferences of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church in ,america and all property held for the use and benefit of1 or subject to the ,discipline1 usage and ministerial appointments of said ,church1 come under the operation hereof and shall be governed hereby and the ,trustees thereof shall have all the authority and powers herein conferred1 except where the same may be restricted1 by law1 or by ,charter1 or by instrument conveying property so as to prevent this chapter from becoming effective1 and all ,trustees of such1 wherever it can reasonably be done are hereby directed1 required1 authorized and empowered to take such steps and adopt such measure as is necessary to bring into effect this ,chapter4 ,,chapter ,,xlvii4 ,,founders ,,day ,be it resolved1 first1 ,that we set apart the ,sunday nearest the sixteenth of ,september each year1 as ,founder's ,day1 to be observed in the ,sunday-schools1 ,epworth ,leagues1 and by the ,pastors and ,congregations throughout the ,connection4 ,second1 ,that programs be arranged and suitable services held in every charge throughout the connection4 ,in every service effort should be directed to acquaint the public with the history of our ,church1 and to inspire the youth with its hope and prospects of the future4 ,third1 ,that the collections raised in the ,sunday ,schools and ,epworth ,leagues1 shall be used for suffering churches in populous centers--as ,kansas ,city1 ,savannah1 ,ga41 ,miles ,memorial1 ,jacksonville1 ,fa41 ,israel ,metropolitan and ,berkeley1 ,cal4 ,fourth1 ,that the money from the ,leagues and ,sunday ,schools shall be sent to the ,book ,agent1 subject to the ,bishop of the district1 and reported by him at the mid-winter meeting4 ,it shall then be subjected to the ,publishing ,board to be applied to the churches above listed in proportions to the amount due on each and its importance to the ,connection4 ,,chapter ,,xlviii4 ,,names ,,and ,,boundaries ,,of ,,conferences4 ,alabama ,conference4--,bounded on the ,north by the ,southern ,railroad1 running from ,meridian1 ,miss41 to ,selma1 ,ala41 and thence on a straight line to ,georgia2 on the ,east by ,georgia2 on the ,west by ,mississippi1 and on the ,south by the ,gulf of ,mexico and ,florida4 ,arkansas ,conference4--,bounded by the ,state lines ,north of the ,arkansas ,river1 with an imaginary line running to the ,indian ,territory and to ,perry ,county4 ,the ,arkansas ,conference includes all territory in the ,northeastern part of the state not included in the ,little ,rock ,conference4 ,central ,alabama ,conference4--,bounded on the ,north by the ,mobile and ,ohio ,railroad from the line of ,mississippi to ,tuscaloosa1 ,alabama1 thence along the ,alabama ,great ,southern ,railroad to ,birmingham1 thence along the ,southern ,railroad to the ,state line of ,georgia2 on the ,east by ,georgia2 on the ,west by ,mississippi1 and on the ,south by the ,alabama ,conference2 ,northport to be included in the ,central ,alabama ,conference4 ,central ,georgia ,conference4--,bounded on the ,north by the southern boundary line of the ,georgia ,conference2 ,east by the ,state line2 ,west by ,flint ,river2 ,south by the ,south ,georgia ,conference4 ,central ,texas ,conference4--,beginning at the ,northeast corner of ,rockwall ,county1 running thence ,east on parallel #cc1 across ,hunt ,county1 thence ,southeast to the ,m4 ,k4 ,t4 ,h4 ,r4 ,r4 7including ,south ,greenville and ,lone ,oak in the ,central ,texas ,conference7 down to the ,t4 ,p4 ,r4 ,r41 thence ,east on the ,t4 ,p4 ,r4 ,r4 to the #ieth meridian1 then ,south to ,troupe leaving out the ,winona ,circuit4 ,thence ,north from ,troupe1 up the ,i4 ,g4 ,n4 railroad to ,longview1 thence ,southeast down to ,tenaha1 leaving ,beckville ,circuit1 ,carthage ,circuit and ,post ,oak in the ,east ,texas ,conference2 thence ,east to the ,louisiana state line1 beginning from ,logansport1 ,la41 running ,west along the ,northern boundary lines of the ,shelby and ,nacogdoches counties and an imaginary line running across ,chewokee ,county to the ,naches river 7including ,lynflat ,circuit7 thence up to the ,naches river to the ,i4 ,g4 ,n4 ,r4 ,r41 thence ,south on the ,i4 ,g4 ,n4 ,r4 ,r4 to ,galveston 7,houston1 ,galveston1 ,trinity and ,sunnyside ,circuit not included in the ,central ,texas ,conference47 ,the ,southern boundary shall be the ,gulf of ,mexico and the ,rio ,grande4 ,the ,western boundary of the ,central ,texas ,conference begins at the ,northeast corner of ,rockwall ,county and follows the ,eastern boundary of the ,west ,texas ,conference to ,corsicana1 thence along the ,southern boundary of the ,west ,texas ,conference to the ,rio ,grande ,river4 ,east ,texas ,conference4--,bounded on the ,north by ,oklahoma2 ,east by ,arkansas and ,louisiana to the ,h4 ,e4 ,w4 ,t4 ,railroad2 ,west by the ,h4 ,e4 ,w4 ,t4 ,railroad to ,lufkin1 thence ,west by an imaginary line to the ,east boundary line of ,anderson ,county to ,trinity ,river4 ,texarkana is not included in the ,east ,texas ,conference4 ,the ,h4 ,e4 ,w4 ,t4 ,railroad shall not include any part of ,timpson circuit4 ,east ,florida ,conference4--,bounded on the ,west by the ,aucilla ,river1 and including all that part of the ,state ,east of said river4 ,el ,paso-,pacific ,mission ,conference shall include the following territory to wit3 ,the ,pacific ,slope from ,canada to ,mexico1 ,nevada1 ,new ,mexico1 ,arizona and such portions of ,texas as lies ,west of the line beginning at the northeast boundary of ,winkler ,county1 and extending ,east on the eastern boundary line of ,ward1 ,reems1 ,jeff ,davis and ,presadion counties to the ,rio ,grande ,river4 ,florida ,conference4--,includes all that part of the ,state of ,florida ,west of the ,aucilla ,river4 ,georgia ,conference4--,bounded on the ,north1 ,east and ,west by the ,state line2 ,south by the southern boundary line of the following counties3 ,richmond1 ,warren1 ,hancock 7except ,sparta71 ,putnam1 ,jasper1 ,butts1 ,spalding1 ,coweta and ,heard4 ,illinois ,conference includes that part of ,missouri ,south of ,st4 ,louis1 the ,state of ,illinois and ,lake ,county1 ,tennessee4 ,kentucky and ,ohio ,conference4--,bounded on the ,north by the northern boundary line of the ,state of ,ohio2 ,west by the ,l4 ,n4 ,railroad1 running from ,bowling ,green to ,elizabethtown1 thence to the ,i4 ,c4 ,railroad to ,cecilia1 thence to the ,i4 ,c4 ,railroad to ,louisville2 ,east and ,south of the ,state line4 ,louisiana ,conference4--,bounded on the ,north by ,arkansas2 on the ,east by the ,mississippi ,river2 on the ,west by ,texas2 on the ,south by an imaginary line beginning at the mouth of ,red ,river and running ,west across the ,state4 ,little ,rock ,conference4--,bounded by all that part of ,arkansas ,south of the ,arkansas ,river1 with an imaginary line running to ,oklahoma and to ,perry ,county2 also including the city of ,texarkana4 ,little ,rock ,conference embraces all other territory of the state not included in the ,arkansas and ,southwest ,arkansas ,conferences4 ,memphis-,jackson ,conference4--,bounded on the ,east by the ,tennessee ,river2 on the ,south by the ,state of ,mississippi2 on the ,west by the ,miss4 ,river2 on the ,north by a straight line running parallel with the general course of the ,l4 ,n4 ,r4 ,r4 to the ,tennessee ,river4 ,missouri and ,kansas ,conference4--,bounded on the ,east by the ,southeast ,missouri and ,illinois ,conference2 ,west by the western boundary line of the ,state of ,colorado2 ,north by ,wyoming2 ,south by ,oklahoma2 said ,conference to include the ,state of ,colorado4 ,mississippi ,conference4--,bounded on the ,north by #cdth parallel of ,north latitude and ,north ,mississippi ,conference2 on the ,east by ,alabama2 on the ,south by the line beginning at the southwest corner of ,kemper ,county and running between ,lauderdale between ,neshoba1 ,newton1 ,leake1 ,scott1 and ,north between ,scott and ,leake to ,pearl ,river2 then ,pearl ,river due west to the town of ,canton1 then west with the south corporation line to the ,black ,river1 then northeast with ,black ,river between ,madison and ,yazoo ,counties to ,holmes ,county1 then on the line between ,yazoo and ,holmes to ,washington ,county1 then on a line between ,washington and ,yazoo counties to ,sharkey ,county1 then with the line between ,sharkey and ,yazoo counties to ,issaquena and ,sharkey to the southwest corner of ,sharkey1 due west to the post office or town of ,arcadia4 ,mississippi ,mission ,conference4--,bounded on the ,north by the ,mississippi ,conference2 on the ,east by ,alabama2 ,south by the ,gulf of ,mexico and ,louisiana2 on the ,west by ,louisiana and the ,mississippi ,river4 ,muskogee ,conference4--,bounded on the ,east by ,arkansas2 on the ,north by the ,state line of ,kansas so as to include ,coffeyville2 on the ,west by ,texas1 and on the ,south by ,oklahoma ,conference2 ,spiro to be included4 ,new ,orleans ,conference4--,bounded on the ,north by the ,louisiana ,conference2 on the ,east by the ,mississippi ,river2 on the ,west by ,texas2 on the ,south by the ,gulf of ,mexico4 ,north ,alabama ,conference4--,bounded on the ,north by ,tennessee2 on the ,east by ,georgia2 on the ,west by ,mississippi1 and on the ,south by the ,central ,alabama ,conference2 and includes all that portion of the ,state of ,alabama not included in the ,alabama and ,central ,alabama ,conferences4 ,north ,carolina ,conference includes the ,state of ,north ,carolina4 ,n4 ,mississippi ,conference4--,bounded on the ,north by ,tennessee2 on the ,east by ,alabama2 on the ,south by the #cdth parallel of north latitude1 which runs with the south line of the corporation of the town of ,okolona in the county of ,chickashaw1 and between ,charleston on the ,north and ,tillatoba on the ,south4 ,the former in ,tallahatchie and the latter in ,yallabusha1 with ,sumner in the ,mississippi ,conference and ,dublin in the ,north ,mississippi ,conference to the ,mississippi ,river1 and on the ,west by the ,mississippi ,river4 ,oklahoma ,conference4--,bounded on the ,east by ,arkansas2 on the ,south by ,red ,river2 ,west by ,texas1 and ,north by a line beginning at ,harrington and running ,east to ,okafushee to south line of ,muskogee ,conference4 ,south ,carolina ,conference includes the ,state of ,south ,carolina4 ,southwest ,arkansas ,conference begins at the ,northwestern boundary of ,howard ,county and runs eastward along the ,northern boundary of ,howard ,county to ,hot ,springs ,county2 thence ,south along the ,eastern boundary of ,clark ,county to ,dallas ,county2 thence across the ,northern boundary of ,dallas ,county to the ,saline ,river2 thence ,southward along the river to the ,louisiana state line2 thence ,west to the line of ,texas4 ,south ,georgia ,conference4--,bounded on the ,north and ,east by the northern boundary line of ,troupe and ,merriwether ,counties to ,flint ,river1 running ,south to ,dooly ,county along northern boundary line of ,dooly ,county to ,oconee ,river2 down the ,oconee ,river to the ,altamaha ,river1 along this river to the ,state line2 ,south by ,florida2 ,west by ,alabama4 ,southwest ,georgia ,conference includes all the territory of the state not included in the ,georgia1 ,central ,georgia and ,south ,georgia ,conferences4 ,tennessee ,conference4--,bounded on the ,north by the ,state line2 on the ,south by ,alabama2 on the ,west by the ,west ,tennessee ,conference2 on the ,east by the ,state line4 ,texas ,conference4--,bounded on the ,north by the northern boundary lines of the counties of ,shelby and ,nacogdoches1 and an imaginary line running across ,cherokee ,county to the ,naches ,river1 including ,woodville and ,alto circuits1 then up the ,naches ,river to the ,i4 ,g4 ,n4 ,railroad2 ,east by the ,state line so as to take in ,palestine and ,wells2 ,south by the ,gulf of ,mexico2 ,west by the ,colorado ,river4 ,simpson circuit included in the ,texas ,conference4 ,washington and ,philadelphia ,conference includes the states of ,virginia1 ,west ,virginia1 ,maryland1 ,new ,jersey1 ,delaware1 ,pennsylvania1 ,new ,york and ,district of ,columbia4 ,w4 ,tennessee ,conference is bounded on the ,north by the ,ohio ,river and ,kentucky2 on the ,south by the general course of the ,l4 ,n4 ,r4 ,r42 on the ,east by the ,tennessee ,river and on the ,west by the ,mississippi ,river4 ,w4 ,kentucky ,conference4--,bounded on the ,north by the ,ohio ,river2 ,west by the ,mississippi ,river2 ,east by the ,kentucky and ,ohio ,conference2 ,south by the ,state line4 ,west ,texas ,conference4--,bounded on the ,east by ,grayson1 ,collins1 ,rockwell and ,dallas counties1 down to the southern boundary line of ,dallas ,county to ,trinity ,river1 down to ,cotton ,belt ,railroad2 ,south by the ,east boundary line of ,navara and ,freestone ,counties to the ,i4 ,g4 ,n4 ,railroad to ,san ,antonia and ,austin 7,san ,antonia to be included in the ,west ,texas ,conference71 on the ,southern ,pacific to ,rio ,grande ,river2 ,north by ,red ,river to northern corner of ,grayson ,county4 ,,part ,,ix4 ,,the ,,ritual ,,chapter ,,xlix4 ,,the ,,order ,,for ,,the ,,administration ,,of ,,the ,,lord',s ,,supper ,the ,elder shall read one or more of these sentences1 during the reading of which the stewards shall take up the collection for the poor3 ,let your light so shine before men1 that they may see your good works and glorify your ,father which is in ,heaven4--,matt4 v4 #af4 ,lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth1 where moth and rust doth corrupt1 and where thieves break through and steal2 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven1 where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt1 and where thieves do not break through nor steal4--,matt4 vi4 #ai1 #bj4 ,whatsoever ye would that men should do to you1 do ye even so to them2 for this is the law and the prophets4--,matt4 vii4 #ab4 ,not every one that saith unto me1 ,lord1 ,lord1 shall enter into the kingdom of heaven2 but he that doeth the will of my ,father which is in heaven4--,matt4 vii4 #ba4 ,zaccheus stood1 and said unto the ,lord1 ,behold1 ,lord1 the half of my goods ,i give to the poor2 and if ,i have taken any thing from any man by false accusation1 ,i restore him four-fold4--,luke xix4 #h4 ,he which soweth sparingly shall reap sparingly2 and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully4 ,every man as he purposeth in his heart1 so let him give not grudgingly1 or of necessity2 for ,god loveth a cheerful giver4--#b ,cor4 ix4 #f1 #g4 ,as we have therefore opportunity1 let us do good unto all men1 especially unto them who are of the household of faith4--,gal4 vi4 #aj4 ,godliness with contentment is great gain2 for we brought nothing into this world1 and it is certain we can carry nothing out4--#a ,tim4 vi4 #f1 #g4 ,charge them that are rich in this world1 that they be ready to distribute1 willing to communicate1 laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come1 that they may lay hold on eternal life4 #a ,tim4 vi4 #ag1 #ah1 #ai4 ,god is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love1 which ye have showed toward his name1 in that ye have ministered to the saints1 and do minister4--,heb4 vi4 #aj4 ,to do good1 and to communicate1 forget not2 for with such sacrifices ,god is well pleased4--,heb4 xiii4 #af4 ,whoso hath this world's goods1 and seeth his brother have need1 and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him1 how dwelleth the love of ,god in him8--#a ,john iii4 #ag4 ,he that hath pity upon the poor1 lendeth unto the ,lord2 and that which he hath given will he pay him again4--,prov4 xix4 #ag4 ,blessed is he that considereth the poor2 the ,lord will deliver him in time of trouble4--,psalm xli4 #a4 ,then shall the elder read this invitation ,ye that do truly and earnestly repent of your sins1 and are in love and charity with your neighbors1 and intend to lead a new life1 following the commandments of ,god1 and walking from henceforth in his holy ways1 draw near with faith1 and take this holy sacrament to your comfort1 and make your humble confession to ,almighty ,god1 meekly kneeling upon your knees4 ,then shall the general confession be made by the minister1 in the name of all those who are minded to receive the holy communion1 both he and all the people kneeling humbly upon their knees and saying3 ,almighty ,god1 ,father of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 ,maker of all things1 ,judge of all men1 we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness1 which we from time to time most grievously have committed1 by thought1 word and deed1 against thy ,divine ,majesty1 provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us4 ,we do earnestly repent1 and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings2 the remembrance of them is grievous unto us4 ,have mercy upon us1 have mercy upon us1 most merciful ,father3 for thy ,son our ,lord ,jesus ,christ's sake forgive us all that is past1 and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness of life1 to the honor and glory of thy name1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord4 ,amen4 ,then shall the ,elder say3 ,o ,almighty ,god1 our ,heavenly ,father1 who of thy great mercy hast promised forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn to thee2 have mercy upon us2 pardon and deliver us from all our sins1 confirm and strengthen us in all goodness1 and bring us to everlasting life1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord4 ,amen4 ,,the ,,collect ,almighty ,god1 unto whom all hearts be open1 all desires known1 and from whom no secrets are hid2 cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy ,holy ,spirit1 that we may perfectly love thee1 and worthily magnify thy holy name1 through ,christ our ,lord4 ,amen4 ,then shall the ,elder say3 ,it is very meet1 right1 and our bounden duty1 that we should at all times1 and in all places1 give thanks unto thee1 ,o ,lord1 ,holy ,father1 ,almighty1 ,everlasting ,god4 ,therefore with angels and archangels1 and with all the company of heaven1 we laud and magnify thy glorious name1 evermore praising thee1 and saying1 ,holy1 ,holy1 ,holy1 ,lord1 ,god of hosts1 heaven and earth are full of thy glory4 ,glory be to thee1 ,o ,lord most high4 ,amen4 ,then shall the ,elder say3 ,we do not presume to come to this thy table1 ,o merciful ,lord1 trusting in our own righteousness1 but in thy manifold and great mercies4 ,we are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table4 ,but thou art the same ,lord1 whose property is always to have mercy2 ,grant us1 therefore1 gracious ,lord1 so to eat the flesh of thy dear ,son ,jesus ,christ1 and to drink his blood that our sinful souls and bodies may be made clean by his death1 and washed through his most precious blood1 and that we may evermore dwell in him1 and he in us4 ,amen4 ,then the ,elder shall say the prayer of consecration as followeth3 ,almighty ,god1 our ,heavenly ,father1 who of thy tender mercy didst give thine only ,son ,jesus ,christ to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption2 who made there 7by his oblation of himself once offered7 a full1 perfect1 and sufficient sacrifice1 oblation1 and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world2 and did institute1 and in his holy ,gospel command us to continue1 a perpetual memory of that his precious death until his coming again3 hear us1 ,o merciful ,father1 we most humbly beseech thee1 and grant that we1 receiving these thy creatures of bread and wine1 according to thy ,son our ,saviour ,jesus ,christ's holy institution1 in remembrance of his death and passion1 may be partakers of his most blessed body and blood2 who in the same night that he was betrayed took bread2 and when he had given thanks1 he brake it1 and gave it to his disciples1 saying1 ,take1 eat2 this is my body which is given for you3 do this in remembrance of me4 ,likewise after supper he took the cup2 and when he had given thanks1 he gave it to them saying1 ,drink ye all of this2 for this is my blood of the ,new ,testament1 which is shed for you and for many1 for the remission of sins2 do this1 as oft as ye shall drink it1 in remembrance of me4 ,amen4 ,then shall the minister first receive the communion in both kinds himself1 and then proceed to deliver the same to the other minister in like manner1 if any be present4 ,then shall he say the ,lord's ,prayer1 the people still kneeling and repeating after him every petition3 ,our ,father who art in heaven1 hallowed be thy name2 thy kingdom come2 thy will be done on earth1 as it is in heaven2 give us this day our daily bread2 and forgive us our trespasses1 as we forgive those who trespass against us2 and lead us not into temptation1 but deliver us from evil2 for thine is the kingdom1 and the power1 and the glory1 forever and ever4 ,amen4 ,then a hymn may be sung1 and the communicants shall be invited to the table4 ,the minister shall deliver both kinds to the people unto their hands4 ,when he delivereth the bread he shall say3 ,the body of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 which was given for thee1 preserve thy soul and body unto everlasting life4 ,take and eat this in remembrance that ,christ died for thee1 and feed on him in thy heart by faith with thanksgiving4 ,and the minister that delivereth the cup shall say3 ,the blood of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ which was shed for thee1 preserve thy soul and body unto everlasting life4 ,drink this in remembrance that ,christ's blood was shed for thee1 and be thankful4 ,when all have communed1 the minister shall return to the ,lord's table1 and place upon it what remaineth of the consecrated elements1 covering the same with a fair linen cloth4 ,the minister may then say as followeth3 ,o ,lord and ,heavenly ,father1 we thy humble servants desire thy fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving1 most humbly beseeching thee to grant that1 by the merits and death of thy ,son ,jesus ,christ1 and through faith in his blood1 we and thy whole ,church may obtain remission of our sins4 ,and here we offer and present unto thee1 ,o ,lord1 ourselves1 our souls and bodies1 to be a reasonable1 holy and lively sacrifice unto thee2 humbly beseeching thee that all we who are partakers of this holy communion may be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction4 ,and although we be unworthy1 through our manifold sins1 to offer unto thee any sacrifice1 yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service2 not weighing our merits1 but pardoning our offenses1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord3 by whom1 and with whom1 in the unity of the ,holy ,ghost all honor and glory be unto thee1 ,o ,father ,almighty1 world without end4 ,amen4 ,then may be said3 ,glory be to ,god on high1 and on earth peace1 good-will toward men4 ,we praise thee1 we bless thee1 we worship thee1 we glorify thee1 we give thanks to thee for thy great glory1 ,o ,lord ,god1 heavenly ,king1 ,god the ,father ,almighty4 ,o ,lord1 the only begotten ,son1 ,jesus ,christ3 ,o ,lord ,god1 ,lamb of ,god1 ,son of the ,father1 that takest away the sins of the world1 have mercy upon us4 ,thou that takest away the sins of the world1 have mercy upon us4 ,thou that takest away the sins of the world1 receive our prayer4 ,thou that sittest at the right hand of ,god the ,father1 have mercy upon us4 ,for thou only art holy3 thou only art the ,lord3 thou only1 ,o ,christ1 with the ,holy ,ghost1 art most high in the glory of ,god the ,father4 ,amen4 ,then the ,elder1 if he see it expedient1 may put up an extemporaneous prayer2 and afterwards shall let the people depart with this blessing3 ,may the peace of ,god1 which passeth all understanding1 keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of ,god1 and of his ,son ,jesus ,christ our ,lord2 and the blessing of ,god ,almighty1 the ,father1 the ,son1 and the ,holy ,ghost1 be among you1 and remain with you always4 ,amen4 ,if the ,elder be straitened for time1 he may omit any part of the service except the prayer of consecration4 ,if the consecrated bread or wine be all spent before all have communed1 the ,elder may consecrate more1 by repeating the prayer of consecration4 ,let those who have scruples concerning the receiving of the communion kneeling1 be permitted to receive it either standing or sitting2 but no person shall be admitted to the ,lord's ,supper among us who is guilty of any practice for which we would exclude a member of our ,church4 ,,chapter ,l4 ,,the ,,ministration ,,of ,,baptism ,,to ,,infants4 ,the minister1 coming to the font1 which is to be filled with pure water1 shall use the following1 or some other suitable exhortation3 ,dearly beloved1 forasmuch as all men are conceived and born in sin1 and that our ,saviour ,christ saith1 ,except a man be born of water and of the ,spirit1 he cannot enter into the kingdom of ,god3 ,i beseech you to call upon ,god the ,father1 through our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 that of his bounteous mercy he will grant to this child that which by nature he cannot have2 that he may be baptized with water and the ,holy ,ghost1 and received into ,christ's holy ,church1 and be made a lively member of the same4 ,then shall the minister say1 ,let us pray3 ,almighty and everlasting ,god1 we beseech thee for thine infinite mercies1 that thou wilt look upon this child2 wash him and sanctify him with the ,holy ,ghost that he1 being delivered from thy wrath1 may be received into the ark of ,christ's ,church1 and being steadfast in faith1 joyful through hope1 and rooted in love1 may so pass the waves of this troublesome world1 that finally he may come to the land of everlasting life1 there to reign with thee1 world without end1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord4 ,amen4 ,o merciful ,god1 grant that the old ,adam in this child may be so buried1 that the new man may be raised up in him4 ,amen4 ,grant that all carnal affections may die in him1 and that all things belonging to the ,spirit may live and grow in him4 ,amen4 ,grant that he may have power and strength to have victory1 and to triumph against the devil1 the world1 and the flesh4 ,amen4 ,grant that whosoever is dedicated to thee by our office and ministry may also be endued with heavenly virtues1 and everlastingly rewarded through thy mercy1 ,o blessed ,lord ,god1 who dost live and govern all things1 world without end4 ,amen4 ,almighty1 ever-living ,god1 whose most dearly beloved ,son ,jesus ,christ1 for the forgiveness of our sins did shed out of his most precious side both water and blood1 and gave commandment to his disciples that they should go teach all nations1 and baptize them in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost3 regard1 we beseech thee1 the supplications of thy congregation2 and grant that this child1 now to be baptized1 may receive the fullness of thy grace1 and ever remain in the number of thy faithful and elect children1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord4 ,amen4 ,then shall the people stand up1 and the minister shall say3 ,hear the words of the ,gospel written by ,st4 ,mark in the tenth chapter1 at the thirteenth verse4 ,they brought young children to ,christ1 that he should touch them4 ,and his disciples rebuked those that brought them2 but when ,jesus saw it1 he was much displeased1 and said unto them1 ,suffer the little children to come unto me1 and forbid them not1 for of such is the kingdom of ,god4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 ,whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of ,god as a little child1 he shall not enter therein4 ,and he took them up in his arms1 put his hands upon them1 and blessed them4 ,then the minister1 addressing the parents or others presenting the child1 shall say3 ,in causing this child to be brought by baptism into the ,church of ,christ1 it is your duty to teach him to renounce the devil and all his works1 the vain pomp and glory of the world1 with all covetous desires of the same1 and the carnal desires of the flesh1 so that he may not follow or be led by them2 to believe all the articles of the ,christian faith2 and to obediently keep ,god's holy will and commandments all the days of his life4 ,then the minister shall take the child into his hands1 if convenient1 and say to the friends of the child3 ,,name ,,this ,,child ,n41 ,i baptize thee in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,amen4 ,the minister may1 at his discretion1 lay hands on the subject1 accompanying the act with a suitable invocation1 and then1 all kneeling1 close with extemporaneous devotions and the ,lord's ,prayer3 ,our ,father who art in heaven1 hallowed be thy name2 thy kingdom come2 thy will be done on earth1 as it is heaven2 give us this day our daily bread2 and forgive us our trespasses1 as we forgive those who trespass against us2 and lead us not into temptation1 but deliver us from evil4 ,amen4 ,,chapter ,,li4 ,,the ,,ministration ,,of ,,baptism ,,to ,,such ,,as ,,are ,,of ,,riper ,,years4 ,the minister1 coming to the font1 which is to be filled with pure water1 shall use the following1 or some other suitable exhortation3 ,dearly beloved1 forasmuch as all men are conceived and born in sin1 7and that which is born of the flesh is flesh1 and they that are in the flesh cannot please ,god1 but live in sin1 committing many actual transgressions17 and that our ,saviour ,christ saith1 ,except a man be born of water and of the ,spirit1 he cannot enter into the kingdom of ,god2 ,i beseech you to call upon ,god the ,father1 through our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 that of his bounteous goodness he will grant to these persons that which by nature they cannot have3 that they may be baptized with water and the ,holy ,ghost1 and received into ,christ's holy ,church1 and be made lively members of the same4 ,then shall the minister say3 ,almighty and immortal ,god1 the aid of all that need1 the helper of all that flee to thee for succor1 the life of them that believe1 and the resurrection of the dead3 we call upon thee for these persons now to be baptized4 ,receive them1 ,o ,lord1 as thou hast promised by thy well-beloved ,son1 saying1 ,ask1 and ye shall receive2 seek1 and ye shall find2 knock1 and it shall be opened unto you3 so give now unto us that ask2 let us that seek find2 open the gate unto us that knock2 that these persons may enjoy the everlasting benediction of thy heavenly washing1 and may come to the eternal kingdom which thou hast promised by ,christ our ,lord4 ,amen4 ,then shall the people stand up1 and the minister shall say3 ,hear the words of the ,gospel1 written by ,st4 ,john in the third chapter1 beginning at the first verse4 ,there was a man of the ,pharisees1 named ,nicodemus1 a ruler of the ,jews4 ,the same came to ,jesus by night1 and said unto him1 ,rabbi1 we know that thou art a teacher come from ,god2 for no man can do these miracles that thou doest1 except ,god be with him4 ,jesus answered and said unto him1 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto thee1 ,except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of ,god4 ,nicodemus saith unto him1 ,how can a man be born when he is old8 ,can he enter the second time into his mother's womb1 and be born8 ,jesus answered1 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto thee1 ,except a man be born of water1 and of the ,spirit1 he cannot enter into the kingdom of ,god4 ,that which is born of the flesh is flesh2 and that which is born of the ,spirit is spirit4 ,marvel not that ,i said unto thee1 ,ye must be born again4 ,the wind bloweth where it listeth1 and thou hearest the sound thereof1 but canst not tell whence it cometh1 and whither it goeth2 so is every one that is born of the ,spirit4 ,then the minister shall speak to the persons to be baptized on this wise3 ,well-beloved1 who are come hither1 desiring to receive holy baptism1 ye have heard how the congregation hath prayed that our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 would vouchsafe to receive you1 and bless you1 to release you of your sins1 to give you the kingdom of heaven1 and everlasting life4 ,and our ,lord ,jesus ,christ hath promised in his holy word to grant all those things that we have prayed for2 which promise he for his part will most surely keep and perform4 ,wherefore after this promise made by ,christ1 ye must also faithfully1 for your part1 promise1 in the presence of this whole congregation1 that ye will renounce the devil and all his works1 and constantly believe ,god's holy word1 and obediently keep his commandments4 ,then shall the minister demand of each of the persons to be baptized1 severally3 ,ques4 ,doth thou renounce the devil and all his works1 the vain pomp and glory of the world1 with all covetous desires of the same1 and the carnal desires of the flesh1 so that thou wilt not follow or be led by them8 ,ans4 ,i renounce them all4 ,ques4 ,dost thou believe in ,god the ,father ,almighty1 maker of heaven and earth8 and in ,jesus ,christ1 his only begotten ,son1 our ,lord8 and that he was conceived by the ,holy ,ghost1 born of the ,virgin ,mary8 that he suffered under ,pontius ,pilate1 was crucified1 dead1 and buried8 that he rose again the third day8 that he ascended into heaven1 and sitteth at the right hand of ,god the ,father ,almighty1 and from thence shall come again at the end of the world1 to judge the quick and the dead8 ,and dost thou believe in the ,holy ,ghost1 the ,church of ,god1 the communion of saints1 the remission of sins1 the resurrection of the body1 and everlasting life after death8 ,ans4 ,all this ,i steadfastly believe4 ,ques4 ,wilt thou be baptized in this faith8 ,ans4 ,this is my desire4 ,ques4 ,wilt thou then obediently keep ,god's holy will and commandments1 and walk in the same all the days of thy life8 ,ans4 ,i will endeavor so to do1 ,god being my helper4 ,then shall the minister say3 ,o merciful ,god1 grant that the old ,adam in these persons may be so buried1 that the new man may be raised up in them4 ,amen4 ,grant that all carnal affections may die in them1 and that all things belonging to the ,spirit may live and grow in them4 ,amen4 ,grant that they may have power and strength to have victory1 and to triumph against the devil1 the world1 and the flesh4 ,amen4 ,grant that they1 being here dedicated to thee by our office and ministry1 may also be endued with heavenly virtues1 and everlastingly rewarded1 through thy mercy1 ,o blessed ,lord ,god1 who dost live and govern all things1 world without end4 ,amen4 ,almighty1 ever-living ,god1 whose most dearly beloved ,son ,jesus ,christ for the forgiveness of our sins1 did shed out of his most precious side both water and blood2 and gave commandment to his disciples1 that they should go teach all nations1 and baptize them in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost3 regard1 we beseech thee1 the supplications of this congregation2 and grant that the persons now to be baptized may receive the fullness of thy grace1 and ever remain in the number of thy faithful and elect children1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord4 ,amen4 ,then shall the minister take each person to be baptized by the right hand2 and placing him conveniently by the font1 according to his discretion1 shall ask the name2 and then shall sprinkle or pour water upon him1 7or1 if he shall desire it1 shall immerse him in water71 saying3 ,n41 ,i baptize thee in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,amen4 ,the minister may1 at his discretion1 lay hands on the subject1 accompanying the act with a suitable invocation4 ,,chapter ,,lii4 ,,form ,,of ,,the ,,reception ,,and ,,recognition ,,of ,,church ,,members4 ,the minister shall cause the candidates to be placed before the congregation1 and after baptizing any who may not have been previously baptized he shall say3 ,brethren1 the ,church is of ,god1 and will be preserved to the end of time1 for the promotion of his worship and the due administration of his word and ordinances--the maintenance of ,christian fellowship and discipline--the edification of believers1 and the conversion of the world4 ,all1 of every age and station1 stand in need of the means of grace which it alone supplies2 and it invites all alike to become fellow-citizens with the saints and of the household of ,god4 ,but as none who have arrived at years of discretion can remain within its pales or be admitted to its communion1 without assuming its obligations1 it is my duty to demand of these persons present whether they are resolved to assume the same4 ,then shall the minister address the candidates1 as follows3 ,dearly beloved1 you profess to have a desire to flee from the wrath to come and to be saved from your sins2 you seek the fellowship of the people of ,god1 to assist you in working out your salvation2 ,i therefore demand of you3 ,do you solemnly1 in the presence of ,god and this congregation1 ratify and confirm the promise and vow of repentance1 faith1 and obedience1 contained in the baptismal convent8 ,ans4 ,i do1 ,god being my helper4 ,will you be subject to the discipline of the ,church1 attend upon its ordinances1 and support its institutions8 ,ans4 ,i will endeavor so to do1 by the help of ,god4 ,the minister shall then say to the candidates3 ,we rejoice to recognize you as members of the ,church of ,christ1 and bid you welcome to all its privileges2 and in token of our brotherly love1 we give you the right hand of fellowship1 and pray that you may be both numbered with his people here1 and with his saints in glory everlasting4 ,the minister shall then say to the congregation3 ,brethren1 ,i commend to your love and care these persons whom we this day recognize as members of the ,church of ,christ4 ,do all in your power to increase their faith1 confirm their hope1 and perfect them in love4 ,then may follow a hymn suitable to the occasion 7as #hha-hhi71 and the minister shall say3 ,let us pray4 ,almighty ,god1 we thank thee for founding thy ,church1 and promising that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it4 ,we bless thee for calling us to the fellowship of thy people1 and for numbering us with the sons and daughters of the ,lord ,almighty4 ,we especially praise thy name for enabling these thy servants to avouch the ,lord to be their ,god4 ,help them to perform the promise and vow which they have made2 to renounce the devil1 the world1 and the flesh2 to believe the record which thou hast given of thy ,son2 and to walk in all thy commandments and ordinances blameless1 to the end of their lives4 ,may their communion with thy people be sanctified to their growth in grace and in the knowledge of our ,lord and ,savior ,jesus ,christ1 being nourished and knit together1 increasing with the increase of ,god4 ,may thy people do them good1 and may they prove a blessing to thy people4 ,and grant1 ,o ,lord1 that all who are here members of thy militant ,church1 through thy mercy1 the merit of thy ,son1 and the grace of thy ,spirit1 may finally be made members of thy triumphant ,church in heaven4 ,amen4 ,almighty and everlasting ,god1 ,heavenly ,father1 we give thee humble thanks1 for that thou hast vouchsafed to call us to the knowledge of thy grace1 and faith in thee2 increase this knowledge and confirm this faith in us evermore4 ,give thy ,holy ,spirit to these persons1 that they1 being born again1 may be made heirs of everlasting salvation1 through our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 who liveth and reigneth with thee and the ,holy ,spirit1 now and forever4 ,amen4 ,our ,father who art in heaven1 hallowed be thy name2 thy kingdom come2 thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven2 give us this day our daily bread2 and forgive us our trespasses1 as we forgive those who trespass against us2 and lead us not into temptation1 but deliver us from evil4 ,amen4 ,,chapter ,,liii4 ,,the ,,form ,,of ,,solemnization ,,of ,,matrimony4 ,at the day and time appointed for the solemnization of matrimony1 the persons to be married 7having been qualified according to law7 standing together1 the man on the right hand and the woman on the left1 the minister shall say3 ,dearly beloved1 we are gathered together here in the sight of ,god1 and in the presence of these witnesses1 to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony2 which is an honorable estate1 instituted of ,god in the time of man's innocency1 signifying unto us the mystical union that is between ,christ and his ,church2 which holy estate ,christ adorned and beautified with his presence1 and first miracle that he wrought in ,cana of ,galilee1 and is commended of ,st4 ,paul to be honorable among all men2 and therefore is not by any to be enterprised1 or taken in hand unadvisedly1 but reverently1 discreetly1 advisedly1 and in the fear of ,god4 ,into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined4 ,therefore if any can show any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together1 let him now speak1 or else hereafter forever hold his peace4 ,and also speaking unto the persons that are to be married1 he shall say3 ,i require and charge you both1 7as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgment1 when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed7 that if either of you know any impediment why ye may not be lawfully joined together in matrimony1 ye do now confess it2 for be ye well assured1 that so many as are coupled together otherwise than ,god's word doth allow1 are not joined together by ,god1 neither is their matrimony lawful4 ,if no impediment be alleged1 then shall the minister say unto the man3 ,m41 ,wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife1 to live together after ,god's ordinance1 in the holy estate of matrimony8 ,wilt thou love her1 comfort her1 honor1 and keep her1 in sickness and in health2 and1 forsaking all other1 keep thee only unto her1 so long as ye both shall live8 ,the man shall answer1 ,i ,,will4 ,then shall the minister say unto the woman3 ,n41 ,wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband1 to live together after ,god's ordinance1 in the holy estate of matrimony8 ,wilt thou obey him1 serve him1 love1 honor1 and keep him1 in sickness and in health2 and1 forsaking all other1 keep thee only unto him1 so long as ye both shall live8 ,the woman shall answer1 ,i ,,will4 ,when the parties so desire1 the man shall give unto the woman a ring2 and the minister taking the ring shall deliver it unto the man to put it upon the fourth finger of the woman's left hand2 and the man1 holding the ring there1 and taught by the minister1 shall say3 ,with this ring ,i thee wed1 and with all my worldly goods ,i thee endow2 in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,amen4 ,then shall the minister say3 ,let us pray4 ,our ,father who art in heaven1 hallowed be thy name2 thy kingdom come2 thy will be done on earth1 as it is in heaven2 give us this day our daily bread2 and forgive us our trespasses1 as we forgive those who trespass against us2 and lead us not into temptation1 but deliver us from evil2 for thine is the kingdom and the power1 and the glory1 forever and ever4 ,amen4 ,o eternal ,god1 ,creator and ,preserver of all mankind1 ,giver of all spiritual grace1 the ,author of everlasting life1 send thy blessing upon these thy servants1 this man and this woman1 whom we bless in thy name2 that as ,isaac and ,rebecca lived faithfully together1 so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant between them made1 and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together and live according to thy laws1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord4 ,amen4 ,then shall the minister join their right hands together1 and say3 ,those whom ,god hath joined together1 let no man put asunder4 ,forasmuch as ,m4 and ,n4 have consented together in holy wedlock1 and have witnessed the same before ,god and this company1 and thereto have pledged their faith either to other1 and have declared the same by joining hands1 ,i pronounce that they are man and wife together1 in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,amen4 ,and the minister shall add this blessing3 ,god the ,father1 ,god the ,son1 ,god the ,holy ,ghost1 bless1 preserve1 and keep you2 the ,lord mercifully with his favor look upon you2 and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace1 that ye may so live together in this life1 that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting4 ,amen4 ,,chapter ,,liv4 ,,the ,,order ,,of ,,the ,,burial ,,of ,,the ,,dead ,the minister meeting the corpse1 and going before it1 shall say3 ,i am the resurrection and the life2 he that believeth in me1 though he were dead1 yet shall he live2 and whosoever liveth1 and believeth in me1 shall never die4--,john xi4 #be1 #bf4 ,i know that my ,redeemer liveth1 and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth2 and though after my skin worms destroy this body1 yet in my flesh shall ,i see ,god2 whom ,i shall see for myself1 and mine eyes shall behold1 and not another4--,job4 xix4 #be-bg4 ,we brought nothing into this world1 and it is certain we can carry nothing out4 ,the ,lord gave1 and the ,lord hath taken away2 blessed be the name of the ,lord4--#a ,tim4 vi4 #g2 ,job4 i4 #ba4 ,after they are come into the church or home shall be read ,psalm xc4 ,lord1 thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations4 ,before the mountains were brought forth1 or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world1 even from everlasting to everlasting1 thou art ,god4 ,thou turnest man to destruction2 and sayest1 ,return1 ye children of men4 ,for a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past1 and as a watch in the night4 ,thou carriest them away as with a flood3 they are as a sleep2 in the morning they are like grass which groweth up4 ,in the morning it flourisheth1 and groweth up2 in the evening it is cut down1 and withereth4 ,for we are consumed by thine anger1 and by thy wrath are we troubled4 ,thou hast set our iniquities before thee1 our secret sins in the light of thy countenance4 ,for all our days are passed away in thy wrath3 we spend our years as a tale that is told4 ,the days of our years are threescore years and ten2 and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years1 yet is their strength labor and sorrow2 for it is soon cut off1 and we fly away4 ,who knoweth the power of thine anger8 even according to thy fear1 so is thy wrath4 ,so teach us to number our days1 that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom4 ,return1 ,o ,lord1 how long8 and let it repent thee concerning thy servants4 ,o satisfy us early with thy mercy2 that we may rejoice and be glad all our days4 ,make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us1 and the years wherein we have seen evil4 ,let thy work appear unto thy servants1 and thy glory unto their children4 ,and let the beauty of the ,lord our ,god be upon us2 and establish thou the work of our hands upon us2 yea1 the work of our hands establish thou it4 ,then shall follow the ,lesson1 #a ,cor4 xv4 #bj-eh1 or the following abridgement3 ,now is ,christ risen from the dead1 and become the first fruits of them that slept4 ,for since by man came death1 by man came also the resurrection of the dead4 ,for as in ,adam all die1 even so in ,christ shall all be made alive4 ,but every man in his own order3 ,christ the first-fruits2 afterward they that are ,christ's at his coming4 ,then cometh the end1 when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to ,god1 even the ,father2 when he shall have put down all rule1 and all authority1 and power4 ,for he must reign1 till he hath put all enemies under his feet4 ,the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death4 ,for he hath put all things under his feet--,but some man will say1 ,how are the dead raised up8 and with what body do they come8 ,thou fool1 that which thou sowest is not quickened except it die3 and that which thou sowest1 thou sowest not that body that shall be1 but bare grain2 it may chance of wheat1 or of some other grain2 but ,god giveth it a body as it hath pleased him1 and to every seed his own body4 ,all flesh is not the same flesh2 but there is one kind of flesh of men1 another flesh of beasts1 another of fishes1 and another of birds4 ,there are also celestial bodies1 and bodies terrestrial2 but the glory of the terrestrial is one and the glory of the celestial is another4 ,there is one glory of the sun1 and another glory of the moon1 and another glory of the stars2 for one star differeth from another star in glory4 ,so also is the resurrection of the dead4 ,it is sown in corruption1 it is raised in incorruption2 it is sown in dishonor1 it is raised in glory2 it is sown in weakness1 it is raised in power2 it is sown a natural body1 it is raised a spiritual body4--,behold1 ,i show you a mystery3 ,we shall not all sleep1 but we shall all be changed1 in a moment1 in the twinkling of an eye1 at the last trump2 for the trumpet shall sound1 and the dead shall be raised incorruptible1 and we shall be changed4 ,for this corruptible must put on incorruption1 and this mortal must put on immortality4 ,so when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption1 and this mortal shall have put on immortality1 then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written1 ,death is swallowed up in victory4 ,o death1 where is thy sting8 ,o grave1 where is thy victory8 ,the sting of death is sin2 and the strength of sin is the law4 ,but thanks be to ,god1 which giveth us the victory1 through our ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,therefore1 my beloved brethren1 be ye steadfast1 unmovable1 always abounding in the work of the ,lord1 forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the ,lord4 ,here may follow a suitable hymn1 a sermon or exhortation1 and an extemporary prayer4 ,at the grave1 when the corpse is laid in the earth1 the minister shall say3 ,man that is born of a woman is of few days1 and full of trouble4 ,he cometh forth like a flower1 and is cut down3 he fleeth also as a shadow1 and continueth not4 ,in the midst of life we are in death3 of whom may we seek for succor1 but of thee1 ,o ,lord1 who for our sins art justly displeased8 ,yet1 ,o ,lord ,god most holy1 ,o ,lord most mighty1 ,o holy and most merciful ,saviour1 deliver us not into the bitter pains of eternal death4 ,thou knowest1 ,lord1 the secrets of our hearts3 shut not thy merciful ears to our prayers1 but spare us1 ,o holy and merciful ,saviour1 thou most worthy ,judge eternal1 suffer us not at our last hour for any pains of death to fall from thee4 ,then the minister may say3 ,forasmuch as it hath pleased ,almighty ,god1 in his wise providence1 to take out of this world the soul of our deceased brother1 we therefore commit his body to the ground1 earth to earth1 ashes to ashes1 dust to dust2 looking for the general resurrection in the last day1 and the life of the world to come1 through our ,lord ,jesus ,christ2 at whose second coming in glorious majesty to judge the world1 the earth and the sea shall give up their dead2 and the corruptible bodies of those who sleep in him shall be changed1 and made like unto his own glorious body1 according to the mighty working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself4 ,then shall be said3 ,i heard a voice from heaven1 saying unto me1 ,write1 ,blessed are the dead which die in the ,lord from henceforth3 ,yea1 saith the ,spirit1 that they may rest from their labors4 ,a suitable hymn may here be sung2 and then shall the minister say3 ,our ,father who art in heaven1 hallowed be thy name2 thy kingdom come2 thy will be done on earth1 as it is in heaven2 give us this day our daily bread2 and forgive us our trespasses1 as we forgive those who trespass against us2 and lead us not into temptation1 but deliver us from evil4 ,amen4 ,,the ,,collect4 ,o merciful ,god1 the ,father of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 who is the resurrection and the life2 in whom whosoever believeth shall live1 though he die2 and whosoever liveth and believeth in him1 shall not die eternally3 we meekly beseech thee1 ,o ,father1 to raise us from the death of sin unto the life of righteousness2 that when we shall depart this life we may rest in him and at the general resurrection on the last day may be found acceptable in thy sight1 and receive that blessing which thy well-beloved ,son shall then pronounce to all that love and fear thee1 saying1 ,come1 ye blessed of my ,father1 inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world4 ,grant this1 we beseech thee1 ,o merciful ,father1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,mediator and ,redeemer4 ,amen4 ,the grace of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 and the love of ,god1 and the communion of the ,holy ,ghost1 be with you all4 ,amen4 ,,chapter ,,lv4 ,,form ,,of ,,laying ,,the ,,corner ,,stone ,,of ,a ,,church ,at the time and place of laying the corner stone1 let the minister cause a suitable hymn to be sung 7e4 g4 #ghj1 #gha1 or #ghb74 ,then shall the minister say3 ,let us pray4 ,almighty and everlasting ,god1 thou art infinite in all thy perfections1 and marvelous in all thy works4 ,thou hast made the world and all things therein2 and seeing that thou art ,lord of heaven and earth1 thou dwellest not in temples made with hands2 thou art a ,spirit1 and art worshiped in spirit and in truth1 in all places of thy dominion2 yet we thank thee that thou dost allow us to build houses for thy services1 wherein thy people may attend upon thee without distraction4 ,we bless thy holy name for putting it into the hearts of thy people to build a house1 at this place1 for thy worship4 ,we beseech thee to inspire us with zeal1 that we may both have a mind to the work1 and may successfully accomplish the same4 ,may neither adversary nor evil occurent hinder this work2 but may the good hand of our ,god be upon us1 that in due time we may bring forth the headstone with joy and praise4 ,may this sanctuary1 when completed1 long remain a house of prayer for all people1 where incense shall be offered unto thy name1 and a pure offering1 and thy word and ordinances by the influences of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,here may multitudes be born again1 and be nurtured in knowledge and piety2 so that they may be prepared1 in the kingdom of thy glory4 ,we are unworthy1 ,o ,lord1 through our manifold sins1 to offer unto thee any sacrifice2 yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service1 not weighing our merits1 but pardoning our offenses1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord3 by whom and with whom1 in the unity of the ,holy ,ghost all honor and glory be unto thee1 ,father ,almighty1 world without end4 ,amen4 ,prevent us1 ,o ,lord1 in all our doings1 with thy most gracious favor1 and further us with thy continual help2 that in all our works1 begun1 continued1 and ended in thee1 we may glorify thy holy name1 and finally1 by thy mercy1 obtain everlasting life1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord4 ,amen4 ,our ,father who art in heaven1 hallowed be thy name1 thy kingdom come2 thy will be done on earth1 as it is in heaven2 give us this day our daily bread2 and forgive us our trespasses1 as we forgive those who trespass against us2 and lead us not into temptation1 but deliver us from evil4 ,amen4 ,then1 shall the minister read1 or cause to be read1 the following sentences3 ,blessed be thou1 ,lord ,god of ,israel our ,father1 forever and ever4 ,thine1 ,o ,lord1 is the greatness1 and the power1 and the glory1 and the victory1 and the majesty2 for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine2 thine is the kingdom1 ,o ,lord1 and thou art exalted as head above all4 ,both riches and honor come of thee1 and thou reignest over all2 and in thine hand is power and might2 and in thine hand it is to make great1 and to give strength unto all4 ,now1 therefore1 our ,god1 we thank thee1 and praise thy glorious name4 ,but who am ,i1 and what is my people1 that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort8 for all things come of thee1 and of thine own have we given thee4 ,for we are strangers before thee1 and sojourners1 as were all our fathers2 our days on the earth are as a shadow1 and there is none abiding4 ,o ,lord our ,god1 all this store that we have prepared to build thee a house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand1 and is all thine own4 ,i know also1 my ,god1 that thou triest the heart1 and has pleasure in uprightness4 ,as for me1 in the uprightness of mine heart ,i have willingly offered all these things2 and now have ,i seen with joy thy people1 which are present here1 to offer willingly unto thee4 ,except the ,lord build the house1 they labor in vain that build it2 except the ,lord keep the city1 the watchman waketh but in vain4 ,let thy work appear unto thy servants1 and the glory unto their children4 ,and let the beauty of the ,lord our ,god be upon us2 and establish thou the work of our hands upon us2 yea1 the work of our hands establish thou it4 ,his foundation is in the holy mountains4 ,the ,lord loveth the gates of ,zion more than all the dwellings of ,jacob4 ,for the ,lord hath chosen ,zion2 he hath desired it for his habitation4 ,this is my rest forever3 here will ,i dwell3 for ,i have desired it4 ,i will abundantly bless her provision3 ,i will satisfy her poor with bread4 ,i will also clothe her priests with salvation1 and her saints shall shout aloud for joy4 ,the stone which the builders refused is become the head-stone of the corner4 ,this is the ,lord's doing2 it is marvelous in our eyes4 ,for other foundation can no man lay than is laid1 which is ,jesus ,christ4 ,then shall the minister1 standing by the stone1 announce the articles to be deposited therein4 ,these may be a copy of the ,bible1 the ,hymn ,book1 the ,discipline1 ,church periodicals1 a document setting forth the name of the ,church1 with the names of the pastor1 trustees1 and building committee1 and such other articles as may be desired4 ,the stone shall be laid by the minister1 or some one appointed by him2 and placing his hand upon the stone1 the minister shall say3 ,we lay this corner stone of a house to be built and set apart1 from all worldly uses1 for divine worship1 in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,amen4 ,then may follow an address1 the collection 7if any7 the ,doxology1 and ,benediction4 ,,chapter ,,lvi4 ,,form ,,of ,,the ,,dedication ,,of ,a ,,church ,let the service be conducted as on the other occasions of public worship--only the hymns 7e4 g4 #ghc-ghj17 prayer1 lesson1 and sermons1 should be adapted to the occasion4 ,the lessons may be ,gen4 xxviii4 #aj-bb1 and ,heb4 x4 #ai-be1 or any other at the discretion of the minister4 ,,first ,,lesson4 ,,gen4 xxviii4 #aj-bb4 ,and ,jacob went out from ,beersheba1 and went toward ,haran4 ,and he lighted upon a certain place1 and tarried there all night1 because the sun was set2 and he took of the stones of that place1 and put them for his pillows1 and lay down in that place to sleep4 ,and he dreamed1 and behold1 a ladder set up on the earth1 and the top of it reached to heaven2 and behold1 the angels of ,god ascending and descending on it4 ,and behold1 the ,lord stood above it1 and said1 ,i am the ,lord ,god of ,abraham thy father1 and the ,god of ,isaac2 the land whereon thou liest1 to thee will ,i give it1 and to thy seed4 ,and thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth2 and thou shalt spread abroad to the west1 and to the east1 and to the north1 and to the south2 and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed4 ,and behold1 ,i am with thee1 and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest1 and will bring thee again into this land2 for ,i will not leave thee1 until ,i have done that which ,i have spoken to thee of4 ,and ,jacob1 awaked out of his sleep1 and he said1 ,surely the ,lord is in this place2 and ,i knew it not4 ,and he was afraid1 and said1 ,how dreadful is this place6 this is none other but the house of ,god1 and this is the gate of heaven4 ,and ,jacob rose up early in the morning1 and took the stone that he had put for his pillows1 and set it up for a pillar1 and poured oil upon the top of it4 ,and he called the name of that place ,bethel2 but the name of that city was called ,luz at the first4 ,and ,jacob vowed a vow1 saying1 ,if ,god will be with me1 and will keep me in this way that ,i go1 and will give me bread to eat1 and raiment to put on1 so that ,i come again to my father's house in peace2 then shall the ,lord be my ,god3 and this stone1 which ,i have set for a pillar1 shall be ,god's house2 and of all that thou shalt give me ,i will surely give the tenth unto thee4 ,,second ,,lesson4 ,,heb4 x4 #ai-be4 ,having therefore1 brethren1 boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of ,jesus1 by a new and living way1 which he hath consecrated for us1 through the vail1 that is to say1 his flesh2 having an high-priest over the house of ,god2 let us draw near with a true heart1 in full assurance of faith1 having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience1 and our bodies washed with pure water4 ,let us hold fast to the profession of our faith without wavering3 for he is faithful that promised3 and let us consider one another1 to provoke unto love1 and to good works2 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together1 as the manner of some is2 but exhorting one another2 and so much the more1 as ye see the day approaching4 ,the ,collection 7if any7 may follow the sermon4 ,the officers of the ,church shall then address the minister in the following language3 ,we present to you this house1 to be set apart from all unhallowed or common uses1 for the worship of ,almighty ,god4 ,then shall the minister request the congregation to stand1 while he pronounces the following ,sentence of ,dedication3 ,,sentence ,,of ,,dedication ,forasmuch as ,god has put it into the hearts of his people to build this house for his worship1 and has blessed them in their undertaking1 we solemnly dedicate it to his service1 for the reading and expounding of his holy word1 the administration of his ordinances1 and for all other acts of religious worship4 ,that he may graciously accept this labor of our hands1 let us devoutly pray4 ,then shall be said1 all kneeling3 ,almighty and everlasting ,god1 the heaven1 and the heaven of heavens1 cannot contain thee1 much less this house which we have built2 yet thou dost humble thyself to behold the inhabitants of the earth1 and dost promise that in all places where thou dost record thy name thou wilt meet with thy people1 and bless them4 ,let thy name be recorded in this place1 and here let thine honor dwell4 ,preserve this house1 which we set apart to thy service1 from injury and desecration4 ,accept the worship which shall be here offered to thy name4 ,let thy ,holy ,spirit accompany thy word and ordinances1 which shall be here administered1 so that they may prove means of grace to all who shall receive the same4 ,may many sons and daughters be here born to the ,lord ,almighty4 ,let thy people be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house1 and make them drink of the river of thy pleasures4 ,let their children be here fed with food convenient for them1 and be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the ,lord4 ,let living waters go forth from this sanctuary1 carrying life and joy to all around4 ,let thy work appear unto thy servants1 and thy glory unto their children1 and let the beauty of the ,lord our ,god be upon us2 and establish thou the work of our hands upon us1 yea the work of our hands establish thou it4 ,now1 therefore arise1 ,o ,lord ,god1 into thy resting place1 thou and the ark of thy strength2 let thy ministers be clothed with salvation1 and let thy saints rejoice in goodness4 ,we beseech thee1 ,o ,lord1 to overlook our unworthiness1 forgive our sins1 and make us a habitation of ,god through the ,spirit4 ,we offer all our offerings through the ever-blessed name of our ,lord and ,saviour ,jesus ,christ1 to whom1 with thee1 and the ,holy ,spirit1 be glory and majesty1 dominion and power1 both now and ever4 ,amen4 ,the service may then be concluded with the ,doxology and ,benediction4 ,,chapter ,,li4 ,,the ,,form ,,and ,,manner ,,of ,,ordaining ,,deacons ,when the day appointed by the ,bishop is come1 after a suitable sermon or exhortation1 one of the ,elders shall present unto the ,bishop all them that are to be ordained1 and say3 ,i present unto you these persons present1 to be ordained ,deacons4 ,then their names being read aloud1 the ,bishop shall say unto the people3 ,brethren1 if there be any of you who knoweth any impediment or crime in any of these persons presented to be ordained ,deacons2 for the which he ought not to be admitted to that office1 let him come forth in the name of ,god and show what the crime or impediment is4 ,if any crime or impediment be objected1 the ,bishop shall surcease from ordaining that person unto such time as the party accused shall be found clear of that crime4 ,then shall be read the following collect4 ,,the ,,collect4 ,almighty ,god1 who by thy divine providence hast appointed divers orders of ministers in thy ,church1 and didst inspire thy apostles to choose into the order of ,deacons thy first martyr1 ,st4 ,stephen1 with others3 mercifully behold these thy servants1 now called to the like office and administration2 replenish them so with the truth of thy doctrine1 and adorn them with innocency of life1 that both by word and good example they may faithfully serve thee in this office1 to the glory of thy name1 and the edification of thy ,church1 through the merits of our ,saviour ,jesus ,christ1 who liveth and reigneth with thee and the ,holy ,ghost1 now and forever4 ,amen4 ,then the ,bishop or one of the ,elders appointed by him1 shall read the ,epistle4 ,,the ,,epistle4 #a ,,tim4 iii4 #h-ac4 ,likewise must the ,deacons be grave1 not double tongued1 not given to much wine1 not greedy of filthy lucre3 holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience4 ,and let these also first be proved2 then let them use the office of a ,deacon1 being found blameless4 ,even so must their wives be grave1 not slanderers1 sober1 faithful in all things4 ,let the ,deacons be the husbands of one wife1 ruling their children and their own houses well4 ,for they that have used the office of a ,deacon well1 purchase to themselves a good degree1 and great boldness in the faith which is in ,christ ,jesus4 ,then shall the ,bishop examine every one of those who are to be ordained1 in the press of the people1 after this manner following3 ,do you trust that you are inwardly moved by the ,holy ,ghost to take upon you the office of the ministry in the ,church of ,christ1 to serve ,god for the promoting of his glory and the edifying of his people8 ,ans4 ,i trust so4 ,the ,bishop4 ,do you unfeignedly believe all the canonical ,scriptures of the ,old and ,new ,testament4 ,ans4 ,i do believe them4 ,the ,bishop4 ,will you diligently read or expound the same unto the people whom you shall be appointed to serve8 ,ans4 ,i will4 ,the ,bishop4 ,it appertaineth to the office of a ,deacon to assist the ,elder in ,divine service1 and especially when he ministereth the holy communion1 to help him in the distribution thereof1 and to read and expound the ,holy ,scriptures3 to instruct the youth2 and in the absence of the ,elder to baptize4 ,and1 furthermore1 it is his office to search for the sick1 poor1 and impotent1 that they may be visited and relieved4 ,will you do this gladly and willingly8 ,ans4 ,i will do so1 by the help of ,god4 ,the ,bishop4 ,will you apply all your diligence to frame and fashion your own lives 7and the lives of your families7 according to the doctrine of ,christ2 and to make both yourselves1 and them1 as much as in you lieth1 wholesome examples of the flock of ,christ8 ,ans4 ,i will do so1 the ,lord being my helper4 ,the ,bishop4 ,will you reverently obey them to whom the charge and government over you is committed1 following with a glad mind and will their godly admonitions8 ,ans4 ,i will endeavor so to do1 the ,lord being my helper4 ,then the ,bishop1 laying his hands severally upon the head of every one of them1 shall say3 ,take thou authority to execute the office of a ,deacon in the ,church of ,god2 in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,amen4 ,then shall the ,bishop deliver to every one of them the ,holy ,bible1 saying3 ,take thou authority to read the ,holy ,scriptures in the ,church of ,god1 and to preach the same4 ,then one of them appointed by the ,bishop shall read the ,gospel4 ,,the ,,gospel4 ,,luke xii4 #ce-ch4 ,let your loins be girded about1 and your lights burning1 and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their ,lord1 when he will return from the wedding1 that when he cometh and knocketh1 they may open unto him immediately4 ,blessed are those servants whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching4 ,verily ,i say unto you1 that he shall gird himself and make them to sit down to meat1 and will come forth and serve them4 ,and if he shall come in the second watch1 or come in the third watch1 and find them so1 blessed are those servants4 ,immediately before the benediction shall be said these ,collects following3 ,almighty ,god1 giver of all good things1 who of thy great goodness hast vouchsafed to accept and take these thy servants into the office of ,deacons in thy ,church3 make them1 we beseech thee1 ,o ,lord1 to be modest1 humble1 and constant in their ministration1 and to have a ready will to observe all spiritual discipline2 that they having always the testimony of a good conscience1 and continuing ever stable and strong in thy ,son ,christ1 may so well behave themselves in this inferior office1 that they may be found worthy to be called unto the higher ministries in thy ,church1 through the same thy ,son our ,saviour ,jesus ,christ2 to whom be glory and honor1 world without end4 ,amen4 ,prevent us1 ,o ,lord1 in all our doings1 with thy most gracious favor1 and further us with thy continual help2 that in all our works1 begun1 continued1 and ended in thee1 we may glorify thy holy name1 and finally1 by thy mercy1 obtain everlasting life1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord4 ,amen4 ,the ,benediction ,the peace of ,god1 which passeth all understanding1 keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of ,god1 and of his ,son ,jesus ,christ1 our ,lord2 and the blessing of ,god ,almighty1 the ,father1 the ,son1 and the ,holy ,ghost1 be among you1 and remain with you always4 ,amen4 ,,chapter ,,lviii4 ,,the ,,form ,,and ,,manner ,,of ,,ordaining ,,elders4 ,when the day appointed by the ,bishop is come there shall be a sermon or exhortation1 declaring the duty and office of such as come to be admitted ,elders2 how necessary that order is in the ,church of ,christ1 and also how the people ought to esteem them in their office4 ,after which one of the ,elders shall present unto the ,bishop all them that are to be ordained1 and say3 ,i present unto you these persons present1 to be ordained ,elders4 ,then their names being read aloud1 the ,bishop shall say unto the people3 ,brethren1 these are they whom we purpose1 ,god willing1 this day to ordain ,elders4 ,for after due examination1 we find not to the contrary1 but that they are lawfully called to this function and ministry1 and that they are persons meet for the same4 ,but if there be any of you who know any impediment or crime in any of them1 for the which he ought not to be received into this holy ministry1 let him come forth in the name of ,god1 and show what the crime or impediment is4 ,if any crime or impediment be objected1 the ,bishop shall surcease from ordaining that person1 until such time as the party accused shall be found clear of that crime4 ,then shall be said the ,collect1 ,epistle1 and ,gospel as followeth3 ,,the ,,collect4 ,almighty ,god1 giver of all good things1 who by thy ,holy ,spirit hast appointed divers orders of ministers in thy ,church1 mercifully behold these thy servants1 now called to the office of ,elder1 and replenish them so with the truth of thy doctrine1 and adorn them with innocency of life1 that1 both by word and good example1 they may faithfully serve thee in this office1 to the glory of thy name1 and the edification of thy ,church1 through the merits of our ,saviour ,jesus ,christ1 who liveth and reigneth with thee and the ,holy ,ghost1 world without end4 ,amen4 ,,the ,,epistle4 ,,eph4 iv4 #g-ac4 ,unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of ,christ4 ,wherefore he saith1 ,when he ascended up on high1 he led captivity captive1 and gave gifts unto men4 7,now that he ascended1 what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth8 ,he that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens1 that he might fill all things47 ,and he gave some1 apostles2 and some prophets2 and some1 evangelists2 and some1 pastors and teachers2 for the perfecting of the saints1 for the work of the ministry1 for the edifying of the body of ,christ1 till we all come in the unity of the faith1 and of the knowledge of the ,son of ,god1 unto a perfect man1 unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of ,christ4 ,,the ,,gospel4 ,,st4 ,,john x4 #a-af4 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 ,he that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold1 but climbeth up some other way1 the same is a thief and a robber4 ,but he that entereth in by the door1 is the shepherd of the sheep4 ,to him the porter openeth2 and the sheep hear his voice2 and he calleth his own sheep by name1 and leadeth them out4 ,and when he putteth forth his own sheep1 he goeth before them1 and the sheep follow him3 for they know his voice4 ,and a stranger will they not follow1 but will flee from him3 for they know not the voice of strangers4 ,this parable spake ,jesus unto them1 but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them4 ,then said ,jesus unto them again1 ,verily1 verily1 ,i say unto you1 ,i am the door of the sheep4 ,all that ever came before me are thieves and robbers2 but the sheep did not hear them4 ,i am the door3 by me if any man enter in1 he shall be saved1 and shall go in and out1 and find pasture4 ,the thief cometh not but for to steal1 and to kill1 and to destroy3 ,i am come that they might have life1 and that they might have it more abundantly4 ,i am the good shepherd3 the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep4 ,but he that is an hireling1 and not the shepherd1 whose own the sheep are not1 seeth the wolf coming1 and leaveth the sheep1 and fleeth2 and the wolf catcheth them1 and scattereth the sheep4 ,the hireling fleeth1 because he is an hireling1 and careth not for the sheep4 ,i am the good shepherd1 and know my sheep1 and am known of mine4 ,as the ,father knoweth me1 even so know ,i the ,father3 and ,i lay down my life for the sheep4 ,and other sheep ,i have which are not of this fold3 them also ,i must bring1 and they shall hear my voice2 and there shall be one fold1 and one shepherd4 ,and that done1 the ,bishop shall say unto them as hereafter followeth3 ,you have heard1 brethren1 as well in your private examination1 7as in the exhortation which was now made to you17 and in the holy lessons taken out of the ,gospel1 and the writings of the apostles1 of what dignity1 and of how great importance1 this office is1 whereunto ye are called4 ,and now again we exhort you1 in the name of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 that you have in remembrance into how high a dignity1 and to how weighty an office ye are called3 that is to say1 to be messengers1 watchmen1 and stewards of the ,lord2 to teach1 and to premonish1 to feed and provide for the ,lord's family2 to seek for ,christ's sheep that are dispersed abroad1 and for his children who are in the midst of this evil world1 that they may be saved through ,christ forever4 ,we have good hope that you have all weighed and pondered these things with yourselves long before this time2 and that you have clearly determined1 by ,god's grace1 to give yourselves wholly to this office1 whereunto it hath pleased ,god to call you3 so that1 as much as lieth in you1 you will apply yourselves wholly to this one thing1 and draw all your cares and studies this way1 and that you will continually pray to ,god the ,father1 through the mediation of our only ,saviour ,jesus ,christ1 for the heavenly assistance of the ,holy ,ghost3 that by daily reading and weighing of the ,scriptures1 ye may wax riper and stronger in your ministry2 and that ye may so endeavor yourselves from time to time to sanctify the lives of you and yours1 and to fashion them after the rule and doctrine of ,christ1 that ye may be wholesome and godly examples and patterns for the people to follow4 ,and now that this present congregation of ,christ1 here assembled1 may also understand your minds and wills in these things1 and that this your promise may the more move you to do your duties1 ye shall answer plainly to these things1 which we1 in the name of ,god and of his ,church1 shall demand of you touching the same4 ,do you think in your heart that you are truly called1 according to the will of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 to the order of ,elders8 ,ans4 ,i think so4 ,the ,bishop4 ,are you persuaded that the ,holy ,scriptures contain sufficiently all doctrine required of necessity for eternal salvation through faith in ,jesus ,christ8 ,and are you determined1 out of the said ,scriptures1 to instruct the people committed to your charge1 and to teach nothing1 as required of necessity to eternal salvation1 but that which you shall be persuaded may be concluded and proved by the ,scriptures8 ,ans4 ,i am so persuaded1 and have so determined1 by ,god's grace4 ,the ,bishop4 ,will you then give your faithful diligence1 always so to minister the doctrine and sacraments1 and the discipline of ,christ1 as the ,lord hath commanded8 ,ans4 ,i will so do1 by the help of the ,lord4 ,the ,bishop4 ,will you be ready with all faithful diligence to banish and drive away all erroneous and strange doctrines contrary to ,god's word2 and to use both public and private monitions and exhortations1 as well to the sick as to the whole within your charge1 as need shall require1 and occasion shall be given8 ,ans4 ,i will1 the ,lord being my helper4 ,the ,bishop4 ,will you be diligent in prayers1 and in reading of the ,holy ,scriptures1 and in such studies as help to the knowledge of the same1 laying aside the study of the world and the flesh8 ,ans4 ,i will endeavor so to do1 the ,lord being my helper4 ,the ,bishop4 ,will you be diligent to frame and fashion yourselves1 and your families1 according to the doctrine of ,christ2 and to make both yourselves and them1 as much as in you lieth1 wholesome examples and patterns to the flock of ,christ8 ,ans4 ,i shall apply myself thereto1 the ,lord being my helper4 ,the ,bishop4 ,will you maintain and set forward1 as much as lieth in you1 quietness1 peace1 and love1 among all ,christian people1 and especially among them that are or shall be committed to your charge8 ,ans4 ,i will so do1 the ,lord being my helper4 ,the ,bishop4 ,will you reverently obey your chief ministers1 unto whom is committed the charge and government over you2 following with a glad mind and will their godly admonitions1 submitting yourselves to their godly judgment8 ,ans4 ,i will so do1 the ,lord being my helper4 ,then shall the ,bishop1 standing up1 say3 ,almighty ,god1 who hath given you this will to do all these things1 grant also unto you strength and power to perform the same2 that he may accomplish his work which he hath begun in you1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord4 ,amen4 ,after this the congregation shall be desired secretly in their prayers to make their humble supplications to ,god1 for all these things3 for which prayers there shall be silence kept for a space4 ,after which shall be said by the ,bishop1 7the persons to be ordained ,elders all kneeling17 ,veni1 ,creator1 ,spiritus3 the ,bishop beginning1 and the ,elders and others that are present answering by verses1 as followeth3 ,come1 ,holy ,ghost1 our souls inspire4 ,and lighten with celestial fire4 ,thou the anointing ,spirit art1 ,who dost thy seven-fold gifts impart4 ,thy blessed unction from above ,is comfort1 life1 and fire of love4 ,enable with perpetual light ,the dullness of our blinded sight4 ,anoint and cheer our soiled face ,with the abundance of thy grace ,keep for our foes1 give peace at home ,where thou art guide no ill can come ,teach us to know the ,father1 ,son4 ,and thee of both1 to be but one ,that through the ages all along1 ,this may be our endless song2 ,praise to thy eternal merit1 ,father1 ,son and ,holy ,spirit4 ,that done1 the ,bishop shall pray in this wise1 and say1 ,let us pray ,almighty ,god and ,heavenly ,father1 who1 of thine infinite love and goodness toward us1 hast given to us thy only and most dearly beloved ,son ,jesus ,christ to be our ,redeemer1 and the author of everlasting life2 who1 after he had made perfect our redemption by his death1 and was ascended into heaven1 sent abroad into the world his apostles1 prophets1 evangelists1 doctors and pastors2 by whose labor and ministry he gathered together a great flock in all parts of the world1 to set forth the eternal praise of thy holy name2 for these so great benefits of thy eternal goodness1 and for that thou hast vouchsafed to call these thy servants here present to the same office and ministry appointed for the salvation of mankind1 we render unto thee most hearty thanks3 we praise and worship thee2 and we humbly beseech thee1 by the same thy blessed ,son1 to grant unto all who either here or elsewhere call upon thy holy name1 that we may continue to show ourselves thankful unto thee for these1 and all other1 thy benefits2 and that we may daily increase and go forward in the knowledge and faith of thee and thy ,son1 by the ,holy ,spirit3 so that as well by these thy ministers1 as by them over whom they shall be appointed thy ministers1 thy holy name may be forever glorified1 and thy blessed kingdom enlarged1 through the same thy ,son ,jesus ,christ our ,lord3 who liveth and reigneth with thee1 in the unity of the same ,holy ,spirit1 world without end4 ,amen4 ,when the prayer is done1 the ,bishop and the ,elders present shall lay their hands severally upon the head of every one that receiveth the ,order of ,elders1 the receivers humbly kneeling upon their knees1 and the ,bishop saying1 ,the ,lord pour upon thee the ,holy ,ghost1 for the office and work of an ,elder in the ,church of ,god1 now committed unto thee by the imposition of our hands4 ,and be thou a faithful dispenser of the word of ,god1 and of his holy sacraments3 in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,amen4 ,then the ,bishop shall deliver to every one of them kneeling1 the ,bible1 into his hands1 saying3 ,take thou authority to preach the word of ,god1 and to administer the holy sacraments in the congregation4 ,then shall the ,bishop say3 ,most merciful ,father1 we beseech thee to send upon these thy servants thy heavenly blessing2 that they may be clothed with righteousness1 and that thy word spoken by their mouths may have such success1 that it may never be spoken in vain4 ,grant also1 that we may have grace to hear and receive what they shall deliver out of thy most holy word1 or agreeable to the same1 as the means of our salvation2 that in all our words and deeds we may seek thy glory1 and the increase of thy kingdom1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord4 ,amen4 ,prevent us1 ,o ,lord1 in all our doings1 with thy most gracious favor1 and further us with thy continual help2 that in all our works1 begun1 continued1 and ended in thee1 we may glorify thy holy name1 and finally1 by thy mercy1 obtain everlasting life1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord4 ,amen4 ,,the ,,benediction ,the peace of ,god1 which passeth all understanding1 keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of ,god1 and of his ,son ,jesus ,christ1 our ,lord2 and the blessing of ,god ,almighty1 the ,father1 the ,son1 and the ,holy ,ghost1 be among you1 and remain with you always4 ,amen4 ,if on the same day the ,order of ,deacons be given to some1 and that of ,elders to others1 the ,deacons shall be first presented1 and then the ,elders4 ,the ,collects shall both be used2 first that for ,deacons1 then that for ,elders4 ,the ,epistle shall be ,eph4 iv4 #g to #ac1 as before in this office4 ,immediately after which1 they that are to be ordained ,deacons shall be examined and ordained as is above prescribed4 ,the one of them having read the ,gospel which shall be ,st4 ,john x4 #a-af1 as before in this office1 they that are to be ordained ,elders shall likewise be examined and ordained1 as in this office before appointed4 ,,the ,,form ,,of ,,consecrating ,a ,,bishop4 ,,the ,,collect4 ,almighty ,god1 who by thy ,son ,jesus ,christ didst give to thy holy apostles many excellent gifts1 and didst charge them to feed thy flock3 give grace1 we beseech thee1 to all the ministers and pastors of thy ,church1 that they may diligently preach thy word1 and duly administer the godly discipline thereof2 and grant to the people1 that they may obediently follow the same2 that all may receive the crown of everlasting glory1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord4 ,amen4 ,then shall be read by one of the ,elders4 ,,the ,,epistle4 ,,acts xx4 #ag-ce4 ,from ,miletus ,paul sent to ,ephesus1 and called the ,elders of the ,church4 ,and when they were come to him1 he said unto them1 ,ye know from the first day that ,i came into ,asia1 after what manner ,i have been with you at all seasons1 serving the ,lord with all humility of mind1 and with many tears and temptations1 which befell me by the laying in wait of the ,jews3 and how ,i kept back nothing that was profitable unto you1 but have showed you1 and have taught you publicly1 and from house to house1 testifying both to the ,jews1 and also to the ,greeks1 repentance toward ,god1 and faith toward our ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,and now1 behold1 ,i go bound in the spirit unto ,jerusalem1 not knowing the things that shall befall me there3 save that the ,holy ,ghost witnesseth in every city saying1 that bonds and afflictions abide me4 ,but none of these things move me1 neither count ,i my life dear unto myself1 so that ,i might finish my course with joy1 and the ministry which ,i have received of the ,lord ,jesus1 to testify the gospel of the grace of ,god4 ,and now1 behold1 ,i know that ye all1 among whom ,i have gone preaching the kingdom of ,god1 shall see my face no more4 ,wherefore ,i take you to record this day1 that ,i am pure from the blood of all men4 ,for ,i have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of ,god4 ,take heed1 therefore1 unto yourselves1 and to all the flock over the which the ,holy ,ghost hath made you overseers1 to feed the ,church of ,god1 which he hath purchased with his own blood4 ,for ,i know this1 that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you1 not sparing the flock4 ,also of your own selves shall men arise1 speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them4 ,therefore watch1 and remember1 that by the space of three years ,i ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears4 ,and now1 brethren1 ,i commend you to ,god1 and to the word of his grace1 which is able to build you up1 and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified4 ,i have coveted no man's silver1 or gold1 or apparel4 ,yea1 ye yourselves know1 that these hands have ministered unto my necessities1 and to them that were with me4 ,i have showed you all things1 how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak1 and to remember the words of the ,lord ,jesus1 how he said1 ,it is more blessed to give than to receive4 ,then another shall read ,,the ,,gospel4 ,,st4 ,,john xxi4 #ae-ag4 ,jesus saith to ,simon ,peter1 ,simon son of ,jonas1 lovest thou me more than these8 ,he saith unto him1 ,yea1 ,lord3 thou knowest that ,i love thee4 ,he saith unto him1 ,feed my lambs4 ,he saith to him again the second time1 ,simon1 son of ,jonas1 lovest thou me8 ,he saith unto him1 ,yea1 ,lord3 thou knowest that ,i love thee4 ,he saith unto him the third time1 ,simon1 son of ,jonas1 lovest thou me8 ,peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time1 ,lovest thou me8 ,and he said unto him1 ,lord1 thou knowest all things1 thou knowest that ,i love thee1 ,jesus saith unto him1 ,feed my sheep4 ,,or ,,this4 ,,st4 ,,matt1 xxviii4 #ah-ba ,jesus came and spake unto them1 saying1 ,all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth4 ,go ye therefore and teach all nations1 baptizing them in the name of the ,father1 and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost3 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever ,i have commanded you2 and lo1 ,i am with you alway1 even unto the end of the world4 ,after the ,gospel and sermon are ended1 the elected person shall be presented by two ,elders unto the ,bishop1 saying3 ,we present unto you this holy man1 to be ordained a ,bishop4 ,then the ,bishop shall move the congregation to pray1 saying thus to them3 ,brethren1 it is written in the ,gospel of ,st4 ,luke1 that our ,saviour ,christ continued the whole night in prayer1 before he did choose and send forth his twelve apostles4 ,it is written also in the ,acts of the ,apostles1 that the disciples who were at ,antioch did fast and pray1 before they laid hands on ,paul and ,barnabas1 and sent them forth4 ,let us1 therefore1 following the example of our ,saviour ,christ1 and his apostles1 first fall to prayer1 before we admit and send forth this person presented unto us1 to the work whereunto we trust the ,holy ,ghost hath called him4 ,then shall be said this prayer following3 ,almighty ,god1 giver of all good things1 who by the ,holy ,spirit hast appointed divers orders of ministers in thy ,church3 mercifully behold this thy servant1 now called to the work and ministry of a ,bishop2 and replenish him so with the truth of thy doctrine1 and adorn him with innocency of life1 that1 both by word and deed1 he may faithfully serve thee in this office1 to the glory of thy name1 and the edifying and well-governing of thy ,church1 through the merits of our ,saviour ,jesus ,christ1 who liveth and reigneth with thee and the ,holy ,ghost1 world without end4 ,amen4 ,then the ,bishop shall say to him that is to be ordained3 ,brother1 forasmuch as the ,holy ,scripture commands that we should not be hasty in laying on hands1 and admitting any person to government in the ,church of ,christ1 which he hath purchased with no less price than the effusion of his own blood3 before ,i admit you to this administration1 ,i will examine you on certain articles1 to the end that the congregation present may have a trial1 and bear witness1 how you are minded to behave yourself in the ,church of ,god4 ,are you persuaded that you are truly called to this ministration1 according to the will of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ8 ,ans4 ,i am so persuaded4 ,the ,bishop4 ,are you persuaded that the ,holy ,scriptures contain sufficiently all doctrine required of necessity for eternal salvation1 through faith in ,jesus ,christ8 ,and are you determined1 out of the same ,holy ,scriptures1 to instruct the people committed to your charge2 and to teach or maintain nothing as required of necessity to eternal salvation1 but that which you shall be persuaded may be concluded and proved by the same8 ,ans4 ,i am so persuaded1 and determined1 by ,god's grace4 ,the ,bishop4 ,will you then faithfully exercise yourself in the same ,holy ,scriptures1 and call upon ,god by prayer for the true understanding of the same1 so as you may be able by them to teach and exhort with wholesome doctrine1 and to withstand and convince the gainsayers8 ,ans4 ,i will so do1 by the help of ,god4 ,the ,bishop4 ,are you ready with faithful diligence to banish and drive away all erroneous and strange doctrines contrary to ,god's word1 and both privately and openly to call upon and encourage others to the same8 ,ans4 ,i am ready1 the ,lord being my helper4 ,the ,bishop4 ,will you deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts1 and live soberly1 righteously1 and godly1 in this present world2 that you may show yourself in all things an example of good works unto others1 that the adversary may be ashamed1 having nothing to say against you8 ,ans4 ,i will so do1 the ,lord being my helper4 ,the ,bishop4 ,will you maintain and set forward1 as much as shall lie in you1 quietness1 love1 and peace among all men3 and such as shall be unquiet1 disobedient1 and criminal1 within your district1 correct and punish according to such authority as you have by ,god's word1 and as shall be committed unto you8 ,ans4 ,i will so do1 by the help of ,god4 ,the ,bishop4 ,will you be faithful in ordaining1 sending1 or laying hands upon others8 ,ans4 ,i will so be1 by the help of ,god4 ,the ,bishop4 ,will you show yourself gentle1 and be merciful1 for ,christ's sake1 to poor and needy people1 and to all strangers destitute of help8 ,ans ,i will so show myself1 by ,god's help4 ,then the ,bishop shall say3 ,almighty ,god1 our ,heavenly ,father1 who hath given you a good will to do all these things1 grant also unto you strength and power to perform the same2 that1 he accomplishing in you the good work which he hath begun1 you may be found perfect and irreprehensible at the last day1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord4 ,amen4 ,then shall ,veni1 ,creator1 ,spiritus be said3 ,come1 ,holy ,ghost1 our souls inspire4 ,and lighten with celestial fire4 ,thou the anointing ,spirit art1 ,who dost thy seven-fold gifts impart4 ,thy blessed unction from above ,is comfort1 life and fire of love1 ,enable with perpetual light ,the dullness of our blinded sight4 ,anoint and cheer our soiled face ,with the abundance of thy grace4 ,keep far our foes1 give peace at home ,where thou art guide no ill can come4 ,teach us to know the ,father1 ,son1 ,and thee of both1 to be but one ,that through the ages all along1 ,this may be our endless song2 ,praise to thy eternal merit1 ,father1 ,son1 and ,holy ,spirit4 ,that ended1 the ,bishop shall say ,lord1 hear our prayer4 ,ans4 ,and let our cry come unto thee4 ,bishop1 let us pray4 ,almighty ,god and most merciful ,father1 who of thine infinite goodness hast given thine only and dearly beloved ,son ,jesus ,christ to be our ,redeemer1 and the author of everlasting life2 who1 after that he had made perfect our redemption by his death1 and was ascended into heaven1 poured down his gifts abundantly upon men1 making some apostles1 some prophets1 some evangelists1 some pastors and doctors to the edifying and making perfect his ,church3 grant1 we beseech thee1 to this thy servant1 such grace that he may evermore be ready to spread abroad thy gospel1 the glad tidings of reconciliation with thee1 and use the authority given him1 not to destruction1 but to salvation2 not to hurt but to help2 so that as a wise and faithful servant1 giving to thy family their portion in due season1 he may at last be received into everlasting joy1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord1 who1 with thee and the ,holy ,ghost1 liveth and reigneth1 one ,god1 world without end4 ,amen4 ,then the ,bishop and ,elders present shall lay their hands upon the head of the elected person1 kneeling before them upon his knees1 the ,bishop saying3 ,the ,lord pour upon thee the ,holy ,ghost1 for the office and work of a ,bishop in the ,church of ,god now committed unto thee by the imposition of our hands2 in the name of the ,father and of the ,son1 and of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,amen4 ,and remember that thou stir up the grace of ,god which is given thee2 for ,god hath not given us the spirit of fear1 but of power1 and love1 and soberness4 ,then the ,bishop shall deliver him the ,bible1 saying3 ,give heed unto reading1 exhortation1 and doctrine4 ,think upon the things contained in this book4 ,be diligent in them1 that the increase coming thereby may be manifest unto all men4 ,take heed unto thyself1 and to thy doctrine2 for by so doing thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee4 ,be to the flock of ,christ a shepherd1 not a wolf2 feed them1 devour them not4 ,hold up the weak1 heal the sick1 bind up the broken1 bring again the outcasts1 seek the lost4 ,be so merciful1 that you may not be too remiss2 so minister discipline1 that you forget not mercy2 that when the chief ,shepherd shall appear1 you may receive the never-fading crown of glory1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord4 ,amen4 ,immediately before the benediction shall be said the following prayer3 ,most merciful ,father1 we beseech thee to send down upon this thy servant thy heavenly blessing2 and so endue him with thy ,holy ,spirit1 that he1 preaching thy word1 may not only be earnest to reprove1 beseech1 and rebuke with all patience and doctrine1 but may also be to such as believe a wholesome example1 in word1 in conversation1 in love1 in faith1 in chastity1 and in purity2 that1 faithfully fulfilling his course1 at the latter day he may receive the crown of righteousness laid up by the ,lord1 the righteous ,judge1 who liveth and reigneth1 one ,god with the ,father and the ,holy ,ghost1 world without end4 ,amen4 ,prevent us1 ,o ,lord1 in all our doings with thy most gracious favor1 and further us with thy continual help2 that in all our works1 begun1 continued1 and ended in thee1 we may glorify thy holy name1 and finally1 by thy mercy1 obtain everlasting life1 through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord4 ,amen4 ,,the ,,benediction4 ,the peace of ,god1 which passeth all understanding1 keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of ,god1 and of his ,son ,jesus ,christ our ,lord2 and the blessing of ,god ,almighty1 the ,father1 the ,son1 and the ,holy ,ghost1 be among you1 and remain with you always4 ,amen4 ,,appendix4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,,bishops ,,and ,,general ,,officers ,,bishops ,bishop ,l4 ,h4 ,holsey1 ,d4 ,d41 #cce ,auburn ,avenue1 ,atlanta1 ,georgia4 ,bishop ,isaac ,lane1 ,d4 ,d41 #dbb ,la,conte ,st41 ,jackson1 ,tennessee4 ,bishop ,r4 ,s4 ,williams1 ,d4 ,d41 #iab ,fifteenth ,street1 ,augusta1 ,georgia4 ,bishop ,e4 ,cottrell1 ,d4 ,d41 ,holly ,springs1 ,mississippi4 ,bishop ,c4 ,h4 ,phillips1 ,a4 ,m41 ,m4 ,d41 ,d4 ,d41 #abc-adth ,ave41 ,nashville1 ,tennessee4 ,bishop ,r4 ,a4 ,carter1 ,a4 ,m41 ,d4 ,d41 #cih ,auburn ,avenue1 ,atlanta1 ,georgia4 ,bishop ,n4 ,c4 ,cleaves1 ,d4 ,d41 #fcc ,s4 ,lauderdale ,st41 ,memphis1 ,tennessee4 ,,general ,,officers ,rev4 ,j4 ,a4 ,hamlett1 ,a4 ,b41 ,editor ,christian ,index1 ,jackson1 ,tennessee4 ,rev4 ,j4 ,c4 ,martin1 ,d4 ,d41 ,agent1 #aji-aa ,shannon ,st41 ,jackson1 ,tennessee4 ,rev4 ,j4 ,c4 ,stanton1 ,d4 ,d41 ,editor ,eastern ,index1 ,pittsboro1 ,north ,carolina4 ,rev4 ,j4 ,r4 ,starks1 ,d4 ,d41 ,editor ,western ,index1 ,dallas1 ,texas4 ,rev4 ,r4 ,s4 ,stout1 ,d4 ,d41 ,,ll4 ,b41 ,secretary ,church ,extension1 ,pine ,bluff1 ,ark4 ,rev4 ,j4 ,h4 ,moore1 ,d4 ,d41 ,secretary ,missions1 ,holly ,springs1 ,mississippi4 ,rev4 ,j4 ,a4 ,bray1 ,a4 ,m41 ,,ll4 ,d41 ,d4 ,d41 ,secretary ,education1 ,p4 ,o4 ,box #egf1 ,birmingham1 ,alabama4 ,rev4 ,a4 ,r4 ,calhoun1 ,d4 ,d41 ,secretary ,epworth ,league1 ,pine ,bluff1 ,arkansas4 ,rev4 ,j4 ,w4 ,gilbert1 ,a4 ,m41 ,d4 ,d41 ,secretary ,sunday ,school ,department1 ,augusta1 ,georgia4 ,rev4 ,t4 ,h4 ,copeland1 ,d4 ,d41 ,secretary ,superannuated ,preachers1 ,widows and ,orphans ,department1 ,hopkinsville1 ,ky4 ,,connectional ,,contractors ,mr4 ,wm4 ,burrows1 #abgb ,keel ,ave41 ,memphis1 ,tennessee4 ,mr4 ,j4 ,w4 ,trotter1 #dcf ,south ,liberty ,street1 ,jackson1 ,tennessee4 ,mr4 ,h4 ,whitworth1 ,winston-,salem1 ,n4 ,c4 ,mr4 ,j4 ,w4 ,golden1 ,kansas ,city1 ,mo4 ,,secretaries ,,of ,,general ,,conference ,rev4 ,m4 ,f4 ,brinson1 ,d4 ,d41 ,fort ,valley1 ,ga4 ,prof4 ,geo4 ,s4 ,goodman1 ,b4 ,sc41 ,holly ,springs1 ,mississippi4 ,rev4 ,j4 ,e4 ,raines1 ,denison1 ,texas4 ,prof4 ,w4 ,m4 ,bobo1 ,cotton ,plant1 ,ark4 ,,commissions ,,unification ,bishops ,r4 ,s4 ,williams1 ,r4 ,a4 ,carter1 ,n4 ,c4 ,cleaves2 ,revs4 ,j4 ,a4 ,bray1 ,jno4 ,w4 ,gilbert1 ,r4 ,s4 ,stout2 ,drs4 ,j4 ,f4 ,lane1 ,j4 ,a4 ,lester and ,w4 ,a4 ,bell4 ,,selecting ,,and ,,building ,,book ,,house ,bishops ,c4 ,h4 ,phillips1 ,r4 ,a4 ,carter1 ,n4 ,c4 ,cleaves2 ,revs4 ,j4 ,c4 ,martin1 ,p4 ,j4 ,coleman2 ,prof4 ,g4 ,f4 ,porter and ,mr4 ,g4 ,w4 ,chandler4 ,,compilation ,,and ,,codifying ,,discipline ,bishops ,n4 ,c4 ,cleaves1 ,r4 ,a4 ,carter1 ,c4 ,h4 ,phillips2 ,revs4 ,j4 ,c4 ,martin1 ,j4 ,a4 ,bray1 ,m4 ,f4 ,brinson2 ,profs4 ,g4 ,s4 ,goodman1 ,g4 ,f4 ,porter1 ,n4 ,g4 ,walker4 ,,federal ,,council ,,of ,,churches ,,of ,,christ ,,in ,,america ,bishops ,c4 ,h4 ,phillips1 ,r4 ,s4 ,williams1 ,e4 ,cottrell2 ,reverends ,c4 ,h4 ,tobias1 ,j4 ,a4 ,hamlett1 ,g4 ,t4 ,long1 ,j4 ,a4 ,walker1 ,j4 ,w4 ,gilbert1 ,dr4 ,j4 ,t4 ,phillips1 ,l4 ,h4 ,brown1 ,s4 ,b4 ,wallace4 ,,boards ,,and ,,committees ,,publishing ,,board ,bishop ,r4 ,s4 ,williams1 ,revs4 ,j4 ,c4 ,martin1 ,j4 ,a4 ,hamlett1 ,g4 ,t4 ,long1 ,h4 ,p4 ,porter1 ,j4 ,a4 ,ragan1 ,c4 ,w4 ,holsey1 ,w4 ,j4 ,turner2 ,profs4 ,f4 ,r4 ,baker1 ,d4 ,c4 ,potts1 ,a4 ,hawk4 ,,missionary ,,board ,bishop ,n4 ,c4 ,cleaves1 ,revs4 ,j4 ,h4 ,moore1 ,g4 ,l4 ,word1 ,g4 ,t4 ,long1 ,w4 ,q4 ,hunter1 ,l4 ,h4 ,brown1 ,w4 ,p4 ,pipkins1 ,a4 ,l4 ,jennings1 ,w4 ,m4 ,womack4 ,,church ,,extension ,,board ,bishop ,r4 ,a4 ,carter1 ,revs4 ,r4 ,s4 ,stout1 ,w4 ,d4 ,booker1 ,g4 ,w4 ,young1 ,w4 ,m4 ,crain1 ,h4 ,p4 ,porter1 ,c4 ,l4 ,howard1 ,j4 ,h4 ,howard1 ,j4 ,a4 ,ragan1 ,g4 ,t4 ,long1 ,l4 ,h4 ,brown1 ,g4 ,m4 ,noble2 ,profs4 ,g4 ,f4 ,porter1 ,g4 ,s4 ,goodman1 ,mr4 ,c4 ,h4 ,franklin4 ,,board ,,of ,,education ,bishop ,r4 ,a4 ,carter1 ,drs4 ,j4 ,a4 ,bray1 ,c4 ,l4 ,bonner1 ,j4 ,t4 ,speed1 ,i4 ,c4 ,snowden1 ,c4 ,h4 ,tobias1 ,j4 ,a4 ,lester2 ,profs4 ,g4 ,a4 ,payne1 ,d4 ,c4 ,fowler4 ,,epworth ,,league ,,board ,bishop ,e4 ,cottrell1 ,revs4 ,h4 ,b4 ,leach1 ,w4 ,q4 ,hunter1 ,j4 ,h4 ,coleman1 ,a4 ,r4 ,calhoun1 ,j4 ,h4 ,hudson1 ,g4 ,w4 ,young4 ,,board ,,of ,,superannuated ,,preachers1 ,,widows ,,and ,,orphans ,,fund ,bishop ,n4 ,c4 ,cleaves1 ,revs4 ,t4 ,h4 ,copeland1 ,j4 ,c4 ,martin1 ,g4 ,w4 ,stoner1 ,n4 ,l4 ,smith1 ,i4 ,p4 ,norman1 ,c4 ,m4 ,newell4 ,,sunday ,,school ,,board ,bishop ,r4 ,s4 ,williams1 ,revs4 ,j4 ,w4 ,gilbert1 ,m4 ,f4 ,brinson1 ,c4 ,h4 ,tobias1 ,c4 ,l4 ,bonner1 ,w4 ,y4 ,bell1 ,j4 ,c4 ,stanton1 ,j4 ,a4 ,winters1 ,j4 ,a4 ,walker4 ,,educational ,,standards ,drs4 ,j4 ,a4 ,bray1 ,f4 ,h4 ,rodgers1 ,j4 ,f4 ,lane1 ,john ,w4 ,gilbert2 ,profs4 ,g4 ,a4 ,payne1 ,w4 ,r4 ,banks1 ,a4 ,m4 ,d4 ,langrum4 ,,auditing ,,committee ,drs4 ,r4 ,t4 ,brown1 ,j4 ,a4 ,lester1 ,prof4 ,w4 ,m4 ,bobo4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,course ,,of ,,study ,,for ,,preachers ,,preamble ,,to ,,the ,,course ,,of ,,study ,all candidates for the ministry are urged before entering the traveling connection1 to secure1 if possible1 as much training in literary and ,theological studies as they can4 ,certificate of graduation from any secondary school of good standing may be accepted by the examining committee in lieu of the ,english branches prescribed in the course for candidates for admission on trial4 ,a diploma from any college of our church or any other reputable college1 may be accepted in lieu of any or all collegiate subjects prescribed for conference under-graduates1 and a diploma from any ,theological seminary or ,biblical ,department of any college of standard repute1 may be accepted in lieu of the ,biblical and ,theological subjects prescribed for candidates for admission1 or for conference under-graduates4 ,,course ,,of ,,study ,,for ,,local ,,preachers ,,first ,,year #a4 ,bible with ,granberry's ,dictionary4 #b4 ,theological ,compend1 ,benny's4 #c4 ,discipline and ,holsey's ,manual4 #d4 ,hamilton's ,hand ,book and ,plain ,account4 ,to be read3 ,wesley's ,notes4 ,bible ,study ,popularized--,lee4 ,,second ,,year #a4 ,wesley's ,sermons ,vol4 #a4 #b4 ,life of ,wesley and ,history of ,methodism1--,williams4 #c4 ,bible and ,watson's ,dictionary4 #d4 ,discipline and ,holsey's ,manual4 #e4 ,essay--,repentance4 ,to be read3 ,life of ,christ--,stalker4 ,training for ,service4 ,,third ,,year #a4 ,pope's ,higher ,catechism of ,theology4 #b4 ,plain ,account of ,christian ,perfection--,wesley4 #c4 ,short ,history of the ,christian ,church4 #d4 ,wesley's ,sermons1 ,vol4 #b4 #e4 ,written ,sermons--,regeneration4 ,to be read3 ,life of ,st4 ,paul--,stalker4 ,,fourth ,,year #a4 ,introduction to the ,new ,testament--,dodd4 #b4 ,methodist ,polity--,tigert4 #c4 ,clark's ,outline of ,christian ,theology4 #d4 ,the ,bible and ,watson's ,dictionary4 #e4 ,new ,testament ,period and its ,leaders--,lee4 #f4 ,written ,sermon--,christian ,perfection4 ,to be read3 ,ethics--,fairchild2 ,love ,enthroned--,steele4 ,,course ,,of ,,study ,,for ,,traveling ,,preachers ,,admission ,,on ,,trial #a4 ,history of ,united ,states2 ,english ,grammar2 ,reading2 ,spelling2 ,arithmetic4 #b4 ,discipline and ,holsey's ,manual4 #c4 ,hamilton's ,plain ,account4 #d4 ,bible ,geography2 ,bible ,dictionary2 ,side ,lights on the ,bible4 ,to be read3 ,plain ,account of ,christian ,perfection--,wesley4 ,,first ,,year #a4 ,outline of ,bible ,history--,dean4 #b4 ,wesley's ,sermons2 ,vol4 ,i4 ,sermon #a-bf4 #c4 ,baptism--,merrill4 #d4 ,history of the ,c4 ,m4 ,e4 ,church--,phillips4 #e4 ,the ,apostolic ,age--,purvis4 #f4 ,the ,tongue of ,fire--,arthur4 #g4 ,preparation and ,delivery of ,sermons--,broadus4 #h4 ,written ,sermons--,repentance4 ,to be read3 ,telford's ,life of ,john ,wesley4 ,,second ,,year #a4 ,wesley's ,sermons2 #bg-eb4 #b4 ,system of ,christian ,doctrine2 ,parts #a1 #b1 and #c--,sheldon4 #c4 ,new ,testament ,period and its ,leaders--,lee4 #d4 ,history of ,methodism--,mc,tyre4 #e4 ,preparation and ,delivery of ,sermon--,broadus4 #f4 ,the ,training of the ,twelve--,bruce4 #g4 ,pastoral ,theology--,kidder4 #h4 ,written ,sermon--,justification by ,faith4 ,to be read3 ,doctrine of the ,prophets2 ,kirkpatrick2 ,history of the ,american ,negro--,brawley4 ,,third ,,year #a4 ,system of ,christian ,doctrine1 ,parts #d and #e2 ,sheldon4 #b4 ,elements of ,psychology--,davis4 #c4 ,history of ,methodism--,dubose4 #d4 ,extemporaneous ,preaching--,buckley4 #e4 ,ministry to the ,congregation--,kern4 #g4 ,written ,sermon--,witness of the ,spirit4 ,to be read3 ,the ,pastor and ,modern ,mission--,mott2 ,how to ,conduct a ,sunday ,school--,lawrence2 ,life of ,bishop ,a4 ,w4 ,wilson4 ,,fourth ,,year #a4 ,grounds of ,theistic and ,christian ,belief--,fischer4 #b4 ,history of the ,christian ,church--,fisher4 #c4 ,elements of ,logic--,jevons4 #d4 ,constitutional ,history of ,methodism--,tigret4 #e4 ,life and the ,epistles of ,st4 ,paul--,conybear ,howson4 #f4 ,studies in ,immortality--,coburn4 #g4 ,written ,sermon--,sanctification4 ,to be read3 ,francis ,asbury1 ,the ,prophet of the ,long ,road--,tipple4 ,plain ,account of ,christian ,perfection--,wesley4 ,morning ,meditations and ,other ,selections--,carter4 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,rules ,,for ,,the ,,conduct ,,of ,,the ,,general ,,conference ,i4 ,,organization #a4 ,upon the convening of the ,general ,conference1 and after religious exercises1 the ,secretary of the preceding ,general ,conference shall call the roll4 ,if a quorum be found present1 the ,general ,conference shall elect a ,secretary and as many assistant secretaries as may be necessary4 #b4 ,the ,presiding ,bishop shall appoint a committee on ,credentials1 consisting of one member from each ,episcopal ,district4 ,,ii4 ,,time ,,of ,,meeting ,,and ,,adjournment ,after the first day's session the time of the opening shall be #i o'clock a4 m4 and #a3cj p4 m41 respectively4 ,however1 these time limits may be changed at the discretion of the ,general ,conference4 ,a ten minutes recess shall be taken at #aa3cj4 ,,iii4 ,,the ,,president',s ,,duties #a4 ,at the appointed hour the ,president shall take the chair1 and after devotional exercises1 a quorum being present1 the minutes of the preceding session shall be read and approved4 ,the ,president for the day shall then take up the business of the ,conference in the regular order according to these ,rules of ,order1 and other rules and regulations adopted by the ,general ,conference4 #b4 ,the ,president shall decide all questions of order1 and his decision shall be subject to an appeal to the ,general ,conference4 ,and when an appeal from his decision has been made1 such appeal shall be decided without debate1 provided the ,president shall be allowed to state the grounds of his decision and the appellant the grounds of his dissent4 #c4 ,unless otherwise ordered by the ,conference1 the ,president shall appoint all committees4 #d4 ,when the ,president accords the floor to a member1 he shall distinctly announce the name of said member and the ,annual ,conference he represents4 ,,iv4 ,,order ,,of ,,business ,the following shall be the ,order of ,business3 #a4 ,devotions4 #b4 ,reading the ,journal of the previous session4 #c4 ,the calling of the roll of ,conferences in alphabetical order for the presentation of appeals1 resolutions1 and miscellaneous business for immediate consideration4 ,the member introducing a proposition under this call may speak to it if it be seconded4 ,if a motion to refer be made1 it shall be entertained and decided without debate2 or if the question of consideration be raised immediately after the proposition has been offered1 and immediately before the person who introduced the proposition has spoken1 the question of consideration shall then be put without debate4 ,if there be a two-third vote against consideration1 the proposition will not be entertained4 #d4 ,reports of the standing committees1 then those of special committees2 provided always1 that each call shall have been completed before either preceding one shall be repeated4 #e4 ,miscellaneous business4 ,v4 ,,duties ,,and ,,privileges ,,of ,,members #a4 ,when a member rises to speak or to present to the ,conference any matter he shall respectfully address the ,president1 and shall not proceed until recognized by him4 ,the member desiring to speak must address the ,president from the place assigned the delegation of his ,annual ,conference4 #b4 ,the ,president may call to order any speaker who may be out of order4 ,there shall be no unwarranted interruption of the speaker by any other member4 ,however1 any member may call the attention of the ,president when he deems any speaker out of order4 ,also any member has the privilege of explanation when he is misrepresented by the speaker4 #c4 ,when a speaker raises a question of privilege it shall not be in order for him to speak to it until the ,president shall have decided it a question of privilege4 ,the following are questions of privilege3 matters relating to the rights and welfare of the individual member or of the whole body4 ,such matters must be imperative in character in order to justify the interruption of the regular order4 #d4 ,no member shall speak more than twice on any question without the consent of two-thirds of the members present2 nor may he make a second speech until every member choosing to speak thereto shall have spoken4 ,in no case shall any speech be more than five minutes in length unless by consent of the ,conference1 provided1 however1 that the chairman of a committee making a report or one of its members selected by the chairman or the committee shall in all cases be entitled to close the debate with a five minutes speech1 despite the motion to lay the report on the table1 or the call for the previous question4 ,when a report consists of two or more propositions1 the right of the committee1 its chairman or its appointee1 shall be the same as above defined1 even though the propositions be debated and voted on separately4 #e4 ,no member shall absent himself from the sessions of the ,conference without leave unless he is sick or unable to attend4 ,,vi4 ,,motions ,,and ,,resolutions #a4 ,the mover of every resolution shall present it in writing and in duplicate4 ,if the ,president1 ,secretary or any member request it1 any motion shall be reduced to writing4 #b4 ,all written motions and communications to the ,conference shall be read by a ,secretary of the ,conference4 #c4 ,all motions and resolutions when properly introduced and seconded and all reports read by the ,secretary to the ,conference or stated by the ,president1 shall be deemed the property of the ,conference4 ,but the mover of any resolution or motion may withdraw it at any time before amendment or decision4 #d4 ,the following motions shall be undebatable3 7a7 ,to adjourn2 7b7 ,to suspend the rules2 7c7 ,to lay on the table2 7d7 ,to take from the table2 7e7 ,the question of consideration2 7f7 ,the call for the previous question4 #e4 ,every motion or resolution must be disposed of before a new one can be considered4 ,procedure in the order of motions shall be according to the following table3 7a7 ,to fix the time to adjourn2 7b7 ,to adjourn2 7c7 ,to take recess2 7d7 ,to lay on the table2 7e7 ,the previous question2 7f7 ,to postpone to a given time2 7g7 ,to refer2 7h7 ,to substitute2 7i7 ,amendment2 7j7 ,to postpone indefinitely4 #f4 ,the motion for the previous question cannot be laid on the table4 #g4 ,it shall be in order to move only one amendment to an amendment4 ,but it shall be in order to move a substitute to the main question1 and the substitute may be amended4 ,if the substitute is accepted1 it shall take the place of the original question4 #h4 ,the motion to adjourn is always in order except in five instances1 to wit3 7#a7 ,when a member has the floor4 7#b7 ,when a question is about to be put or a vote is about to be taken1 or final decision reached4 7#c7 ,when a question is pending on sustaining the demand for the previous question4 7#d7 ,when the previous question has been called and sustained and action is pending4 7#e7 ,when a motion to adjourn has been voted down and no business or debate has intervened4 #i4 ,any member who in the first instance voted on a motion or resolution with the prevailing side is entitled to make the motion for a reconsideration1 but no one else shall4 #aj4 ,all resolutions contemplating verbal alterations of the ,discipline shall state the language of the paragraph and the line to be altered1 and also the language to be substituted4 ,two hours each day or such amount of time as is necessary to deal with the disciplinary changes offered1 shall be given to the revision of the ,discipline1 taking it chapter by chapter1 and all amendments shall be offered while the section is under consideration2 and each section shall be amended and passed before proceeding to another4 ,,vii4 ,,voting #a4 ,unless excused for special reasons by the ,conference1 every member within the bar of the ,conference must vote upon every question submitted for voting4 ,voting shall be done by standing1 or by yeas and nays except that voting on all questions relating to the ,episcopacy shall be done by ballot4 #b4 ,on a call for the yeas and nays by any member1 the call shall be sustained by a one-third vote of the members present except on subjects relating to the ,episcopacy4 ,,viii4 ,,memorials1 ,,resolutions ,,and ,,papers ,,for ,,unanimous ,,reference #a4 ,memorials1 resolutions and miscellaneous papers not presented for immediate consideration1 shall be placed in the hands of the ,secretary without announcement4 ,such papers as above referred to must have written in plain hand on the back of them3 7#a7 ,the name of the member presenting the paper4 7#b7 ,the ,conference to which he belongs4 7#c7 ,subject to which it relates4 7#d7 ,committee to which he desires it referred4 #b4 ,on the call of ,conferences for the presentation of resolutions1 petitions1 etcs41 no ,conference shall be allowed to offer more than three resolutions1 petitions or memorials before the call of ,conferences has gone through the entire list of ,conferences4 ,,ix4 ,,committees ,the standing committees shall be3 #a4 ,episcopacy4 #b4 ,itinerancy4 #c4 ,boundaries4 #d4 ,revision4 #e4 ,education4 #f4 ,sunday ,school4 #g4 ,church ,extension4 #h4 ,literature4 #i4 ,state of the ,church4 #aj4 ,publishing ,interests4 #aa4 ,temperance and ,prohibition4 #ab4 ,missions4 #ac4 ,epworth ,league4 #ad4 ,on ,entertaining the next ,general ,conference4 #ae4 ,finance4 #af4 ,state of ,country4 ,the several ,annual ,conference delegations shall appoint one member for each committee4 ,the report of the ,general ,officers shall be made in the following order3 #a4 ,the ,quadrennial ,address of the ,bishops4 #b4 ,the ,book ,agent's ,report4 #c4 ,the ,secretary of ,church ,extension4 #d4 ,the ,secretary of ,missions4 #e4 ,the ,secretary of ,epworth ,league4 #f4 ,the ,secretary of ,education4 #g4 ,ministerial ,aid4 #h4 ,superintendent of ,african ,missions4 ,the reports shall be made during the first days of the ,general ,conference session1 and shall be referred to the appropriate committees4 ,x4 ,,miscellaneous #a4 ,no person shall be allowed to stand in the open spaces of the ,conference room4 #b4 ,there shall be appointed a sufficient number of ,orderlies to keep the aisles clear1 and none shall be admitted within the enclosure constituting the bar of the ,conference except delegates and visitors invited therein by the ,conference4 #c4 ,the ,conference shall be governed in all matters not herein provided for by the common practices of parliamentary usage4 #d4 ,these rules shall not be suspended except by a vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting4 ,j4 ,a4 ,,bray1 ,chairman1 ,c4 ,h4 ,,tobias1 ,secretary1 ,r4 ,s4 ,,stout1 ,j4 ,h4 ,,moore1 ,n4 ,l4 ,,smith1 ,l4 ,h4 ,,brown1 ,e4 ,w4 ,,white4 ,,woman',s ,,missionary ,,society ,i4 ,,name ,this organization shall be called the ,woman's ,missionary ,society of the ,colored ,methodist ,episcopal ,church4 ,,ii4 ,,object ,the object of this society shall be to promote the welfare of women and children at home and abroad through educational and evangelistic work1 to stimulate united prayer and study1 to secure a fuller development of resources and to foster religious movements and community betterment4 ,,iii4 ,,board ,,of ,,missions ,there shall be a ,woman's ,board of ,missions with headquarters located in the city of ,nashville1 ,tennessee4 ,,iv4 ,,meetings #a4 ,annual meetings shall be held for conference and the transaction of business and in such place and at such time as the ,board shall determine4 #b4 ,special meetings may be called by the ,president and two other members or by the ,executive ,committee4 ,v4 ,,officers ,the officers of the ,woman's ,board of ,missions shall be a ,president1 ,vice-,president1 a ,corresponding ,secretary1 a ,treasurer1 a ,superintendent of ,young ,people's and ,children's work1 a ,recording ,secretary1 and an ,organizer and such other officers as shall be found necessary4 ,the officers shall be elected by ballot at the annual meeting4 ,,vi4 ,,membership ,these officers and the ,president and ,corresponding ,secretary of each conference ,missionary ,society shall constitute the membership of the ,board of ,missions4 ,,vii4 ,,funds ,the funds of this organization shall be derived from membership dues1 special contributions at meetings appointed in the interest of the society1 mite boxes1 donations1 bequests1 or by any other means approved by the ,board4 ,,viii4 ,,committees ,there shall be an ,executive ,committee1 such ,standing ,committees and such ,special ,committees as shall be deemed necessary4 ,,ix4 ,,amendments ,this ,constitution may be amended by a two-third vote at any annual meeting4 ,no change which was not submitted to the previous annual meeting shall be voted on4 ,,note4 ,in the ,index1 which follows1 the first figures refer to page1 and the second to ,article or ,section4 ,an expression like this1 #bcb3f1 is read1 ,page #bcb1 section #f4 ,this expression1 #baj3;,,iv3,i1 is read1 ,page #baj1 ,article #d1 ,section #a4 ,this brief statement will serve as a key to the ,index given below4 ,,index ,abstinence1 #cc2gh3d4 ,admission of1 ministers on trial1 #hb2 ministers into full connection1 #hc4 ,adults1 baptism of1 #bgh4 ,agent1 book1 see ,book ,agent2 for ,bible ,society1 #gj3a3;b2 ,sunday ,school1 #gj3;d2 literary institutions1 #ga3a3;e4 ,american ,bible ,society1 #gj3a3;b4 ,alms giving1 ,article1 #bh4 ,annual ,conference1 members of1 #dc3a-d2 number and boundary of1 #dd2 ,enabling ,act1 #dd2 time and place of meeting1 #de3c-d2 presiding officer1 #de3e2 order of business1 #df2 preachers on trial1 #hb3a2 discontinued1 #hc3c2 in full membership1 #hc3b2 located1 #aja3c2 institutions of learning1 #ej2 #bad2 #bcg2 parsonages and churches1 #ea2 #aff2 committees of examination1 #ea2 candidates for the ministry1 #eb3e2 examinations1 standard of1 #eb3f2 ,general ,minutes1 #ec3h2 ,statistical secretary1 #ec4 ,apparel1 ,general ,rule1 #cj4 ,appeals1 right of1 #da3e2 of a member1 #adi3c2 #aef2 #fj2 of a local preacher1 #add2 #aee2 of a traveling preacher1 #adj2 #aej2 courts of1 ,quarterly ,conference1 #adi2 ,annual ,conference1 #add2 ministerial court of1 #aej2 ,general ,conference1 #aec3a-b4 ,arbitration1 stewards on1 #ajg3b2 disputes between members1 #adh2 #bae3a4 ,articles of ,religion1 #ae2 not to be changed1 #dj4 ,auditing ,committee1 #ahi3c4 ,baptism1 ,article on1 #bc2 administered to3 infants1 #bgc2 to adults1 #bgh2 to be recorded by pastor1 #hj3ab2 administered by deacon1 #hg3c2 elder1 #hi3c2 a sacrament1 #bb4 ,baptized children1 #aba4 ,benediction1 ,apostolic1 #aag3d4 ,bible ,classes1 #abb3e4 ,bible1 only rule of faith and practice1 #ag2 #cc4 ,bible ,society1 ,american1 #gj4 ,bishops1 election and duties of1 #fi2 #bbg3h2 #bcb3f2 #aig3g2 consecration of1 #cci2 support of1 #afd3c2 #agi3;,,iv3#a2 retirement of1 #gd3ae2 organize annual conferences1 #gd3aj2 president of boards1 #ge3ah2 #ahh3b2 #bjb3;,,ii2 #baj3;,,iv3#a2 #bad3b2 #bbi3c4 ,boards1 ,church ,extension1 ,missions1 ,publishing1 ,education1 ,sunday ,school1 ,superannuated ,preachers1 ,widows and ,orphans1 ,epworth ,league1 see departments of2 of ,finance1 see ,joint ,board2 directors1 #bbi2 ,equalization1 #agg3;,,ii2 ,general ,departments1 members of1 #ceg4 ,book ,agent1 #ec3h2 #agg3b2 #agh3b-c2 duties of1 #agi2 #ahj3e-f2 #ahb3g2 #aij2 #aia3b-f2 salary1 #aia3b2 #aig3b4 ,book ,house1 #aij3a4 ,books and periodicals1 #gi3i2 #ahg3c-e2 #bbd3c4 ,books1 reading of1 ,general ,rule against1 #cj4 ,borrowing1 rule1 #ca4 ,boundaries of ,annual ,conferences1 #bdg4 ,building ,churches and parsonages1 #aff4 ,burial of the dead1 form of1 #bie4 ,buying and selling1 ,general ,rules1 #cj4 ,buying church property1 #agj4 ,call to preach1 #ig4 ,candidates1 for the ministry1 recommended by quarterly conference1 #ei3f2 #fb3ac-ad2 directed to studies1 #gg3h2 to be admitted1 on trial1 #hb2 into full connection1 #hc2 for deacons1 #hf2 for elders1 #hg2 course of study1 #cfa4 ,canonical ,books1 ,article on1 #ag4 ,catechism1 to be used1 #abb3d2 #bbd3b4 ,ceremonies1 ,article on1 #bf4 ,certificate of membership1 #ha2 ministers from other churches1 #ic3d4 ,chaplaincy1 provision for1 #gj4 ,charitable institutions1 #aff3a4 ,children1 instruction of1 #aba4 ,children's ,day1 #bcc4 ,christian ,index1 #ahg2 ,editor of1 #ahh3e2 #aia3a-b2 price of1 #ahh4 ,christian ,man's ,oath1 ,article on1 #bh2 goods1 ,article on1 #bh4 ,church1 ,article on1 #ba4 ,church ,conference1 #fc4 ,church ,extension1 ,board of1 #ceh2 members of1 #bjb2 authority of1 #bjb3b-d2 executive committee1 #bjc3;,,iii3#a-c2 ,secretary of1 #bjc3;,,iv3#a-g2 revenue1 #bje3e2 form of application1 #bjf3g2 further authority of1 #bjf3f2 conference board of1 #bjg3h2 books1 #bjh3aj4 ,church membership1 how secured1 #aae2 baptism1 form of1 #bgh2 reception1 #bhe2 how lost1 #cc2 #add2 record of1 #hj3ac2 members from other churches1 #aae4 ,church1 laying corner stone of1 #cje2 dedication of1 #caa2 buying lots1 #agj2 division or sale of church property1 #agb2 building churches1 #aff2 building parsonages1 #afi2 trustees of1 #aaj4 ,circuits1 stations and missions1 uniting and dividing1 #gc3h4 ,circulation of books and periodicals1 #gi3i2 #ahg3c2 #aih3d2 #bbd3c4 ,class ,leaders1 #ajd4 ,class ,meetings1 #aai4 ,collections1 ,class1 #ajd2 ,general ,funds1 #agh2 missionary1 #aid3d2 #bje3e2 #bai2 #bca4 ,commissions1 ,unification2 ,book ,house2 ,federal ,council2 ,churches of ,christ2 ,compilation of ,discipline2 ,educational ,standards1 #ceg4 ,committees1 of examination1 #ea2 of investigation3 of ,bishops1 #abi2 of presiding elders1 #ace2 of traveling preachers1 #acd2 of local preachers1 #ada2 of members1 #ade3;a4 ,communion1 see ,lord's ,supper4 ,community of goods1 not enjoined1 ,article1 #bh4 ,complaints1 #fj2 against a traveling preacher1 #ach3e4 ,conferences1 ,general1 #cg2 ,annual1 #dc2 ,district1 #ed2 ,quarterly1 #eg2 ,church1 #fc2 records of3 ,church ,conferences1 #fd3b2 ,quarterly ,conferences1 #fj3h2 ,district ,conferences1 #ee3d2 ,annual ,conferences1 #eg3c4 ,confirmation1 not a sacrament1 ,article #bb4 ,constitutions1 ,church ,extension1 ,epworth ,league1 ,education1 ,missions1 ,publishing1 ,sunday ,school1 ,superannuated ,preachers1 ,widows and ,orphans2 ,woman's ,missions1 see departments of4 ,conversation1 uncharitable1 ,general ,rule1 #cj4 ,corner ,stone laying1 #cje4 ,council1 ,federal1 ,churches of ,christ in ,america1 #ceg4 ,course of ,study1 local preachers1 #cfa2 traveling preachers1 #cfb4 ,court of ,appeals1 #aej4 ,credentials1 ,elders and deacons1 deprivation of1 #aeh3a2 restoration of1 #aeh3b2 local deacons and elders1 deprivation of1 #aei3a2 restoration of1 #aei3b4 ,cross ,bearing1 ,general ,rule1 #cb4 ,cup of the ,lord1 ,article1 #bd4 ,dancing1 #adg3b4 ,day of the ,lord1 not to be profaned1 ,general ,rule1 #cj4 ,deacons1 how constituted1 #hf3a2 missionary rule1 #hg2 qualifications1 #hb3b2 duties of1 #hg3c2 local preachers1 #ii3b2 ritual of ordination1 #cag4 ,decision1 ,episcopal1 #gb2 ,presiding ,elder1 #gf3e4 ,deed of settlement1 #agj4 ,delegates1 ,general ,conference1 clerical and lay1 #cg2 restrictive rule1 #dj-db2 laymen to ,annual ,conference1 #dc3a-c2 #ef3c2 laymen to ,district ,conference1 #ee3b4 ,deprivation and restoration of ,credentials1 #aeh4 ,diligence and frugality1 ,general ,rule1 #cb4 ,directions to preachers1 #hd4 ,directory1 to be kept by pastors1 #gi3aj4 ,disputes1 how settled1 #adh4 ,dissension1 sowing of1 #adg3c4 ,districts1 ,annual ,conference1 #gc3g2 ,general conference1 #gd3ab4 ,division1 transfer1 and sale of church property1 #agb4 ,divorced women1 preachers not to marry1 #ei3f4 ,doctrines of the church1 #ae2 contrary one not to be disseminated1 #ach3d2 #adc2d4 ,dress1 ,general ,rule1 #cj4 ,drunkenness1 ,general ,rule1 #cj4 ,eastern ,index1 #bcg4 ,editors1 ,christian ,index1 #ahh3e2 duty of1 #aia3e2 salary of1 #aia3b2 ,eastern ,western ,index1 #ahh3f2 salary1 #aib3c4 ,education1 ,board of1 #ceh2 constitution of1 #bad2 ,general ,secretary1 #bah2 salary1 #bai3h2 meetings1 #baf3d2 revenue1 how derived1 #bbj3i2 vacancies in1 #bag3c2 ,annual ,conference ,board1 #bbj3aj2 educational standards1 #bba4 ,elders1 how constituted1 #hg3a2 qualifications1 #hh2 duties1 #hi3c2 local1 #ii2 restoration of credentials1 #aeh3b2 #aei3b2 ritual of ordination1 #cbd4 ,election of1 ,bishops1 #fi3a2 general officers1 see constitutions of departments2 delegates to ,general ,conference1 #cg3a-b2 to ,annual ,conference1 #ef3c2 to ,orders1 #df2 #dg3i-af2 #hf4 ,enabling ,act1 #dd4 ,episcopacy3 see ,bishops4 ,episcopal decisions1 how guarded1 #gb4 ,epworth ,league1 object of1 #bji3b2 departments of1 #bji3c2 boards of1 #baj3d2 duties of secretary1 #bab2 revenue of department1 #bac3g2 ,annual ,conference1 ,district ,conference1 and local1 chapters1 #baj4 ,evil ,speaking condemned1 ,general ,rule1 #cj4 ,examination of1 preachers1 #ea2 #hb4 ,exhorters1 license1 #ajb3a2 duties1 #ajc3b2 further directions1 #ajc3c4 ,extreme ,unction1 not a sacrament1 #bb4 ,family and private prayer1 #cc4 ,fasting and abstinence1 #cc2 #gh3d2 #hd3b4 ,fighting1 general rule1 #cj4 ,finance1 ,joint ,board of1 how constituted1 #ahd3b2 duties of1 #ahe2 #ec3i2 ,recording ,steward1 #ahf4 ,financial plan1 general assessment and division1 #agg3a-b2 ,board of ,equalization1 #agg4 ,founder's ,day1 #bde4 ,free ,will1 ,article1 #ai4 ,frugality1 ,general ,rule1 #cb4 ,full ,connection1 #hc4 ,general ,conference1 how composed1 #cg3a-b2 delegates1 clerical and lay1 #cg2 voting by ,orders1 #ch3c2 time and place of meeting1 #ch3d2 special session and delegates1 #ch2 quorum1 #ci3h2 presiding officer1 #ci3i2 restrictions3 cannot change articles of religion1 #dj3a2 restrictive rule for election of delegates1 #dj3b2 ,episcopacy1 not to be destroyed1 #da3c2 ,general ,rules1 not to be revoked or changed1 #da3d2 right of appeals1 not to be destroyed1 #da3e2 how to change restrictive rules1 #da2 unconstitutional laws1 #db4 ,general ,missionary ,society1 members of1 #aic3b2 authority of1 #aid3c2 revenue1 #aid3d2 ,general ,missionary ,day1 #bcd3b2 #aie3e2 the secretary and his duties1 #aif4 ,general ,rules1 #bi2 must be read by pastors1 #gh3c4 ,ghost1 the ,holy1 ,article1 #af4 ,god1 ,article1 #ae4 ,gold1 putting on1 ,general ,rule1 #ca4 ,good doing1 ,general ,rule1 #ca4 ,good works1 ,article1 #bj4 ,goods1 ,christian man's1 ,article1 #bh4 ,goods1 not paid for1 ,general ,rule1 #cj4 ,government1 duty to1 #bg4 ,grace1 means of1 #cb2 #aaf2 #bce4 ,holy ,ghost1 ,article1 #af4 ,holy ,scriptures1 ,article1 #ag4 ,hospital1 #aff3a4 ,index1 ,christian1 #ahg3d2 ,editor of1 #ahh3e2 #aia3e2 price of1 #ahh3d4 ,index1 ,eastern1 #bcg2 ,editor of1 #ahh2 #bcf4 ,index1 ,western1 #bcf2 ,editor of1 #ahh2 #bcf4 ,infant ,baptism1 ,article on1 #bc2 ritual for1 #bgc4 ,institutions1 of learning1 provisions concerning1 #ej3h2 #bad2 #bcg2 charitable1 #aff3a4 ,investigation1 see committees of4 ,joint ,board of ,finance1 how constituted1 #ahd3b2 duties of1 #ec3i2 #ahe2 recording ,steward1 #ahf4 ,junior ,stewards1 #ajh3e4 ,junior ,stewardesses1 #aji3b4 ,journal of ,conferences1 #ec3g2 #fj3h4 ,judicial administration1 #abi4 ,justification1 ,article1 #ai4 ,law1 ,bishops' decisions on1 and appeal from1 #gb3e4 ,law1 ,presiding ,elders' decisions on1 and appeal from1 #gf3e4 ,law1 going to1 ,rule1 #cj4 ,laying ,corner ,stone1 #cje4 ,lay delegates1 #cg3a2 #dc3b2 #ef3c4 ,leaders1 ,class1 #ajd3a4 ,leaders' meeting1 #bce4 ,league1 ,epworth1 see ,epworth ,league4 ,lessens in ,public ,worship1 #aaf3a4 ,local ,deacon1 #ii3b4 ,local ,elder1 #ii3c4 ,local ,preachers1 #ih4 ,locate preachers1 #aja3c4 ,lord's ,day1 not to be profaned1 ,general ,rule1 #cj4 ,lord's ,prayer1 in ,public ,worship1 #aaf3a4 ,lord's ,supper1 ,article1 #bd2 ,general ,rule1 #cc4 ,love ,feasts1 #abj4 ,magistrates1 speaking evil of1 #cj4 ,marriage of ministers1 ,article1 #bf2 not to marry divorced women1 #ei4 ,marriages to be recorded1 #hj3ab4 ,marriage performed by3 deacon1 #hg3c2 elder1 #hi3c4 ,masses condemned1 #be4 ,matrimony1 not a sacrament1 ,article1 #bb2 ritual1 #bij4 ,means of ,grace1 #cb2 #aaf2 #bce4 ,meditation and prayer1 #he3c4 ,members of the ,church1 how received1 #aae2 ritual1 #bhe2 removal1 #ha2 trial1 #add2 appeal1 #aef4 ,ministers of other churches1 how received1 #ia4 ,ministers of the ,gospel1 7pastors and preachers71 members of annual conferences1 #dc3b2 examination of1 #ea-eb2 duties of1 #gh-ha2 #aba-abb2 deacons1 #hf2 elders1 #hg2 how appointed1 #gj3;b2 advice to1 #hd-hf2 trial of1 #acd2 appeal of1 #adj2 #aej2 unacceptable1 #ach2 support of1 #afc2 credentials1 deprivation of1 #aeh3a2 restoration of1 #aeh3b2 ceasing to travel1 #aja3c4 ,ministerial ,court of ,appeals1 #aej4 ,ministerial ,delegates1 #cg4 ,ministers1 speaking evil of1 #cj4 ,ministry of the ,word1 #cb4 ,ministry1 support of1 pastors1 #afc2 presiding elders1 #afc2 bishops1 #afd4 ,missionaries1 provisions for1 #aig3g2 #aii3b4 ,missionary on foreign fields admitted in full connection1 #hd3c4 ,missionary ,department1 ,general1 see ,general ,missionary ,department4 ,missionary ,board1 ,woman's1 see ,woman's ,missionary ,board4 ,missionary ,society1 ,woman's ,general1 see ,woman's ,general ,missionary ,society4 ,neglect means of grace1 #bce4 ,oath1 ,christian man's1 ,article1 #bh4 ,obedience to civil authority1 ,article1 #bg4 ,oblation of ,christ1 ,article1 #be4 ,official ,board1 or ,leaders' meeting1 #bce4 ,old ,testament1 ,article1 #ah4 ,order of ,public ,worship1 #aaf4 ,orders1 not a sacrament1 #bb4 ,orders1 deacons1 #hf2 local1 #ii2 ,elders1 #hg2 local1 #ajj2 examination necessary1 #hf-hh4 ,orders1 voting by1 #ch4 ,ordination ,ritual1 ,deacons1 #cag2 ,elders1 #cbd2 ,bishops1 #cci4 ,original sin1 ,article1 #ah4 ,orphans and widows of ministers1 provisions for1 #bbh4 ,parsonages1 building1 #afi2 securing1 #agj2 sale1 #agb4 ,pastors1 see ministers4 ,pastoral ,visitation1 #gi3aj2 #he4 ,pelagianism1 #ah4 ,penance1 not a sacrament1 #bb4 ,periodicals1 #ahg3c2 #bbd3c4 ,poor1 collections for1 #ajf3b4 ,post ,office ,addresses1 #cee4 ,prayer1 family1 #cc2 public1 #aaf2 ,lord's ,prayer to be used1 #aaf4 ,prayer ,meetings1 #aah4 ,preachers in charge1 duties of1 #gh4 ,preachers1 local1 #ih2 on trial1 #hb3a4 ,preachers from other churches1 #ia4 ,presiding ,elders1 appointment1 #ga3b2 duties1 #ge2 support1 #afc2 trial1 #acd4 ,probationers for the ,ministry1 #hb4 ,public ,worship1 enjoined1 #cb2 how conducted1 #aaf4 ,publishing ,department1 object of1 #ahg3c2 the ,index1 #ahh3d2 management1 #ahh3e2 members of ,board1 #ahh3;,,ii2 annual meeting1 #ahi3;,,ii3#c2 ,auditing ,committee1 #ahi3;,,iii2 ,agent1 see ,book ,agent2 editors1 see ,editors2 publishing fund1 #agg2 #ahb3g2 surplus1 #aib3,,vi3#a4 ,punctuality1 enjoined1 #he3b4 ,purgatory1 #ba4 ,quarterly ,conference1 how composed1 #eg3a2 time and place1 #eg3b2 presiding officer1 #eg3c2 business1 #eh-fj2 order of business1 #fj-fc4 ,quorum1 #ci3h2 #ahi3c2 #bjc3b4 ,readmission1 to ,annual ,conference1 #df2 #ei3f4 ,reading the ,scriptures1 #cc4 ,reception of members1 into church1 #aae2 on trial1 #hb3a2 into ministry1 #hc4 ,recommendation1 to ,annual ,conference for admission on trial1 #hb3b2 local deacon1 #ii3b2 local elder1 #ii3c4 ,recording ,steward1 #fj2 #aji2 #ahf3d4 ,records of1 membership1 #hj3ab-ac2 ,church ,conference1 #fd3b2 ,quarterly ,conference1 #fj3h2 ,district ,conference1 #ee3d2 ,annual ,conference1 #ec3g2 investigation3 of ,bishops1 #acj2 of preachers1 #ace2 trial of1 local preachers1 #ade3d2 members1 #adf3;d4 ,refusing to attend work1 minister1 #aci3f4 ,representation in ,general ,conference1 ratio of1 #cg3a4 ,reproach of ,christ1 ,general ,rule1 #cb4 ,restoration of credentials1 #aeh3b2 #aei3b4 ,restrictive ,rules1 #dj4 ,resurrection of ,christ1 ,article1 #af4 ,retired ,bishops1 #gd3ae2 support of1 #afd3c2 #agi3b4 ,riches1 laying up1 ,general ,rule1 #ca4 ,right of trial and appeal1 #da4 ,rites and ceremonies1 ,article1 #bf4 ,ritual1 #bfa4 ,rulers of the ,united ,states1 ,article1 #bg4 ,sabbath breaking1 ,general ,rule1 #cj4 ,sacraments1 #bb4 ,saints1 not to be envoked1 #ba4 ,schools and ,colleges1 #ej3h2 #bad2 #bcg2 consent of conference necessary to build1 #ej3a4 ,scriptures1 canonical1 #ag2 duty of searching1 #cc2 sufficiency of1 ,article1 #ag2 ,testament1 the old1 ,article1 #ah4 ,secretary1 general1 see departments4 ,securing churches and parsonages1 #agj4 ,self denial and cross bearing1 ,general ,rule1 #ca4 ,self indulgence1 ,general ,rule1 #ca4 ,sick1 visiting the1 #he3c2 #ajf3b2 #cbj4 ,sin original1 ,article1 #ah4 ,singing1 directions concerning1 #aah4 ,slander forbidden1 ,general ,rule1 #cj4 ,societies1 see departments4 ,softness1 ,general ,rule1 #ca4 ,songs1 rule against1 improper1 ,general ,rule1 #cj4 ,speaking in strange tongues1 ,article1 #bb4 ,special or called session1 ,general ,conference1 #ci3f4 ,spirituous liquors1 ,general ,rule1 #cj4 ,standing ,committees1 ,annual ,conference1 committees on ,course of ,study1 #ea4 ,statistics1 #ec2 #gg3i2 #ha3ae2 #dg4 ,statistician1 #ec4 ,stewards1 #aje2 ,junior1 #ajh3e2 ,recording1 #fj2 #aji3f2 #ahf3d4 ,stewardesses1 #aji3g2 ,junior1 #aji3,,vii3#b4 ,study1 ,course of1 #cfa4 ,sunday ,school1 #abc2 department of1 #bbc2 superintendent of1 #ei3g2 #fj2 #abc2 object1 #bbd3b2 editor1 #bbd-bbe2 ,sunday ,school ,boards in ,annual1 ,district and ,quarterly ,conferences1 #bbf3g2 appointment of boards1 #bbg3h2 order of business1 #bbh4 ,superannuated ,preachers1 #dg2 #ij2 provisions for1 #bbh4 ,superannuated ,preachers1 ,widows and ,orphans1 object of1 #bbh3a3b2 ,board of ,directors1 #bbi3c-e2 ,secretary-,treasurer1 #bbi-bcj2 funds of1 #bca3;,,iii3#a-b2 payment of superannuates1 #bca2 claims of widows and orphans1 #bcb3,v3#a-c2 report from ,joint ,boards1 #ahe1 a-b2 #bcc3;,i3#d4 ,supererogation1 ,article1 #bj4 ,supernumerary preachers1 #hi4 ,support of ministry3 pastors1 #afc2 presiding elders1 #afc2 ,bishops1 #afd4 ,suspension1 by a ,bishop1 #ga3c2 of a ,bishop1 #acj2 of a traveling preacher1 #acf4 ,temper1 improper1 #adg3b2 #acg3c4 ,temperance1 ,general ,rule1 #cj4 ,testament1 the ,old1 see scriptures4 ,time1 profitable employment of1 #he4 ,tongues1 speaking in unknown1 ,article1 #bb4 ,tracts1 #gg2 #bbd3c4 ,transubstantiation1 ,article1 #bd4 ,traveling preachers1 see minister4 ,treasure on earth1 ,general ,rule1 #ca4 ,trial of those who think they 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