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ORigPOMll 1952
^0>
mmi %\
DOCTRINE,
Constitution /nd Discipline
OF THE
United Brethren in Christ.
DAYTON, OHIO: MUTED BRETHREN PUBLISHiNG HOUSE,
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
CHAPTER 1.— Origin of the Church 5
CHAPTER 11.— Go7ifesdon of Faith 11
CHAPTER IIL— (7on8(t(ttetG» ,.... 13
CHAPTER IV.— Members 16
Section 1. Reception of members 16
Section 2. Duties of members 18
Sections. Trial of members 22
Section 4. Transfer and dismission of members... 26
CHAPTER Y— Government of the Church 27
Section 1. Classes 27
Section 2, Duties of a leader 28
Sections. Stewards and their duties 28
Section 4. Official meetings for stations 29
Sections. Quarterly conference 30
Section 6. Annual conference 35
Section 7. General Conference 38
CHAPTER YL—Minietry of the Church 42
Section 1. Exhorters 42
Section 2. Quarterly conference preachers 43
Section 3. Annual conference preachers 44
Section 4. Reception of preachers from other
churches 47
Section 5. Election of elders 48
Section 6, Ordination of elders 50
Section 7. Duties of elders 53
Sections. Presiding elders and their duties 54
Section 9. Bishops— election and duties 55
Section 10. Preachers' duties 58
Section 11. Itinerant preachers' duties 60
Section 12. Preachers salaries 64
Section 13. Trial of preachers 6^
Section 14. Transfer of preachers 68
CHAPTER Yll— The Itinerancy, Organization and
Support 69
CHAPTER YllL-Appeah 71
Section 1. From decision of a class 72
Section 2. From decision of quarterly conference 72
Section 4. From decision of an annual conference 72
iV DISCIPLINE.
CHAPTER IX.—Duliee in General 73
Section 1. Necessity of union among ourselves 73
Section 2. Visiting from house to house 74
Section 3. Singing 76
CHAPTER X— Moral Reform 75
Section 1. Temperance 75
Section 2. Slavery 7^
Section 3. Secret societies 77
Section 4. Oaths 80
Section 5. VVar 80
CHAPTER XI.— Doctrinal PuhUcatiom 81
CHAPTER Xll— Formulas 81
Section 1. Marriage Ceremony 81
Section 2. Burial of the dead 83
CHAPTER Xlll.-Chartera 85
CHAPTER XlY.-S.ibbafh-echooh 85
Section 1. Duties to children and Sabbath-schools 85 Section 2. Constitution of the General S. S. Asso- ciation 86
Sections. Annual conference relations and duties 89
Section i. Organization of Sabbath schools 90
Section 5- Relation of S. S to missionary work... 91
Section 6. Form of constitution of Sabbath-school 92
CHAPTER XV.— Miss ion ai-y Society 94
CHAPTER XVI. — Womanx Missionary Association.. 99
By-laws 100
Branch constitution 103
Local constitution... 105
CHAPTER XYIL- Church- Erection Society 106
CHAPTER XYIll. — Prititing Ettahlishment 109
CHAPTER XIX. — Course 0/ Reading and Sludy Ill
Section 1. English Ill
Section 2. German 114
CHAPTER XX —Meeting IIous^-s and Parsonages.... 115
CHAPTER XXl— Board of Education 119
CHAPTER XXIL— Boundaries 124
Section 1. Bishop's districts ; 124
Section 2. Annual conferences 125
CHAPTER L
ORiaiN OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST.
In the eighteenth century it pleased the Lord our God to awaken persons in different parts of the world, who should raise up the Christian 1*0- ligion from its fallen state and preach the gospel of Christ crucified in its purity.
About the middle of the said century, the Lord, in mercy, remembered the Germans in America, who, living scattered in this extensivo country, had but seldom an opportunity to hear the gospel of a crucified Savior preached to them in their native language.
Among others, he raised up William Otter- BEiN and Martin Boehm, in the State of Penn- sylvania, and George A. Geeting, in the State of Maryland, armed them with spirit, grace, and strength to labor in his neglected vineyard, and to call, among the Germans in America,,
6 DISCIPLINE.
sinners to repentance. These men obeyed the call of their Lord and Master. Their labors were blest, and they established in many places excellent societies and led many precious souls to Jesus Christ. Their sphere of action spread more and more, so that they found it necessarj' to look about for more fellow-laborers to engage in the vineyard of the Lord, for the harvest was great and the laborers but few. The Lord called others, who were willing to devote their strength to his service. Such, then, were accepted by one or other of the preachers as fellow-laborers.
The number of members in the society in dif- ferent parts of the country continued to increase from time to time, and the gracious work of i-eformation spread through the states of Penn- sylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. Several great meetings were appointed and held annually. On such occasions Otterbein would hold par- ticular conversations with the preachers then present, and represent to them the importance of the ministry and the necessity of their ut- most endeavors to save souls. At one of these meetings it was resolved to hold a conference with all the preachers, in order to take into con- sideration how, and in what manner, they might be most useful.
The first conference was held in the city of
DISCIPLINE. 7
Baltimore, Maryland, in the year of our Lord 1789. The following preachers were present : Wm. Otterbein, Adam Lehman,
Martin Boehm, John Ernst,
Geo, a. Geeting, Henry Weidner,
Christian Newcomer. The second conference was held in Paradise Township, York County, Pennsylvania, at the house of Bro. Spangler, in the year of our Lord, 1791. The following preachers were pres- ent: Wm. Otterbein, John Ernst,
Martin Boehm, J. G. Pfrimmer,
Geo. a. Geeting, John Neidig,
Ch'n. Newcomer Benedict Sanders,
Adam Lehman. After mature deliberation how they might la- bor most usefully in the vineyard of the Lord, they again appointed such as fellow-laborers whom they had cause to believe had experienc- ed true religion in their souls.
In the meantime the number of members continued to increase, and the preachers were obliged to appoint an annual conference, in or- der to unite themselves more closely and to labor more successfully in the vinej^ard of the Lord ; for some had been Presbyterians or Ger- man Reformed, some Lutherans, and others
8 DISCIPLINE.
Mennonites, They accordingly appointed a con- ference to be held on the 2oth of September, 1800, in Frederick County, Maryland, at the bouse of Bro. Frederick Kemp, The follow- ing preachers were present • Wm. O'lTERBEiN, Christian Krum,
Martin Boehm, Henry Krum,
Geo. a. Geeting, John Hershey^
Ch*n. Newcomer^ Jacob Geisingeb,
Adam Lehman, Henry Boehm,
Abraham Tracksel,, Diet'k Aurand,
J. G, Pfrimmer. There they united themselves into a society which beai-s the name ''United Brethren in Christ,*' and elected Wm. Otterbein and Martin Boehm as superintendents or bishops, and agreed that each of them should be at lib- erty as to the mode and manner of baptism, to perform it according to his own convictions.
From this time the society increasing still more and more, preachers were appointed to travel regularly, inasmuch as the number of preaching-places could not otherwise be attend- ed to; and the work spread itself into the states of Ohio and Kentucky. It then became neces- sary to appoint a conference in the State of Ohi<^ because it was conceived too laborious for the preachers who labored in those states to travel annually such a great distance to conference.
DISCIPLINE, 0
In the meantime Brothers Boehm and Geet- ITSG died, and Brother Otterbein desired that another bishop should be elected (because in- firmity and old age would not permit him to superintend any longer), who should take charge of the society, and preserve discipline and order. It was resolved at a former conference that whenever one of the bishops died another should be elected in his place: accordingly, Brother Christian Newcomer was elected bishop, to take charge of and superintend the concerns of the society.
The want of a discipline in the society had long been deeply felt, and partial attempts having been made at different times, it was resolved at the conference held in the State of Ohio, that a general conference should be held in order to accomplish the same, in a manner not derogatory to the word of God. The members of this con- fsrence were to be elected from among the preachers in the diflerent parts of the country, by a vote of the society in general. The follow- ing brethren were duly elected : Ch'n Newcomer, Daniel, Troyer,
Abr'm Heistand, Geo. Benedum,
Andrew Zeller, Abr'm Tracksel,
Christian Berger, Henry G. Spayth, Abraham Myer, I. Nighswanqer,
10 discipline.
John Schneider, Christian B^um,
Henry Kumler, Jacob Bowlus.
The conference convened on the 6th of June, 1815, near Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland Coun- ty, Pennsylvania. After mature deliberation, they presented to their brethren a discipline, containing the doctrine and rules of the Church, desiring that they, together with the word ©f God, should be strictly observed.
God is a God of order, but where there is no order nor church-discipline the sj)irit of love and charity will be lost.
Therefore, brethren, we beseech you to follow the example of our Lord, as it is written, " Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love ; in honor preferring one another. Let the mind be in you which was in Christ, who took upon hiin the form of a servant, humbled him- self, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross," that by his grace we may submit ourselves one to another in the fear of God. He who will not submit is in want of humble love. Jesus said, "Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another ; and whoso lov- eth not his brother abideth in death." Let us walk in newness of life, that the prayer of our
DISCIPLINE. 11
Lord may be answered in us; that we may be one in him, and that he may give us the glory which he gave to his disciples, that Ave may be one even as he and the Father are one. There- fore, beloved brethren, let us strive to be like- minded, having the same love, being of one ac- cord, of one mind. Let no one speak or think evil of his brother, but pray God that he may grant us iiis Spirit and an earnest desire to lead a truly devoted life, to the honor and glory of his holy name. Amen.
CHAPTER II.
CONFESSION OP FAITH.
In the name of God we declare and confess before all men, that we believe in the only true God, the Faliier, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, that these three are one : the Father in the Son, the Son in the Father, and the Holy Ghost equal in essence or being with both; that this triune God created the iieavens and the earth, and all that in them is, visible as well as invisible, and furthermore sustains, governs, jDrotects, and supports the same.
We believe in Jesus Christ ; tliat he is very God and man ; that he became incarnate by the
12 DISCIPLINE,
I)Ower of the Holy Ghost in the Virgin Mary, and was born of her ; that he is the Savior and Mediator of the whole human race, if they with full faith in him accept the grace proffered in Jesus ; that this Jesus suffered and died on the cross for us, was buried, arose again on the third day, ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God, to intercede for us ; and that he shall come again at the last day, to judge the quick and the dead.
We believe in the Holy Ghost; that he is equal in being with the Father and the Son, and that he comforts the faithful, and guides them into all truth.
We believe in a holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
We believe that the Holy Bible, Old and New Testament, is the word of God ; that it contains the only true way to our salvation ; that every true Christian is bound to acknowledge and re- ceive it with the influence of the Spirit of God, as the only rule and guide ; and that without faith in Jesus Christ, true repentance, forgive- ness of sins, and following after Christ, no one can be a true Christian.
We also believe that what is contained in the Holy Scriptures, to-wit : the fall in Adam and
DISCIPLINE, 13
redemption through Jesus Christ, shall be preached throughout the world.
We believe that the ordinances, viz: baptism and the remembrance of the sufferings and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, are to be in use, and practiced by all Christian societies; and that it is incumbent on all the children of God particularly to practice them; but the manner in which ought always to be left to the judg- ment and understanding of every individual. Also the example of was^hing feet is left to the judgment of every one, to practice or not; but it is not becoming of any of our preachers or members to traduce any of their brethren whose judgment and understanding in these respects is different from their own, either in public or private. Whosoever shall make himself guilty in this respect, shall be considered a traducer of his brethren, and shall be answerable for the same.
CHAPTER III.
CONSTITUTION.
We, the members of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, in the name of God, do, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the
-14 DISCIPLINE.
body of Christ, as well as to produce and secure a uniform mode of action, in faith and practice, also to define the powers and the business of quarterly, annual, and general conferences, as recognized by this church, ordain the following articles of Constitution:
ARTICIiE I.
Section 1. All ecclesiastical power herein granted, to make or repeal any rule of Disci- pline, is vested in a general conference, which shall consist of elders, elected by the members In every conference district throughout the so- ciety ; provided, however, such elders shall have stood in that capacity three years, in the confer- ence district to which they belong.
Sec. 2. General Conference is to be held every four years ; the bishops to be considered mem- bers and presiding officers.
Sec. 3. Each annual conference shall place before the society the names of all the elders eligible to membership in the General Confer- ence.
ARTICLE II.
Section 1. The General Conference shall de- fine the boundaries of the annual conferences.
Sec. 2. The General Conference shall, at every session, elect bishops from among the elders
DISCIPLINE. 15
throughout the Church, who have stood six years in that capacity.
Sec. 3. The business of each annual confer- ence shall be done strictly according to Disci- pline; and any annual conference acting con- trary thereunto, shall, by impeachment, be tried by the General Conference.
Sec. 4. No rule or ordinance shall at any time be passed, to change or do away the Con- fession of Faith as it now stands, nor to destroy the itinerant plan.
Sec. 5. There shall no rule be adopted that will infringe upon the rights of any as it relates to the mode of baptism, the sacrament of the Lord's-supper, or the washing of feet.
Sec. 6. There shall be no rule made that will deprive local preachers of their votes in the annual conferences to which they severally be- long.
Sec. 7. There shall be no connection with secret combinations, nor shall involuntary serv- itude be tolerated in any way.
Sec. 8. The right of appeal shall be invio- late.
ARTICLE III.
The right, title, interest, and claim of all property, whether consisting in lots of ground
16 DISCIPLINE.
meeting-houses, legacies, bequests or donations of any kind, obtained by purchase or otherwise, by any person or persons, for the use, benefit, and behoof of the Church of the United Breth- ren in Christ, is hereby fully recognized and held to be the property of the church aforesaid,
ARTICLE IV.
Theie shall be no alteration of the foregoing constitution, unless by request of two thirds of the whole society.
CHAPTER IV.— MEMBERS.
Section I.
Meception of Members.
Ques. How shall members be taken into our church?
Ans. When at any meeting a person makes known a desire to become a member of o^ir church, then the preacher present shall, in the hearing of the congregation, ask such persons the following questions :
1. Do you believe the Bible to be the word of God, and that therein only is contained tlie knowledge of the way of salvation ?
2. Have you experienced the pardon of your sins, and have you now peace with God ?
DISCIPLINE. 17
3. Are you determined by the grace of God to follow Christ, renouncing the world and all ungodliness, seeking to lead a life of holiness and devotion to God and his cause ?
4. Are you willing to be governed by our church-discipline ?
1. If the person answer the above questions in the affirmative, and no lawful objections be made by any member, then the preacher shall give his right hand to such person as a member of our church, and record the name on the church or class book ; provided, however, that where a church deems it advisable for its protec- tion against imposition a committee may be ap- pointed, who, together with the pastor, may make inquiry as to the advisability of admitting such applicants to membership in the Church according to the foregoing requirements.
2. Any person giving evidence that they are sincerely seeking the Lord, may be received under the watch-care of the Church, but shall not be reported as members, nor shall they have any vote in the Church.
3. If any person thus received under the watch-care of the Church shall cease to manifest a desire to seek the Lord, the preacher in charge, by the consent of the class, can, at any time, after personal labor for their salvation by
18 DISCIPLINE.
the preacher in charge and class-leader, if un- successful, publicly drop the name of such seeker.
4. Any preacher refusing or neglecting to ask the foregoing questions, or who shall receive members into the Church in violation of this order, shall be answerable for the same to the conference of which he is a member.
Section II.
Duties of Members.
1. All members of this church shall acknowl- edge and confess that they believe the Bible to be the word of God ; that they will henceforth strive, with all their hearts, to seek theii eternal welfare in Christ Jesus, and work out their sal- vation with fear and trembling, to the end that they may be enabled to fiee from the wrath to oome.
2. Every member shall endeavor to lead a godly life ; attend to the ordinances of God's house, namely, baptism and the remembrance of the sufferings and death of our Lord Jesus Christ ; be diligent in prayer, paj Ucularly in private, and, for his own edification, attend, when practicable, all of our prayer and class meetings, and meetings for public worship.
8. Heads of families should never omit to
DISCIPLINE. 19
pray with their families, morning and evening, and set them a good example in all the Chris- tian virtues.
4. Every one should strive to walk as in the presence of God ; also, accustom himself to a close communion with God in all his employ- ments, and never speak evil of his fellow-beings, but practice love toward friend and foe, do good to the poor, and endeavor to be a follower of Jesus Christ in deed.
5. Every one shall keep the Sabbath-day holy, as required in the word of God ; neither buy nor sell, but spend the same in exercises of devotion, in reading and hearing the word of God, and with singing spiritua^l h^'mns to the honor and glory of God.
G. It is the duty of every member to lead • quiet, peaceable, and godly life among men, as it becomes a Christian to live in peace, and be subject to the higher or ruling powers, as the word of God requires.
7. It shall be the duty of all our members to encourage our Sabbat b-schools by their pres- ence when practicable, and always give them their aid and ijjfluence.
8. It is the duty of all members of the Church to pay toward the support of the itin- erant ministry, quarterly, or oftener if need be,
20 DISCIPLINE.
in proportion to their ability, as God has pros- pered tbera; for the Lord hath ordained that they who preach the gospel shall live by th© gospel. (I. Cor. ix. 14; I. Tim. v. 18.)
9'. Each member o-f our church should will- ingly and freely contribute quarterly, or oftener, if need be, as God has prospered him or her (I. Cor. xvi. 2), to the support of the helpless poor.
10. When it is known by any of aur class- leaders that there are poor members among thena, who by sickness, accident, or other una- voidable circumstances have been brought to want, it shall be the duty of the leader in charge to go, ar appoint one to wait upon the class, to ask alms, nitoney, clothing, or produce, as the circiunstances may require j and should any one class be too poor to alleviate its poor, it shall then be made known to the pastor in charge, whose duty it shall be to inform the different classes on his charge ; and if it should so haj^pen that any one charge should be insufficient to meet the wants of its poor, it shall be the duty of the presiding elder to present the matter on the dif- ferent charges at their quarterly conferences, so that the unavoidably poor of our churob may be considered and provided for. (I. John, iii, 17; Ps. xii. 1, 2.)
11. Inasmuch as the Lord has commanded us
DISCIPLINE. 21
not to be conformed to this world (Rom. xii. 2), to lay apart all filthiness, and superfluity of naughtiness (James i, 21), and as the prineiplea of the Christian religion, as taught both by the precepts and example of the meek and adorable Savior, are in strict and perfect accordance with these commandments, we therefore humbly be- seech and admonish the members of our church to observe these divine precepts. In like man- ner also that women adorn themselves in mod- est apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array, but (which becometh women pro- fessing godliness) with good works (I. Tim. ii. 9, 10); and whose adorning let it not be that out- ward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wear- ing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. (I. Peter, iii. 3, 4.)
The foregoing rules are drawn up for the bet- ter regulation of our church ; and we believe they are founded in tlie word of God, and in- cumbent on all who are members of our church to observe. Should any violate or habitually neglect these rules, they shall be, by their re- spective class-leaders, admonished to reforma-
22 DISCIPLINE.
Illation ; and should they not reform, they shad be suspended or expelled, as the case may re- quire.
It is the advice of the General Conference that alJ districts, stations, circuits, and missions cheerfully receive the preachers appointed by the stationing committee of the respective an- nual confei'ences.
Section III. Trial of Members.
Ques. What shall be done when members tresspass against each other?
Ans. " If thy brother shall tresspass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone : if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church : but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican ;" that is, he shall be expelled.
Ques. What shall be done in case of members accused of tresspass or immoral conduct?
Ans. The class shall appoint one or more to visit the accused brother or sister, and, if possi- ble reclaim him or her; but if unsuccessful, he or she shall be tried by the class to which they
DISCIPLINE. • 23
belong, or a committee thereof, chosen by the parties concerned, with the preacher in charge of the circuit or station, wlio shall be chairman; and if found guilty, the accused shall be expell- ed, unless satisfaction be given by an expression of repentance or otherwise. If the accused re- fuse to choose his committee-man, when prop- erly notified, the quarterly conference shall choose a second person, and these two a third, which committee shall try the case and decide. Yet cases may happen where it would be expe- dient to choose a committee from any other class or classes than the one to which the parties belong ; also, an elder may be chosen as chair- man, should the preacher in charge deem it best to do so. But should any member be dissatisfi- ed with the decision, an appeal may be had to the quarterly conference, by giving notice there- of to the preacher in charge or secretary of the trial. (See section on appeals.) In such case, however, the same persons shall not sit in judg- ment on the same case.
Ques. What shall be done in cases of neglect of duty of any kind, imprudent conduct, indulg- ing sinful tempers of words, or disobedience to the order and discipline of the Church?
Ans. First, let private reproof be given by the preacher or leader ; and if there be ''an ao-
24 DISCIPLINE.
knowledgment of the fault, proper humiliation, and a promise to reform, the person may be borne with. On a second offense, the preacher or leader shall take with him one or two faithful members. On a third offense, let the case be brought before the Church or class, or a select committee; and if there be no satisfactory hu- miliation, the offender shall be expelled by vote of the society.
In case of trial under this clause, the leader shall act in behalf of the Church ; or if the leader be the offender, the steward shall act as prosecutor.
Ques. What shall be done in case of disputes between the members or preachers ?
Arts. The preacher to whom it shall be known shall inquire into the circumstances of the case, and if necessar3'-, shall recommend to the con- tending parties a reference, consisting of one arbiter, chosen bj^ the plaintiff, and another by the defendant, and a third by these two ; then these three are to decide. But if the preacher to whom the dispute is known shall refuse or neglect to act, then the quarterly conference shall appoint one to carry out the rule; and if either or both disputants refuse to choose an arbiter, the quarterly conference shall appoint the first and second, and these two a third, who *all hear the case and decide.
DiSClPi^lNE. 25
But if either be dissatisfied with the decision, such may have a right to an appeal to the next quarterly conference for a second arbitration, where each party shall choose two arbiters, and the four shall choose a fifth, a decision of the majority of whom shall be final. Any person refusing to abide by this decision, and every member refusing, in case of debt or dispute, to refer the matter to arbitration when recom- mended to him by a preacher or leader, or who shall enter into a lawsuit with another member before these measures are taken, shall be ex- pelled without further process, and his or her name be so recorded upon the church-record by the preacher in charge, or the class-leader, ex- cept when the case is of such a nature as to re- quire and justify a process at law, as executors or administrators, or when a member is in dan- ger of suffering an unexpected loss of property.
Every class-leader shall keep a record of the proceedings of church-trials, deaths, expulsions, and removals, in a book provided for that pur- pose; and it shall be his duty, in case uf an ap- peal, to furnish his record to the quarterly con- ference.
All church-trials shall be conducted in a con- sistent Christian manner, without the employ- ment of magistrates and attorneys to administer oaths and conduct investigations.
26 DISCIPLINE.
Section IV.
Transfer aiid Dismission of Members.
When members of our society move from one field of labor to another they shall obtain a cer- tificate, by a vote of the majority of the class to which they belong signed by a preacher or leader, except where they are not in reach of a class, in which case any of our preachers may give a certificate to such persons if they are known to be in good standing.
Form of Certificate of Membership.
This is to certify that A. B. is a member of good standing in the Church of the United
Brethren in Christ, at — , and is hereby
recommended to the confidence and fellowship of Christians everj^vvhere.
[Dates, etc.]
Form of Certificate of Dismission.
This is to certify that A. B. has been until ttis date a member in good standing in the Church
of the United Brethren in Christ, at , and
at request is dismissed from the Church
by a vote of the class.
Pastor.
[Dates, etc.]
Any i^erson receiving a certificate of member- ship of good standing is amenable to the class
DISCIPLINE. 27
from which he received it, until he deposit his certificate with some other church or class.
CHAPTER v.— GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH.
Section I.
Glasses.
1. A class shall consist of three or more mem- bers, who shall annually elect one member from their own or some other class, who shall be called their leader, and shall be elected before the ensuing annual conference.
2. Classes shall be divided hy a committee, consisting of the preacher in charge and one or more brethren, elected by the Church at any place where it may be deemed necessary. Each class so formed shall have the power of electing its own leader, and shall be considered as having all the rights and privileges of separate classes.
3. In case it becomes impracticable to keep up an organization by the election of class-of- ficers, the members at such place shall be re- quired to join the nearest class within six months ; and any one failing to do so may be dropped.
28 DISCIPLINE.
Skction n. Duties of a Leader.
1. It shall be his duty to meet his class, in class or prayer meeting, at least once a week, to speak to them concerning the spiritual wel- fare of their souls, and exhort them to unity and love. He shall extend the freedom of our prayer and class meetings to all sincere and well-disposed persons who may desire to attend them.
2. It shall be his duty to lead a pious life and set a godly example before his class ; care- fully study the Holy Scriptures, fully qualify- ing himself for the faithful performance of his duties as leader and counselor of his class. When any of his members are sick or delin- quent in the pei'formance of any of their duti s as Christians he shall visit them, pray or other- wise labor with them, as circumstances may re- quire.
Any class-leader failing to discharge these duties may, on complaint, be removed by the quarterly conference.
Section III.
Steivards and their Duties. Every class shall annually elect (or, if the class prefer it, the preacher may appoint) one who shall be called the class-steward.
DISCIPLINE. 29
Ques. What are the duties of a steward ?
Ans. 1. He* shall collect quarterly contribu- tions, or oftener than quarterly, if needed, for the support of traveling preachers. He shall keep an accurate account of the amount paid by each member of the class, in a book provided for that purpose, and report the same to each qua*-- terly conference or ofificial meeting.
2. It shall also be his duty to provide the ele- ments for sacrament ; and we earnestly recom- mend the use of unfermented wine.
3. For the faithful discharge of his duties as Stewart of his class, he shall be accountable to the quarterly conference, which shall have power to dismiss him for official delinquency.
Section IV. Official Meetings for Stations.
Ques. 1. Who are the members of the official meeting ?
.47*5. 1. All the projjerly recognized members of the quarterly conference.
2. The preacher in charge shall be the presi- dent of the meeting ; and in his absence one of the members shall be elected president pro te n.
Qiies. 2. What is the business of the official meeting?
Ans. 1. The president shall call the meeting to order, and begin and conclude with praver.
30 DISCIPIiINE«
2. To elect a secretary, who shall make a record of the proceedings of the meeting.
3. To elect a treasurer, whose duty it shall be to receive all moneys from stewards that have been collected, and receipt therefor; and said treasurer shall pay out all moneys in his hands as the official meeting may direct.
4. To receive a statement from each class- leader in reference to the prosperity of religion in his class.
5. This body shall meet once a month, and may meet of tener if circumstances require.
6. It shall be the duty of the official meeting t-o receive all reports of subscriptions, and mon- eys collected and disbursed for the interest of the station ; and all persons intrusted with sub- scriptions or moneys shall report the same to the meeting as soon as possible.
7. It shall be the duty of the official meeting • to submit its doings to the quarterly conference for examination and approval.
Section V. Quarterly Qonference.
Ques. 1. Who are the members of the quar- terly conference ?
Ans. The presiding elder of the district, the preacher in charge, and all the properly reoog-
DISCIPLINE. 31
nized preachers, exhorters, leaaers, stewards, and trustees of meeting and parsonage houses, and superintendents of Sabbath-schools (when said trustees and superintendents are members of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ), who reside within the bounds of the circuit, sta- tion, or mission, or hold membership therein.
Ques. 2. What is the business of the quarterly conference ?
Ans. 1. In the absence of the presiding elder, the quarterly conference shall elect a chairman pro tern., whose oflScial acta shall be valid.
2. To elect a secretary, whose duty it shall be to keep a correct record of all their proceedings in a book provided for that purpose, in which the names of all the members composing the said conference- shall be entered.
3-. To make inquiry into the moral deportment and official character of all its members.
4. To receive and try all appeals, references, and complaints that may come regularly before it ; but no member of quarterly conference can be suspended or expelled from the Church prior to a committee trial. When a quarterly-confer- ence preacher or exhorter is accused of any mis- demeanor, he shall be tried by a committee of three, of which the accused shall choose one and the quarterly conference a second, and these two
32 DISCIPLINE.
a third, to try the case. If the accused refuse or neglect to choose his committee-man after being properly notified, the Quarterly conference shall choose a first and second person, and these two a third, who shalLhear the case and decide ; and if the accused is found guilty he shall be silenc- ed; provided, however, either party shall have he right of appeal to the next quarterly confer- ence for a new trial.
5. To grant license to exhort or preach to such as may have been recommended by at least two thirds of the class of which they are mem- bers ; provided, however, that none shall receive license who can not give satisfactory evidence of their call, experience, soundness in doctrine, and attachment to our church and government. AH applicants for quarterly-conference license to preach shall be examined by quarterly confer- ence according to Section II., Chapter VI., of Discipline.
6. To make settlement with the stewards and traveling preachers.
7. To enforce discipline in all the classes under its jurisdiction ; but in no case to disorganize a class unless the preliniinaiy steps have been taken as required in Section I., Chapter V., of Discipline.
8. To renew the license of exhorters and
DISCIPIilNE. 33
quarterly-conference licensed preachers, annual- ly, if they be found worthy, and to arrange a plan for the local preachers to preach regularly at stated places, as the quarterly conference may direct.
9. After such licentiate preachers have stood in that capacity one or more years, the quarterly conference may recommend them to the annual conference.
10. All preachers recommended to the annual conference, and not received, may sustain their former relation.
11. The quarterly conference, at its last ses- sion in each year, shall appoint a steward for the charge, whose duty it shall be to assist the class- stewards to secure the preacher's salary ; also, an estimating committee for the ensuing year, which committee shall meet at the time and place specified by the preacher appointed to the charge for the ensuing year, and make out an estimate of the regular expenses of the circuit, station, or mission, and apportion the same among the different appointments according to their several abilities, reporting the same to the quarterly conference for ratification.
Each class, after receiving its apportionment, shall as soon as convenient, on the call of the leader or steward, hold a meeting and appoint a 3
M DISCIPLINE.
committee whose duty it shall be to make a div- idend of the apportionment to each member thereof according to his or her ability, to be paid quarterly or monthly ; provided, however, that it shall be the privilege of any class to col- lect the amount apportioned to it by subscrip- tion or otherwise.
Qiies. 3. How are preachers from other socie- ties received ?
Atis. If they come to us with certificates of good standing in the society in which they have had membership, and give satisfaction to the- quarterly conference on examination on the doc- trine, discipline, government, and usages of our church, then the quarterly conference may li- C5ense them, with the understanding that the quarterly conference relation continue for at least one year, (provided, that an elder, ordained by the laying on of hands, coming to us shall be allowed to perform the functions of an elder during his probation,) after which, if their con- duct and doctrine be in accordance with the gos- pel of Christ, they may be received into the an- nual conference as preachers, or elders, as the case may be.
Ques. 4. What directions are necessary in case of appeals?
Ans. Any exhorter or preacher, dissatisfied
DISCIPLINE. 35
with the decision of a quarterly conference, shall within thirty days after the quarterly confer- ence, notify the secretary, in writing, of his 'in- tention to appeal, together with his reasons for so doing ; and it shall be the duty of the secre- tary to take or send a certified copy of the pro- ceedings, the notification, and reasons assigned, to the annual conference.
In all cases of appeal, whether to the quarterly', annual, or General Conference, the course laid down in this section on appeals is the proper course to be pursued.
Ques. 5. Where shall our next quarterly con- ference be held ?
Qiies. 6. Is there an^^thing more to be done ?
Ail exhorters, and quai'terly and annual con- ference preachers are required to join some con- venient class, and upon neglect or refusal to do so shall lose their official relation.
It shall also be the duty of the quarterly con- ference to open and close with prayer.
Section VI. Annual Qonfcrence.
Ques. 1. Who are the members of this con- ference ?
Ans. All the elders and licentiate preachers who have been duly received by the conference;
36 DiscnpLT:NE.
provided, first: That any annual conference may receive into its body one layman from every charge in its bounds whenever two thirds of its members shall, in a regular annual ses- sion, decide so to do, notice of such vote to be given twenty-four houi-s before the time. Sec- ond : When an annual conference has adopted \'d.y representation, it shall provide for the ap- pointment of such lay representatives by su^ch methods as in its wisdom it may deem best. Third : The laymen thus chosen shall have all the privileges and rights of ministers in the an- nual conference, except the right to vote for the reception or expulsion of preachers, the passing of preachers in the course of reading, and the right to vote for presiding elders.
Ques, 2. In what manner are the transaetiona of a conference to be conducted?
Ans. 1. A portion of scripture shall be read ; also, singing and prayer each day, at the opening and closing of conference.
2. The conference shall elect two secretaries, one German and one English, wherever it may be necessary, one of whom shall immediately on the adjournment of the annual conference trans- mit to the publishing agent at Dayioii, Ohio, a: true transcript of the footings of the conference chart. If no bishop should be present, it shall b»
DISCIPLINE, 87
the duty of the annual conference to elect a bishop pro tern., whose official acts shall be valid.
3. The preachers shall be examined respect- ing their deportment toward their fellow-beings, whether their conduct in life be blameless, and whether they employ as much time as practica- ble to promote the kingdom of God, (according to Titus, 1st chapter, 7th to 9th verse, and II. Tim., 2d chapter, I5th verse,) and if found de- linquent shall be admonished or advised, as the case may require. But should all admonition or advice fail, then the name of the delinquent person shall be erased from the minutes of the conference.
4. Should any member of the annual confer- ence absent himself from the session of confer- ence three years in succession, without giving a satisfactory reason for so doing, his name may be erased from the minutes of the conference.
5. No preacher shall be permitted to election- eer favorably to his own election to any office or delegation in the Church; and should any one be found doing so, he shall be accountable to tlte next annual conference of which he is a mem- ber, to be dealt with according to the judgment of said conference.
The following questions shall also be asked: 1. Have any of the preachers died during the last year ?
38 DISCIPLINE.
2. Wlio are candidates for the ministry?
3. Are any to be ordained to the office of elder?
4. What has been collected foe contingent ex- penses and the salary of traveling preachers ?
5. What has been done for missions ?
t). What has been done for Sabbath-schools ?
7. Has reckoning been made with the travel- ing preachers ?
8. Who are the presiding elders?
9. Where are the preachers stationed this year ?
10. Where shall our next conference be held ?
11. Is there anything else to be done ?
12. Is all that has been done entered uix>n record ?
Section VII.
General Conference.
Ques. 1. Who are the members of the General Conference? {See Constitution.)
Ques. 2, What shall be the number of dele- gates to the General Conlerence ?
A71S. Not less than two nor more tlian four from each annual-conference district. xVil con- lerences having less than three tliousand mem- bei's shall be entitled to two delegates. All con- ferences having three thousand and under five thousand members shall be entitled to three
DISCIPLLNE. 39
delegates. All conferences having six thousand five hundred members and over that number, shall be entitled to four delegates.
The Board of Bishops shall a^ early as possible announce the number of delegates to which each conference shall be entitled, as appears from the statistics of the annual conferences at the end of the third year of the term.
Ques. 3. How are they to be elected ?
Atis. 1. It shall be the duty of each annual conference to appoint a committee of three to receive and count the votes, and immediately apprise those who may have been elected ; also to furnish each preacher in charge with a Ust of the names of all the elders eligible.
2. The leader and steward of each class shall constitute a board of election, who shall be fur- nished a copy of the above-named list, by the preacher in charge, at least ten months before the sitting of the General Conference ; and the election shall be held invariably in the month of November next preceding the sitting of said conference.
3. It shall be the duty of '•"'^'"' i.oard of elec- tion to appoint a meeting
their respective classes or < may be, for the purpose o their delegates to represer Conference.
40 DISCIPLINE,
Should any member be incapacitated by age or aflaiction to attend such meetings, and should any minister be absent on his charge, they may send their ballots containing the names of their choice, and their own names signed on the back of their ballots; provided, no votes shall be counted except those cast at the appointed meet- ings.
4. It shall be the duty of each board of eleo- tion invariably to sign, inclose, and seal each bill of election, and keep a correct record of the same, also of all membei-s voting, and immedi- ately transmit a copy of such bill, stating what class, circuit, mission, or station, to the commit- tee appointed by the annual conference.
6. Said committee shall make out a list of all the persons voted for, and of the number of votes for each. And should any two or more of the candidates have an equal number of votes, the committee shall determine, by lot, which of them is elected. They shall also forward by the first of February, the names of tliose elected to the conference Printing Establishment for pub- lication ; and if one or more of those elected should be prevented, by death, sickness, or oth- erwise, from attending, it shall be the duty of the tellers to notify the next highest on the bill to take his place ; and so descend, if need be, to the last candidate. All bills of election received
DISCIPLINE. 4i
by the tellers after the fii-st of January shall not be counted.
6. It shall be the duty of each presiding elder to furnish each preacher in charge on his district with blank bills of election, the .same to be dis- tributed by said preachers to their respective boards of election.
Ques. 4. How shall the expenses of the dele- gates to the General Conference be defrayed? J Ans. The annual conference next preceding the election of delegates to the General Confer- ence shall ascertain the amount of money that will be necessaiy to defray the expenses of its delegates to General Conference, and apportion the same among its diflferent fields of labor ; and the preacher in charge shall collect and forwaM Buch amount to the presiding elder of his di»- trict, who shall transmit such amount to the tellers by the first of Februai-y preceding the General Conference. Should any preacher neg- lect his duty, he shall be accountable therefor to the next annual conference.
It shall be the duty of the General Conference to examine the administration of each annual oonference, whether it has strictly observed the rules, and preserved the vioral and doctriiuU principles of the Discipline in all its transao- tions.
In the election of all officers of the General
42 DISCIPLINE,
CJonference, a majority of all the votes shall be necessary to a choice.
CHAPTER VI.— MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH.
Section I.
Exhorters.
Ques. How are exhorters received ?
Ans. Any person wishing to obtain license to exhort must obtain from the class of which he is a member, by a vote of two thirds of the mem- bers, a recommendation in writing, signed by the leader, or preacher in charge, to the quarter- ly conference of the circuit, station, or mission to which he belongs.
Ques. What are the duties of exhorters ?
Ans. To make appointments wherever ae- oeptable to the people; read portions of sacred scripture, exhorting therefrom ; exhorting saints, that they with purpose of heart should cleave to the Lord, and sinners to flee from the wrath to come ; and this they shall do as often as practi- cable.
The license of an exhorter is subject to renew- al annually, at the discretion of the quarterly oonference.
'\ DISCIPLINE. ^
Section II.
Quarterly- Conference Jhreaehers.
Ques. How are quarterly-conference preach- ers received ?
Ans. Any person wishing to obtain license to preach must obtain from the class of whicii he is a member, by a vote of two thirds of the mem- bers, a recommendation in writing, signed by the leader or preacher, to the quarterly confer- ence of the circuit, station, or mission to which he belongs ; provided, That the person making application sliall be examined by the quarterly conference, and the following questions asked by the chairman :
1. Do you believe in our confession of faith as taught in our book of Discipline ?
2. Have you now peace with God through our Lord Jesus' Christ ?
3. What is your motive in desiring permis- sion to preach the go-pel ?
4. Are you satisfied with our church-govern- ment ?
5. Will you submit yourself to the counsel of your brethren ?
6. What is your knowledge of depravity, of redemption, of faith, of repentance, of justifica- tion, and of sanctification ?
44 DISCIPIilNE.
It shall be the privilege of the chairman to ask any other question or questions that he may deem necessary.
Quarterly -conference licensed preachei-s are required to pursue the course of reading pre- scribed in our book of Discipline, and to be ex- amined^ annually by the presiding elder and preacher in charge at the fourth quarterly meet- ing- .
The license of a quarterly-conference preacher is subject to renewal annually, at the discretion of the quarterly conference.
Aflber such licentiate preachers have stood in that capacity one or more years, the quarterly conference may recommend them to the annual conference.
All preachers recommended to tlie annual oon- oonference, and not received, may sustain their former relation.
Section III.
Annual- Conference Preachers,
Qites. How are preachers received ?
Ans. Every person proposed as a preacher shall be examined by the annual conference or a select committee thereof; and the following questions shall be asked him :
1. Have you known God in Christ Jesus to be a sin-pardoning God ?
DISCIPLINE. 45
2. Have you now peace with God ; and is the love of God shed abroad in your heart by the Holy Spirit ?
3. Do you believe the Bible to be the word of God, and that therein is contained the only true way to onr salvation ?
4. What foundation have you for ffuch be- lief?
5. Do you follow after holiness ?
6. What is your motive for desiring permis- sion to preach the gospel ?
7. Do you believe that man, apart from the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, is fallen from original righteousness, and is not only entirely destitute of holiness, but is inclined to evil, and only evil, and that continually ; and that except a man b8 born again he can not see the kingdom of heaven ?
8. What is your knowledge of redemption, of faith, of repentance, justification, and sanc- i-ification?
9. Does your own salvation, and the salvation of your fellow-mortals, lie nearer to your heart than all other things in the world?
10. Will you subject yourself to the counsel of your brethren ?
11. Are you satisfied with our church-govern- ment?
12. Are you willing, as much as is in your
46 DISCIPLINE.
power, to assist in upholding the itinerant plan ?
None can be admitted without having a recom- mendation from the quarterly conference, and then only to be received on probation ; but if conference should, on examination, find that his abilities are insufficient to preach the gospel, it may refer him back to the quarterly conference, for further instruction.
"When a preacher or elder has been expelled or formally withdraws from one annual conference, he shall not be received into another without the consent of the conference from which he has been expelled.
A preacher or elder who shall labor in the bounds of an annual conference, other than the one to which he belongs, for two years, shall be required to obtain a transfer from the conference to which he belongs and unite with the confer- ence in whose bounds he labors, or to return to his own conference for work ; provided, that presidents and professors of schools and colleges, and others engaged in general church-work, shall be exempt from this requirement.
A preacher removing from one conference to another shall, when he applies to another for admission, produce a transfer from the confer- ence to which he formerly belonged, signed by the presiding officer, or published in the minutes
1>ISCIPLINE. 47
of the conference from which he has been trans- ferred.
A preacher or elder who receives a transfer is required to present said transfer to anotlier con- ference, or return it to the conference by which it was issued, within eighteen months after its date. Otherwise the transfer shall be null and void, and the name of the preacher shall be published as no longer connected with tl>e Church as a minister; provided, Preachers tak- ing transfers to the Pacific coast shall be al- lowed two years in which to present their transfers.
A preacher or elder receiving a transfer shall be a member of the quarterly conference in whose bounds he may reside, and also be ac- countable for his moral and official conduct to the annual conference granting said transfer, until his transfer be received by the conference to which he has been transferred.
Section IV. Reception of Preachers from Other Churche^i.
Qiies. How are preachers from other societies received ?
Ans. If they come to us with certificates of good standing in the society in which they have had membership, and give satisfaction to the
48 DISCIPLINE.
quarterly oonlerence on examination on the doctrine, discipline, government, and usages of our church, then the quarterly conference may license them, with the understanding that the quarterly-conference relation continue for at least one year (provided, that an elder, ordained by the laying on of hands, coming to us shall be allowed to perform the functions of an elder during his probation), after which, if their con- duct and doctrine be in accordance with the gospel of Christ, they may be received into the annual conference as preachers or elders, as the case may be.
All ordained elders of other denominations who may join our church as such must pass tlie examination required of candidates for elders' orders given in the following section ; but they may be exempt from the laying on of hands.
Section V. Election of Elders,.
Ques. How is an elder constituted ?
Ans. After a probation of three years, a preacher may be pi-esented to the annual confer- ence; whereupon the bishop shall propose to conference the following questions :
Ques. 1. Is he blameless touching the mar- riage state?
DISCIPLINE. 40
2. Is his deportment in the social circle mark- ed with watchful sobriety?
3. Is he hospitable toward the afflicted and need 3'- ?
4. Is he faithful in the public ministration of God's word, and diligent in reading and study ?
5. Is his household subject to rules of piety ? Should the above questions be answered in the
affirmative, a committee of three or five elders shall be appointed, before whom the candidates shall appear, and answer to the following ques- tions, namely :
Ques. 1. Upon what foundation do you be- lieve the Bible to be the word of God ?
2. How do you prove the fall of man by trana- gression ?
3. How do you prove the redemption of man by Jesus Christ ?
4. Do you believe in the godhead of Jesas Christ?
5. What foundation have you for such a be- lief?
6. Do you believe in the Holy Ghost as pre- sented in our confession of faith ?
7. Upon what evidence do you believe this ?
8. Do you believe in future everlasting pun- ishment ?
It shall be the privilege of the committee^ in 4
fiO DISCIPLINE.
the close, to propose any question touching the answers given, wherein their understanding may not have been distinct. It shall also be their duty to make out, sign, and deliver to confer- ence a report of each case which may have been before them. Whereupon, by a majority of the votes of the elders of conference, said candidates may be elected to ordination. All ordained eld- ers of other denominations, who may join our church as such, must pass the above examina- tion ; but they may be exempt from the laying on off hands ; yet, circumstances demanding it, a licentiate may be presented to conference for ordination at any time prior to a probation of three years, provided two thirds of the elders present vote for the same.
Section VI. Ordination of Elders.
1. On the day appointed there shall be a suit- able sermon delivered.
2. After their names have been read aloud, the bishop or elder shall read the following articles to all who may be chosen for ordination :
An elder " must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre ; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good
DISCIPLINE. 51
men, sober, just, holy, temperate ; holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers." (Titus i. 7-0.)
Qites. Are you assured that you are inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost to take upon yon the office of the ministry, to serve God in the church of Christ to the honor and glory of his holy name ? If so, nnswer, I trust I am.
Qiies. Do you believe the Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testament ? If so, answer, I do believe them.
Qiies. Will you apply due diligence to frame and fashion your life according to the doctrines of Christ, and to make yourself, as much as in you lieth, a wholesome example of the flock of Christ? If so, answer, I will, the Lord being my helper.
Ques. Will you obey them to whom the charge and government over you is committed, and follow their godly admonitions with a will- ing and ready mind? If so, answer, I will en- deavor, through the grace of God, to do so.
Then prayer is to be offered.
After prayer, the bishop and elders shall lay their hands upon the head of every one of them, and say :
Take thou authority to execute the office of an
52 DISCIPLINE
elder in the church of God, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen.
[Hereupon the bishop or elder shall deliver to every one of them the Holy Bible, sajang :]
Take thon authority to preach the word of God, and administer the ordinances in the church ot' Christ.
[Then the bishop or elder sliall pra3^ And after prayer he shall read from Luke xii. 35 38 :] •' Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that, when he cometli and knocketh, tliey may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he com- eth shall tind watching; verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and Will come forth and serve them. And if lie shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants." [After this the fol- lowing benediction is to be pronounced : ]
The peace oj Ood keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
■ i
DISCIPLINE. 53
Section VII.
Duties of Elders.
It is the duty of au elder to preach as often as he can ; to baptize, to administer the Lord's sup- I>er, solemnize marriages, to perform all parts of divine service, to be an example to the flocik of Christ by imitating his moral example ; and in a very special manner it shall be the duty of an elder to cherish and encourage young ministers, and always to be looking for those whom God has called to preach, and advise them to take up the cross, and begin the work without delay, that the labor of this gospel harvest may be faithfully performed.
Section VIII.
Presiding Eiders and their Duties.
Ques. 1. How shall the presiding elders be elected ?
Ans. The annual conference shall elect them by ballot. A majority of the w^hole number of votes shall be necessary to a choice,
Ques. 2. What shall be done for the support of the presiding elders ?
Ans. It shall be the duty of each annual con- ference to make sucii regulations for the support of the presiding elders as they in their wisdom may think best calculated to accomplish the de- sired end.
54 DISCIPLINE.
Ques. 3. How shall they be stationed?
Ans. By the bishop and two elders or preach- ers from each presiding-elder district.
Ques. 4. What are the duties of a presiding elder ?
Ans. 1. To travel through the district ap- pointed him, and to preach as often as is prac- ticable.
2. He shall appoint the quarterly and camp meetings, and attend them. He shall hold quarterly conferences, and administer the ordi- nances of God's house. He shall inquire wheth- er the preachers do their duty, and exhort them to maintain discipline and order, love and seri- ousness in the society. He may also call extra quarterly conferences by the consent of a ma- jority of the quarterly-conference members.
3. It siiall be his duty to make strict inquiry if each itinerant minister has received the amount of salary due him, and in case of a de- ficiency to make an earnest effort to secure the balance due him.
4. He may also, in conjunction with two eld- ers, preachers, exhorters, or leaders (one from each circuit), change the preachers in his dis- trict.
5. Each presiding elder shall give a report in writing, of his district, annually, to the annual conlbrence.
c^^, &.
DISCIPLINE. 55
6. Should any district happen to be without a presiding elder, information shall be immedi- ately given to a bishop, who shall appoint an elder to preside in said district until the ensuing annual conference.
Section IX. Bishops — Election and Duties.
Ques. How are the bishops to be elected ?
Ans. The General Conference shall elect them, for the term of four years, by a majority of the whole number of votes, to be, at the op- tion of conference, re-elected. The bishops must be capable of attending the conferences appoint- ed them ; otherwise they can not be elected.
Ques. How shall the bishops' fields of labor be assigned them?
Atis. By the General Conference ; and in the fields thus assigned them they shall devote their whole time. They shall be required to reside within the bounds of the district assigned them, if practicable ; provided, however, that they shall have the privilege of making such temporary interchanges as the welfare of their districts may demand.
Q:iies. How shall the salaries of the bishops be secured ?
Ans. 1. The General Conference, after fixing
^
66 DISCIPLINE.
the salaries of the bishops, shall by a committee, consisting of the chairman of each annual-con- ference delegation, in conjunction with the bishop of the district, assess said salary, together with the amount necessary for moving and traveling expenses, to each conference within his district according to their several abilities.
A71S. 2. Kach annual conference shall appor- tion its respective part of the salary of its bish- op, annually, to the several fields of labor in its bounds, according to the ability thereof.
Ques. What are the duties of bishops ?
Atis. 1. To preside over the annual and gen- eral conferences, and strictly examine into the moral and official character of the members of the annual conferences in the bounds of their districts, and insist upon it that all the laws of the Church are faithfully executed.
2. In conjunction with the presiding elders of the past and present year, together with an equal number of local elders or preachers, they may fix the appointments of the traveling preachers for the several circuits, stations, and missions ; provided, That they do not allow any itinerant preacher to remain on the same station or circuit more than three consecutive years, un- less particular circumstances require it, and then anly with consent of the conference.
DISCIPLINE. 57
3. The bishop, in conjunction with two eldere, elected by ballot, from each presiding-elder dis- trict, shall appoint the presiding elders to their respective districts.
4. It shall be their duty to perform the rite of ordination at the annual conferences, and at »uch other times and places as circumstances may require it, and then only upon such persons as have passed the usual examination required of candidates for ordination, by a committee of three elders chosen for that purpose by one of the bishops.
5. The bishops shall hold annual meetings, in which they shall determine the time of holding the annual conferences, decide questions of Dis- cipline, adopt measures to secure uniformity in their administration, and, when circumstances demand it, appoint fast and thanksgiving sea- sons, and counsel upon the general interests of the Church.
6. In conjunction with the Board of Missions, the bishop shall have power to organize mission- conferences.
7. The bishops shall devote as much of their time as possible, consistent with their other du- ties, to visiting our missions, exploring new fields, and working upon the general financial and educational interests of the Chiirch.
58 DISCIPLINE.
8. The bishops shall publish annually, in the columns of the Reli^^-ious Telescope and Froehliche Botschafter^ reports of their respective districts, and also the amount of salary received from the several annual conferences in their charge.
9. When a bishop fails to perform his duty, unless through unavoidable circumstances, he can not be suffered to retair. his office.
10. It shall be the duty of the bishops to see that a suitable sermon be delivered to the preach- ers present at each annual conference.
Should any district become destitute of a bish- op by death or otherwise, the senior of the re- maining bishops, on due notice of said fact, shall call together at some central point in the vacated district the delegates of the preceding General Conference from said bishop's district, who shall elect a bishop to fill the vacancy. The expenses of said delegates shall be provided for by the conferences to which they belong.
Section X.
Pi'eadier'' fi Ihities.
Ques. What are the duties of preachers?
Ans. To preach Christ crucified, form classes, and report the same to the annual conferences; converse with the monbers on the spiritual con- dition of their souls; administer relief ; strength-
DISCIPLINE. 59
en and direct those that are afflicted and labor under temptations ; animate the indolent ; en- deavor as much as possible to edify and instruct all in faith, in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ; visit • the sick on all occasions; strive to enforce and confirm the doctrine they deliver by a well-ordered and exemplary life.
Ques. What are the directions given to oui preachers?
Ans. 1. Be diligent. Never tritle away your time. Always be serious. Let your motto be, "Holiness Unto the Lord!" Avoid all lightness and jesting ; converse sparingly ; con- duct yourself prudently with women ; and de- mean yourseW in all respects as a true Christian. Be at all times averse to crediting evil reports ; believe evil of no one without good evidence. Put the best construction on everything.
2. Speak evil of no one. Whatever may be 3'our thoughts, keep thein within your own breasts until you can tell the person concerned what you tliink wrong in his conduct.
3. Let your business be to save as many souls as possible. To this empl<\yment give yourself up wholly. Visit those who need it ; and act in all things, not according to your own wills, but as sons in the gospel ; for as such it becomes your duty to employ your time in the manner
60 DISCIPLINE.
prescribed, in preaching, and visiting from house to house; in instruction and pvajer, and in meditating on the word of God. With these be occupied until our Lord conieth.
No preacher sliall arbitrarily form a circuit, mission, or station within the limits of a circuit or presiding elder's district, or shall receive com- pensation for labor performed without the con- sent of the preacher in charge, nor shall any minister preaching in a different language accept a call from any regularly orgauized class or con- gregation which does not belong to his confer- ence, without the consent of the annual confer- ence to which the charge making the request may belong. Any preacher violating the pro- visions of this section shall be amenable to his quarterly or annual conference.
Section XI. Itinerant Preachers' Duties.
Ques. What are the duties of an itinerant preacher ?
Ans. 1. To take the charge assigned him will- ingly, and move to it if practicable.
2. To attend the appointments on his circuit regularly, preach to the people and hold class- meetings.
3. To hold a society-meeting at least on«
DISCIPLINE. 61
month previous to annual conference, and revise the church-book. He shall make inquiry into the moral standing of each member; and in no case shall he dispose of a member without the consent of the class or church, except in cases ot special law requiring the erasure of tlie name of an offending member ; and he shall render a true report of his membersliip to the annual conference. At the said meeting he sliall also see that a class-leader and steward are elected.
4. To read the following four sections of our Discipline every six months, in each regular congregation; namel}'. The Co7)fessio7i of Faith, Reception and Duties of Members, Ardent Spirits, and Secret Societies.
5. To sit as president on the trial of members and see that a correct account of the same is kept.
6. To render a strict account in writing of the cojidition of his circuit to each quarterh' confer- enci:-, where he is to be held accountable for the neglect of any regular appointment on his circuit. He shall also report the number of ap- pointments, pastoral visits, and any change that may have taken place in the membership of his charge.
7. It shall be his duty to use every laudanle effort to circulate our books and church-periodi-
62 DISCIPLINE.
cals, and to use due diligence to advance the interests of the conference Printing Establish- ment.
8. It shall be his duty to keep a list of tlie names of all the subscribers to our church-peri- odicals, and the time of subscribing, at the dif- ferent appointments on his circuit, and hand it over to his successor at the annual conference, with the list of the appointments. He shall also report the number of subscribers to our periodi- cals on his field of labor at each quarterly con- ference, and be examined by the presiding elder and quarterly conference as to whether he per- forms his duty in circulating the periodicals of the Ghurch among the people of his charge.
9. No preacher shall dismiss any appoint- ment from his circuit, or mission, without the consent of quarterly conference.
10. He shall secure a suitable book for a church-record, in which he shall register all the appointments and classes on his circuit, station, or mission, in their regular order, with the name of each member attached to his or her class. He shall also make a record of all the baptisms, marriages, deaths, and proceedings of church-trials, with names of all the jDarties in each case. He shall report this record with the proceedings therein to tV.e lasi quarterly confer-
DISCrPLINB. 63
ence of each year for approval or improvement. This book shall be the property of the quarterly conference, and shall be in addition to the regu- lar class-books and circuit-book.
11. It shall be the duty of preachers in charge of circuits, stations, and missions, to collect the annual amount apportioned to their fields ot labor for the support of the bishops and presid- ing elders,
12. He shall hold a general missionary meet- ing at some convenient place on his work. He shall also preach a missionary sermon, and ap- point a soliciting committee at every appoint- ment, whose duty it ahall be, in conjunction with himself, to canvass the class and communi- ty, personally, to solicit funds for the missionary society. He shall also keep a list of the names of contributors, so far as possible, and report tlie same to conference for publication with the minutes, or in the annual report of the Board of Missions, as the conference may direct. He shall also establish monthly missionary prayer- meetings wherever practical in the societies of his charge. He shall be held to a strict account for the faithful performance of these duties.
13. It shall be the duty of all stationed preachers to visit every family under their carC; at least once every quarter, and pay strict iittention to the young membervS of their charge.
04 DISCIPLINE.
14. It shall be the duty of each circuit preacher to visit the families belonging to his charge at least once every six months.
15. It shall be the duty of all preachers; whether local or itinerant, to make use of every laudable effort to enlarge the lx)rders of our Zion, in spreading scriptural holiness, and re- port to their resj^ective annual conferences the number of new appointments obtained,
Section XII.
P)'eachers^ Salaries.
1. The salary of a pastor shall be such amount as may be agreed upon between him and the quarterly conference of the field of labor to which he is sent.
2. It shall be the duty of a circuit or station, when a preacher is sent to it by annual confer- ence, to move said i^reacher on such circuit or station at its own expense.
3. A missionary employed \)y the Board of Missions shall receive such salary as in the judg- ment of the Board may be proper.
4. Preachers sustaining a superannuated re- lation, and their widows and orphans, shall be provided for by their respective annual confer- ences, as their wants may require.
DISCIPLINE. 65
Section XIII. Trial of Preachers.
1. Quarterly- Confer enee Preachers. — The quar- terly conference shall receive and try all appeals, references, and complaints that may come regu- larly before it ; but no member of quarterly conference can be suspended or expelled from the Church prior to a committee trial. When a quarterly -conference preacher or exhorter is ac- cused of any misdemeanor, the leader or steward shall prosecute the case and shall inquire ^into the nature of the complaints, and -if there be grounds for charges he shall present to the accused a copy of the charges and notify him to choose a committee-man, and the prosecutor shall choose a second committee-man, they two a third, who shall try the case, the preacher in charge being chairman.
If the accused refuse or neglect, or fail, or is unable to choose a committee-man after being properly notified, the quarterly conference shall choose a first and second person, and these two a third, who shall hear the case and decide. If the accused is found guilty, he shall be silenced : provided, however, either party shall have the right of appeal to the next quarterly conference for a new trial.
5
66 DISCIPLINE.
t
2. Annual- Conference Preachers. — Ques. What shall be done when a preacher, elder, or bishop is reported guilty of immorality, trespass, im- prudent conduct, or disobedience to the order and discipline of the Church ?
Ans. The preacher to whom it is known shall take with him another preacher, exhorter, or leader, and examine into the charge ; but as the apostle saith (I. Tim. v. 19), " Against an elder receive not an ssccusation, but before two or three witnesses," If it should appear that said reports are well founded, they shall be required to prefer charges against the accused. If no one be found willing to prosecute the case, then the Liext quarterly -conference shall aj^point a prose- cutor, whose duty it shall be to notify the ac- cused, in writing, of all the charges preferred against Mm. He shall also notify him to choose an elder as Ms committee-man, the prosecutor choosing an elder also as committee-man in be- half of the Church, and they two a third elder or preacher, before whom the case shall l^e tried. The prosecutor shall also notify the presiding elder of the district within whose bounds said cause of accusation occurred ; and it shall be the duty of the presiding elder to appoint the time and place of trial, giving not less than twenty nor more than forty days' notice to the parties
DISCIPLINE. 67
concerned of said trial ; and he shall also act as chairman in the case. Should the committee be satisfied that the accusation is sustained, they shall require him to hold his peace until the an- nual conference, where he shall be accountable ; and it shall be the duty of the committee to transmit in writing the entire proceedings of said trial to the annual conference, where the accused shall have a hearing before phe confer- ence or a select committee thereof; and if the findings are sustained he shall be suspended, expelled, or retained, as the conference may de- termine. But should the accused, after having been duly notified, refuse or neglect to go mply in choosing his committee-man within fifteen days, the presiding elder shall suspend him until the annual conference, where, if he shall refuse to appear, he shall be dealt with according to the judgment of the conference; pro^T;ded, how- ever, if he be an elder, elders only shall vote in the case. If the accused or prosecutor be a pre- siding elder or a bishop, the presiding elder or. bishop, as the case may be, next adjoining, shall act as chairman on the trial ; provided, Tint in conferences having only one presiding elder, the bishop shall appoint a chairman to act in the case. The foregoing relates only; to annual-confer- ence members.
68 DISCnPLINE. .
Section XIV.
Transfer of Fu'eachers.
A preacher removing from one conference to another shall, when he ai^plies to another for admission, produce a transfei from the confer- ence to which he formerly belonged, signed by the presiding officer, or published in the minutes of the conference from which he has been trans- ferred.
A preacher or elder who receives a transfer is required to present said transfer to another con- ference, or return it to the conference by which it was issued, within eighteen montlis after its its date. Otherwise the transfer shall be null and void, and the name c\f the preachey shall be published ^is no longer connected with the Church as a minister ; p?'ovidef?, preachers taking transfers to the Pacific coast shall he allowed two 3^ears in which to present their tr;iusfers.
A preacher or elder receiving a tr.Misfer shall l>e a member of the quarterly conference in whose bounds he may reside, and ;rlso be ac- countable for his moral and official conduct to the annual conference granting said transfer un- til his transfer be received by the conference to which he has been transferred.
DISCIPLINE.
Form of Transfer.
This is to certify that is a regular
or in the Church of the United Brethren
in Christ, of annual conference, and is
hereby transferred to annua] conference
of said church.
CHAPTER VII.— ITINERACY, ORGANIZA- TION AND SUPPORT.
Ques. ^Vho are the itinerants ?
A71S. 1. All who propose themselves without reserve, after having traveled two years under the direction of the stationing committee or presiding elder, and have been received, as such, by a vote of two thirds of the members of con- ference.
If any one who is received, as above stated, shall cease to travel without giving satisfaction to the conference of which he is a member, he shall not be entitled to any support from the funds belonging to said conference. And, further- more, he shall not re-enter the itineracy with- out the consent of at least two thirds of the conference. Yet supernumerary and superannu- ated relations shall be duly recognized as in accordance with this section, and may be secured to any brother having just claims thereto, by a
TO ^ DISCIPLINE.
vote of conference. Should a traveling preacher or elder desire to leave the work assigned him, he must first acquaint the presiding elder of his intention, by writing; and should any one leave or neglect his station, except it be through sick- ness or other unavoidable circumstances, be shall be accountable to the next annual confer- ence.
2. The bishop and presiding elders of the past and present years, together with an equal num- ber of local elders or preachers, elected by ballot by the annual conference, shall constitute a stationing committee, whose duty ifshall be to supply all the circuits, stations, and missions, as far as practicable, from tlie above list ; provided, however, that if any of the preachers thus sta- tioned, or any who may not receive an appoint- ment, are dissatisfied, they shall have a right to appeal to the annual conference, if two thirds grant the appeal,*' the decision of which shall be final ; and the report of said stationing commit- tee shall be read at least six hours before the adjournment of conference.
*NoTE. — In case of an appeal from the decision'of the stationing committee, no preacher stationed by said committee shall" be changed, without his consent, to accommodate the preacher asking such appeal.
DISCIPLINE. 71
f
3. Should there not be enough itinerants to fill all the circuits, stations, and missions, such vacancies shall be supplied by the stationing committee or presiding eld'ers.
Qnes. 2. What shall be done to regulate the annual conferences in the division of circuits or stations ?
A71S. A circuit or station shall not consist of any specific number of membei"s or appoint- ments ; but when the annual conference thinks it able to support a minister, it may be recogniz- ed as such.
CHAPTER VIII.— APPEALS, Section I.
From the Decision of a Class.
Should any member be dissatisfied with the decision of a church or class, or committee of a church or class, an appeal may be had to the next quarterly conference ensuing by giving notice thereof to the preacher in charge, or the secretary of the trial, w^ithin thirty days after said ti;iai, together with his reasons for such ap- peal ; and it shall be the duty of the secretary to furnish the quarterly conference with a certified copy of the proceedings of the trial and of the notice of the appeaL
72 DISCIPLINE.
f
Section II.
FroTii the Decision of a Quarterly Oonferenee.
Any exhorter or jyeacher dissatisfied with the decision of a quarterly conference may appeal to the ensuing annual conference within thirty days after the quarterly conference, notify the seereta^ry^ in writing, of his intention to appeal, together with his reasons for so doing ; and it shall be the duty of the secretary to furnish a certified copy of the proceedings, the notifica- tion, and reasons assigned, to the annual confer- ^ace. *
Section III.
Fro-ni the Decisimi of Annual Oynferences.
Any member of an annual conference who may be dissatisfied with the decision of his con- ference shall, within thirty days after the session of the annual conference, notify tire secretary of said conference of his intention to appeal to the General Conference, together with his reasons for so doing; and it shall be the duty of the sec- retary to furnish the General Conferenca with a certified copy of the notice, and reasons there- for, and of the proceedings of the annual con- ference in the case.
DISCIPLINE. 78
CHAPTER IX.— DUTIES IN GENERAL.
Section I.
Necessity of Union Among Ourselves.
Let us be deeply sensible (from what we have known) of the evil of a division in principle, spirit, or practice, and of the dreadful conse- quences to ourselves and others. If we are unit- ed, what can stand before us? If we are divided we shall injure ourselves, the work of God, and the souls of our people.
What can be done in order to a closer union with each other ?
1. Let us be deeply convinced of the absolute necessity of it.
2. Pray earnestly for and speak truly and freely to each other.
3. When we meet, let us nev-er part without prayer, when practicable.
4. Take great care not to despise each other's gifts.
5. Never speak lightly of each other.
6. Let us defend each other's character in everything, so far as is consistent with truth.
7. Labor in honor, each preferring another before himself.
8. We recommend a serious examination of the causes, evils, and cures of heart and church divisions.
74 DISCIPLIJS'E. » '.'""'.
Section II.
Visiting fro7n House to House and Enforcing I*ractical Religion.
Ques. How can we further assist those under our care ?
Ans. By instructing them at their own houses, which is necessary to promote confidence and communion with God among us, to wean us from the love of the world, and to inure us to a life of heavenly-mindedness ; also, to encour- age us to strive after and practice brotherly love, that no evil thinking or judging of one another be found among us ; and lastly, that we may learn to do as we would wish to be done by.
2. Every preacher should make it his duty to instruct the people on every occasion, both pub- lic and private, and exhort them to be diligent in all good, works and doctrine. Until this be done, and that in sincerity, wp shall, upon tile whole, be of but little use, andour good shall be evil spoken of ; therefore, wherever we may be, we should guard against useless and idle conver- sation. •
Undoubtedly this private application of visit- ing from house to house, and exhorting the peo- ple, is found or implied in these solemn words of the apostle
DISCIPLINE. 75
" I charge thee therefore before Gocl, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom ; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season ; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long- suffering and doctrine." (II. Tim. iv. 1, 2.)
Section III.
Singing.
We believe it to be the duty of all the people of God to sing his praises, and to sing them in the great congregation as well as in the private circle. We therefore earnestly recommend to all our -people the cultivation of vocal music, so that the singing in our congregations may be improved. As a help to this end, we advise all our people to provide themselves with hymn- books for use in times of public and social worship.
We would counsel our societies to avoid the introduction of choirs and instrumental music into their worship.
CHAPTER X.— MORAL REFORM.
Section I Temperance. The distilling, vending, and use of intoxicat- ing drinks as a beverage shall be and is hereby
76 DISCIPLINE.
forbidden throughout our church, as is also the renting and leasing of property to be used for the manufacturing or selling of such beverages; also the signing of petitions for license or the entering as bondsmen for persons engaged in the traffic of intoxicating drinks ; and should any of our members or preachers be fonnd guilty in this respect, they shall be dealt with as in the case of other immoralities ; provided, however, that this rule shall not be so construed as to pre- vent druggists and othei*s from vending or using it for medicinal or mechanical purposes.
Section II.
Slavery,
All slavery, in every sense of the word, is to- tally prohibited, and shall in no way be tolerat- ed in our church. Should any be found in our society who hold slaves, they can not continue as members unless they do personally manumit CM* set free such slaves.
And when it is known to any of our ministers in charge of a circuit, station, or mission, that any of its members hold a slave or slaves, he shall admonish such members to manumit such slave or slaves'; and if such persons do not take measures to carry out the Discipline, they shall be expelled by the proper authorities of the
DISCIPLINE. 77
Church ; and any minister refusing to attend to the duties above described, shall be dealt with by the authorities to which he is amenable.*
Section III.
Secret Societies.
We believe that secret societies are evil in their nature and tendency; that they employ solemn oaths and obligations for evil and unworthy ends; that they bind men together in brother- hood with wicked and unholy persons, and bring them into fellowship not consistent with the teachings of our Lord and his apostles ; that they tend to produce jealousies and alienations in the church of God ; that they employ the forms of religion in unwarranted services and ceremonies, not in the nair^e of Christ nor found- ed on the merits of his atonement; that they enjoin under oaths and solemn obligations obe- dience to laws and regulations unknown to the civil government within which they are organ- ized, or to any government divinely ordained ; that they pervert the Holy Sci-iptures to foolish and unholy uses ; that their ceremonies encour-"
*Notk: — This hiw, in its essential prohibitory features, was adopted by the General Conference in 1821, Bishop Newcomer presiding. It was amended to its present form in 1826.
78 DISCIPLINE.
age many of their adherents in liopes of eternal life \^ithout a truly evangelical faith ; that they are contrary to that openness of conduct and> guilelessness of character enjoined by the word of God, and that Christians should not be con- nected with them, for the apostle expressly says : ** Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbe- lievers ; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness ? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial ? or what part hath he that be- lieveth with an infidel ?" " Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive j'ou, and will be a father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daj^ghters, saith the Lord almighty."
1. Any member or preacher who shall connect himself with a secret society shall be regarded as having thereby declared that he prefers , such society to the fellowship of our church, and shall be considered as having withdrawn from the Church.
2. No person shall be permitted to join our church while holding membership in a secret society.
3. If any member or preacher, at the time of the passage of this rule, be connected with a
DISCIPLINE. 79
secret society, and does not discontiue such con- nection within six months thereafter, his failure to do so shall be regarded as a refusal to comply with the condition of membersliip as found in our Constitution (Article IT!, Section 7,) and his severance from the Cliurch shall be entered on the church-records.
4. If any member or preacher connected with a secret society shall deny or conceal such con- nection, he shall be tried in the manner as set forth in the sectiotis of our Discipline relating to the trial of members, and trial of preachers, to determine the facts in the case.
5. In cases, of withdrawal from the Church as recognized and set forth in this rule, the preach- er in charge shall announce the facts to the class, and see that the records of the Church corre- spond with the facts. If the person be a mem- ber of the quarterly or annual conference, the conference to wliich he belongs shall see that a record of the fact and manner of withdrawal is made upon its journal.
6. It shall be the duty of the pastor to instruct our people upon the evils of secret societies, and to endeavor to prevent them from being ensnar- ed in such evils, and, so far as possible, to re- claim all Avho may have joined anj^ secret order.
7. Provided, That in case a member has Ijeeu
80 DISCIPLINE.
deceived and thereby drawn into any of those societies commonly called minor orders, he may be borne with for a reasonable time, if there be reason to believe that he may be reclaimed ; but the time shall not extend beyond twelve months in any case.
Section IV.
Oaths.
We believe tha,t the mode of testifying to the truth when required so to do in a legal form, by way of affirmation, is on us solemnly, conscien- tiously, and fully binding, before God, to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Section V.
War. We most positively record our disapproval of engaging in voluntary, national, aggressive warfare ; yet we recognize the rightful authori- ty of the civil government, and hold it respon- sible for the preservation and defense of our na- tional compact, against treason, or invasion by any belligerent force; and we believe it to be entirely consistent with the spirit of Christiani- ty to bear arms when called upon to do so by the properly constituted authorities of our govern- ment for its preservation and defense.
DISCIPLINE. 81
CHAPTER XI.— DOCTRINAL PUBLICA- TIONS.
1. The editor of the Religious Telescope and the editor of the Sabbath-school literature and the editor of the German periodicals and the editor of the Missionary Visitor and the publish- ing agent shall constitute a Book Committee, without whose sanction no book shall be pub- lished in the name of the Church or publishing house during the intervals of the Greneral Con- ference.
2. No one of our preachers or laymen shall become the author of any doctrinal book or pamphlet, in a printed form, in the name of the Church, without the approbation of the annual conference, or of a committee chosen hj the same. And if any preacher or layman vio- lates this rule, he shall be accountable to the class, or the quarterly or annual conference, as the case may be.
CHAPTER XII.— FORMULAS.
Section I.
Marriage Ceremony,
We are gathered together in the sight cf God, and in the presence of these witnesses, to join together N. and M. as husband and wife. If any
82 DISCIPLINE.
person present knows any just cause or impedi- ment why these persons should not be joined in marriage, let the same now speak or forever after keep silent.
[If no impediment be alleged, then shall the minister say unto the man :]
" N., wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordi-. nance? Wilt thou love, honor, and comfort her, in sickness and in health, in prosperity and adversity, and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her so long as ye both shall live? If so, then answer, 'I will.' "
[Then shall the minister say to the woman :]
" M., wilt thou have this man to be thy wed- ded husband, to live together after God's ordi- nance ? Wilt thou love, honor, and obey him, in sickness and in health, in prosperity and ad- vei'sity, and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him so long as ye both shall live ? If so, then answer, ' I will.' "
[Then the minister shall require them to join their right hands, and say :]
*' Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.
" Inasmuch as N. and M. have consented to- gether in marriage, and have witnessed the same before God and these witnesses, I pro-
DISCIPLINE. g3
nounce them husband and wife, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."
Qiies. Who of our ministers are permitted to solemnize marriage?
An.^. All ordained ministers, and also those that have obtained license from an annual con- ference, where the law of the state makes it the privilege of every regularly licensed minister to solemnize marriage ; but none are permitted to solemnize marriage with quarterly-conference Ucense.
Section II.
BuHal of the Dead.
After the coffin is lowered into the grave, the minister, if the deceased is a child or an adult Christian, shall repeat the following :
" Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flow- er, and is cut down : he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not." ** Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is ; that I may know how frail I am."
" In the midst of life we are in death ; unto whom should we seek for succjor but unto thee, O Lord, who for our sins art justly displeased." Our hope is in thy Son Jesus Christ, who hath said, " I am the resurrection, and the Kfe : be
84 DISCIPLINE.
that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live ; and whosoever liveth and believ- eth in me shall never die." " For we know that, if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dis- solved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
" And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Wiite, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth : Yea, saith the Spirit, that tiiey may rest from their labors ; anc their works do follow them."
" There shall be no more death, neither soi- row, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain : for the former things are passed away."
Inasmuch a^s God in his wise providence has called out of time into eternity the soul of our (brother, sister, or child,) we commit his (or her) remains to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, in the confident hope of the general resurrection through the 'Lord Jesus Christ, at his coming and glory ; that this cor- ruptible body shall be raised up and be fashion- ed like unto the glorious body of Christ, be re- united with the soul and be received into ever- lasting habitations." Amen.
BENEDICTION.
DISCIPLINE. 86
CHAPTER XIII.— CHARTERS.
Whereas, the laws of certain states require churches and institutions to be incorporated, in order to be recognized by law :
Therefore, in such cases, the quarterly confer- ence of the respective circuits, stations, and mis- sions shall appoint a competent committee, who shall apply to the proper source for an act of in- corporation on all the church-property within the bounds of such circuits, stations, or missions; and at the last quairterly conference of each year the presiding elder shall examine said committee in reference to the above subject.
2. When legacies are bequeathed to the Church, the names of the presiding bishops should be inserted in the will of the testator, to be under the control of said bishops and their successor- iii office, to be appropriated to the purpose siDecified by the donors.
CHAPTER XIV.— SABBATH-SCHOOLS.
Section I.
Duty to Children and Sahhath- Schools.
Ques. What shall be done to benefit the rising generation ?
Ans. Let him who is in any way zealous for God and the souls of men begin the work imme-
86 DISCIPLINE.
diately. Wherever children are found, speak freely to them, and instruct diligently ; exhort them to be good, and pray with them earnestly, simply and plainly, that they may learn to know their Creator and Redeemer in the days of their youth.
It shall be the duty of all our members to en- courage our Sabbath-schools by their presence when practicable, and always to lend them their aid and influence.
Section II.
Qenei^al Sabbath- School Board — Constitution and By-Laws.
ARTICLE I.
Name.
This shall be called the General Sabbath-school Board of the United Brethren in Christ.
ARTICLE II.
Object.
The object of this Board shall be to promote the cause of Sabbath-schools in connection with our church and elsewhere, and thus, by our united efforts, to promote the glory of God and the happiness and salvation of mankind.
DISCIPLINE. 87^
ARTICLE III.
Mertib&t'S,
The members of this Board shall be a presi- dent, secretary, treasurer, and three, directors, who shall be elected every four years by the General Conference.
ARTICLE IV,
Duties.
Pi'esident. — The president shall have the gener- al operations of the Board under his care. He shall call meetings of the Board when necessary, present the wants ot the Board; and he shall sign all orders drawn on the treasurer for the use of the Board, as appropriated by it.
Secretary. — The secretary shall keep a record of all the business transactions of the Board, conduct its correspondence, report to it annu- ally or oftener if desired, and make such rqports for it to the General Conference as may be re- quired, and if practicable, at the request of the Board, devote his whole time to its interests.
Treasivrer. — The treasurer shall take charge of and hold in trust all the funds and papers of value belonging to the Board, subject to its di- rection and the written order of the president.
88 DISCIPLINE.
I
ARTICIiE V.
Meetings^ Powers, Duties.
Meetings of the Board shall be held annually, or oftener if need be, at the call of the presi- dent, to provide ways and means for the suc- cessful operation of its plans. It shall appropriate money to defray all necessary expenses, and shall have power to fill vacancies in its numbers, and to employ any suitable person or i>ersons to perform needed services for the advancement of its objects under its direction. It shall also, through its secretary, make quadrennial reports to the General Conference.'
ARTICIiE VI.
Appropriations,
The funds of the Board shall be used as fol- lows:
i. To assist in organizing and sustaining Sab- bath-schools in such localities and manner as may be advisable.
2. To conduct the business and carry forward the work of the Board.
3. When aid is needed those making the ap- plication shall first organize a United Brethi-en Sabbath- school by electing officers and adopting the disciplinary regulations of the Church, and
DISCIPLINE. 88
shall report the fact to the secretary, as well as the kind and amount of help needed ; and upon a favorable consideration of the application, such supplies as may be considered necessary and advisable shall be furnished. Such dona- tion shall, however, be discontinued unless a church-organization shall be effected after a reasonable time.
Section HI.
Annual-Conference Relations and Duties,
Each annual conference shall, at some suitable time in its annual session, hold a Sabbath-school anniversary-meeting, for the purpose of advanc- ing the interests of the Board. It shall be the duty of all our preachers, whether local or trav- eling, to exert their influence in favor of the work of this Board, and assist in organizing and sustaining United Brethren Sabbath-schools in our houses and places of worship ; and those in charge of works shall preach on the subject of Sabbath -schools at least once a year at each ap- pointment and report the following items to the annual conference : First, the number of United Brethren Sabbath-schools ; second, the number of officers and teachers employed ; third, the number of scholars enrolled ; fourth, the num- ber of accessions to the Church from the Sab-
90 DISCJIPLINB.
bath-school; fifth, the number of schools con- tinuing twelve months each year ; sixth, the amount of money collected (1) for the use of schools, (2) for the general fund, and (3) for the missionary society.
Section IV.
Oi^ganizaiion of Sabbath- Schools.
In order to insure unity in administration and soundness of teaching, all our Sabbath-schools shall, as far as possible, conform to the following
PLAN OF ORGANIZATION.
1. Any preacher or member of this church may organize a United Brethren Sabbath-school by calling a meeting of the members of the Church, together with other friends of Sabbath- schools, in any community where practicable, and organize by enrolling all who will agree to unite in such organizations, and proceed to elect by ballot or otherwise a superintendent and oth- er necessary officers ; provided, however, that none be allowed to vote who are under twelve years of age.
2. The superintendent and other general offi- cers of the school shall hold their respective office one year, or until their successors are chosen
DISCIPLINE. 91
3. The superintendent shall render to each quarterly conference an account of the condition of his school, stating also whether he is prompt in opening and orderly in his management of the same, and at the close of his term he shall see that a successor is selected after the manner described ; provided, that on stations where it shall be thought best by the pastor the quarterly conference may elect.
4. The quarterly conference shall have power to dismiss a superintendent for moral or other delinquency, or for heresy, and supply the va- cancy.
5. Teachers should be chosen and appointed by the superintendent, with the advice and con- sent of the preacher in charge, and should b© distinguished for piety and aptness to teach, and should be continued as long as they are useful.
Section V.
ReLalion of Sabbath- Schools to the Missionary Work.
Each of our Sabbath-schools is hereby consti- tuted an auxiliary to the branch missionary society within whose limits it is located, and th« superintendent, secretary, and treasurer of the Sabbath-school shall be president, secretary, and treasurer of the said auxiliary, and shall report
92 DISCIPLINE.
annually, through the preacher in charge, to the oranch society. Said preacher is to notify the above-named officers, at the close of each confer- ence year, that such report is due, and, if need be, assist in its preparation. And it shall be the duty of every auxiliary society to hold a quar- terly missionary meeting and take up missiona- ry collections. Each class shall be furnished with a blank book, ruled with columns for monthly missionary collections, in which the names of all members shall be entered, with the request that each member give monthly or quarterly at the rate of one cent a week or more, and be credited in said book by their teacher, with what they pay, to be reported at the quarterly missionary meeting by the treas- urer— these books to be furnished gratis to all our Sabbath-schools by the officers of the Mis- sionary Society at Dayton, Ohio. Any member may become a life member of the auxiliary by the payment of three dollars, and shall be enti- tled to a certificate of life membership.
Section VI. Forra of Constitution of a iSabhath-SchooL
The following is recommended as a suitable form for the constitution of a United Brethren Sabbath-school :
DISCIPIilNE. 98
ARTICLE I.
Nmne.
This Sabbath-school shall be known as the
[here insert name] a
of [here insert place]
ARTICLE II,
Object.
Its object shall be to gather in all, both young and old, a,s far as possible, to study and teach the Bible.
ARTICLE III.
Officers.
Th-e officers shall be a superintendent, a secre- tary, a treasurer, a librarian, and a chorister, all of whoin shall be chosen in a manner prescribed in the book of Discipline, and shall hold their oflices one year, or until their successors are elected.
ARTICLE IV.
Duties of Officers
The duties of the officers shall be such as are usual in similar offices.
ARTICLE V.
Teachers. A suitable number of teachers shall be ap-
• 94 DISCIPLINE.
pointed by the superintendent, advised and as- sisted by the preacher in charge (if practicable), unless he prefers to delegate that power to the school. Teachers so appointed shall continue in office without limit as to time.
ARTICLE VI.
Meetings.
Tlie times, places, and conduct of weekly meetings for devotion and instruction, of monthly, quarterly, or annual meetings for con- cert, review, report, or election, shall be under the control of the superintendent, supported by the school.
ARTICLE VII.
Amendments,
This constitution may be amended by any reg- ular meeting of the school by a two-thirds vote of the members of the school of voting age present, provided that notice of the proposed change has been given at a previous meeting.
CHAPTER XV.— CONSTITUTION OF THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
I. This society shall be called the " Home^ Frontier, and Foreign Missionary Society of the
DISCIPLINE. 95
United Brethren in Christ," and is organized for the purpose of aiding the annual conferences in extending their missionary labors throughout the country, and into foreign and heathen lands.
II. The payment of ten dollars at one time shall constitute a life member, or fifty dollars at one time a life director. No certificate of life membership or life directorship shall be granted until the full amount is paid.
III. The officers of this society shall consist of a president, four vice-presidents, secretary, treasurer, and seven directors, who, together, shall constitute a board of directors, and shall be elected every four years by the General Con- ference.
IV. The president shall preside at all meet- ings of the Board, and shall have power, in con- junction with the secretary, to call special meet- ings. In the absence of the president, one of the vice-presidents shall fill his place.
V. The secretary shall keep a correct record of all the proceedings of the society, conduct its correspondence, and devote himself exclusively to the interests of the society. He shall keep a record of all the life members, life directors, legacies, etc., etc. He shall also make out and publish, under the direction of the Board, an annual report of the whole missionary work ;
96 DISCIPLINE.
also a quadrennial report to the General Confer- ence. Hjs salary shall be determined by the Board, and reported to the ensuing General Con- ference*
VI. The treasurer shall hold the funds of the society, subject to the order of the Board, and, at the discretion of the Board, devote himself ex-
liisively to the interests of the Missionary Soci- ety.
VII. The Board of Directors shall hold annual meetings; have power to appoint an executive committee, consisting of five members; make by-laws to regulate its own business ; appropri- ate money to defray incidental expenses ; employ missionaries and agents ; open new missions ; make appropriations to mission-conferences ; employ laborers for mission-districts ; dissolve mission-conferences ; fill vacancies in its own body ; in connection with the bishops or any one of them, ordain ministers to the office of elder ; and publish, at our own press, such matter as the cause may from time to time demand.
VIII. A mission-district shall consist of two or more fields of labor, outside the bounds of an annual conference. Its annual sessions shall be presided over by a bishop, or an elder appointed by the Board of Missions. At these annual zueetings the boundaries of fields of labor shall
DISCPLIINE. 97
be fixed, the character of members examined, preachers may be received, examined and passed on course of reading, and be ordained. A pre- siding elder may be elected, if the Board of Mis- sions so advise, and ministers appointed to fill the fields of labor by the presiding officer and the presiding elder
IX. Each missionary in the employ of the Board shall report quarterly to the secretary the condition of his mission ; and no missionary shall be entitled to his salary who shall neglect to comply with this requirement, or leave his work without the consent of the Executive Committee or the Board of Missions, or his pre- siding elder. The presiding elders of mission- (X)nferences shall report quarterly the condition of their respective works.
X. Each conference shall be considered a branch of this society, and shall elect a treasurer and secretary. 1. The branch treasurer shall hold the funds designed for the Board, subject to its order. 2. The branch secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of the annual confer- ence in relation to home, frontier, and foreign missions, separately, and report the same imme- diately after the session of the conference to the secretary of the Board.
He shall report the number of missions, ap- T
88 DISCIPLINE.
pointments, meeting-houses, members at the beginning of the year, members received, and members remaining ; Sabbath-schools, scholars, and teachers ; what paid on missions as salary ; what collected for missions on missions ; what collected for missions in the whole conference; how much paid the parent Board, and how much paid to home missions; and the names and post- office addresses of life directors and life mem- bers.
The branch secretaries shall be responsible to their respective annual conferences forth© faith- ful discharge of their duties.
XI. The branch societies, or individual mem- bers, may specify to what particular portion of the work their funds shall be applied ; j)rovided, however, that if more is thus designated than is necessary for the work specified, it may be ap- plied to some other work, as the Board shall determine.
XII. Each branch society shall have the ex- clusive management of the home missions with- in its own limits; provided, however, that the missionary Board shall be permitted to open and operate m.issions within the bounds of any an- nual conference, jointly or independently, by the consent of such conference
XTII. Treasurers of the parent Board and of the branch society shall give apprr ved security.
DISCIPLINE. 99
XIV. All bequests or donations, the interest of which is to go to missionary purposes, made to any of the above societies, shall be kept sacred.
Form of Bequest.
I give and bequeath to tlie Home, Frontier, and Foreign Missionary Society of the United Brethren in Christ, organized by the General Conference of said Church, May 20, 1853, and in- corporated in Butler County, Ohio, September 23, 1854, the sum of dollars ; and the re- ceipt of the treasurer of the society shall be a sufficient discharge thereof to my executors and administrators.
CHAPTER XVI.— WOMAN'S MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION.
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION.
1. The name by which this corporation shall be known is, "The Woman's Missionary Asso- ciation of the United Brethren in Christ," and the said organization is not for profit.
2. The principal business of the said corpora- tion is to be transacted in the City of Dayton, County of Montgomery, State of Ohio.
3. vSaid porporfttion i«? formed for the purpose of engaging, and uniting the efforts of women,
100 DISCIPLINE.
in sending missionaries into the foreign and do- mestic fields of the United Brethren Church, and supporting said missionaries and other laborers in said mission fields, and of securing by gift, bequest, and otherwise the funds necessary for the purpose aforesaid.
4. Said corporation is not to have capital stock.
BY-LAWS.
BY-LAW I.
Membership.
The payment of |1 annually shall constitute membership in the association, and payment of $10 at one time life membership. The payment of $25 at one time shall constitute the donor a life director. By the installment plan the pay- ment of $2 annually for five years constitutes life membership, or ^5 annually for five years a life directorship, A certificate is given at the lune of payment in full.
BY-LAW II.
Organization.
The organization of this society shall consist of a board of managers, nine trustees, and branch and local associations to be organized under the Constitution hereto attached.
DISCIPLINE. 101
BY-LAW III.
Board of Managers.
The Board of managers shall consist of three delegates from each branch association, who shall be elected at the branch annual meeting, held within three months of the annual meeting of the Board. Said Board shall meet in the First United Brethren Church of Dayton, Ohio, at the time of the meeting of the Home, Frontier, and Foreign Missionary Society, in May, 1876, and ajinually thereafter, at such time and place as they may from time to time designate.
The duties of said Board shall be advisory to trustees. Life directors of the association shall be regarded as advisory members of the Board of Managers.
BY-LAW IV.
Duties of the Board of Trustees.*
The Board of Trustees shall have power to se- lect locations for missions, appoint missionaries, appropriate the funds of the association as tine interest of the cause may demand, and attend to the administration and general management of the affairs of the association.
^Trustees to be elected by members of the aesocia- tion, who shall vote either in person or by proxy, the first Thursday in June, in the City of Dayton. The ofl&cers shall be elected by the trustees.
102 DISCIPLINE.
BY-LAW V.
Relation of the Society to the Church.
This society shall work iu harmony with the Home, Frontier, and Foreign Missionary Society of the United Brethren in Christ, and under the direction of the General Conference of said church ; and its missionaries shall be subject to the same rules that govern the missionaries of the aforesaid Missionary Society
BY-LAW VI.
Funds.
AH funds coming into the hands of the treas- urer of the association will be held subject to the order of the Board of Trustees; and no funds shall be disbursed by the treasurer except upon the orders of said Board, duly signed by the sec- retary.
BY-LAW VII.
Branch Societies.
One branch society maN' be formed within the bounds of any annual conference of the United Brethren Church, by the adoption of the branch constitution.
BY'-LAW VIII.
These by-laws may be altered or amended at
DISCIPLINE. 103
any annual meeting of the Board of Managers by a vote of two thirds of the members present.
FORM OF BEQUEST.
I give, devise, and bequeath to the Woman's Missionary Association of the United Brethren in Christ, for Dollars
Branch Constitution.
article i.
This society shall be called the Confer- ence Branch of the Woman's Missionary Asso- ciation of the United Brethren in Christ.
ARTICLE II.
The object of this society is to aid the asso- ciation to awaken an interest among women in behalf of Christian missions, and to raise funds for their support.
ARTICLE III.
The membership of this society shall consist of the members of the association within the limits of this conference district.
ARTICLE IV.
Section 1. The officers of this society shall be a president, two vice-presidents, a secretary and a treasurer, who, together, shall constitute
104 DISCIPLINE.
an executive committee to supervise the entire work of the association within the conference district. It shall be their duty to make earnest efforts to secure the organization of local socie- ties in all the United Brethren congregations within the bounds of the conference.
Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the secretary of this society to keep a correct record of its proceedings and the proceedings of the execu- tive committee, and transmit a report of the same, with the number of members, to the re- cording secretary of the Board of Managers at least ten days before the annual meeting of the Board.
Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to recieive and hold the funds of the society, and transmit the same semi-annually to the treasur- er of the board, the last report to be sent in at least ten days before the meeting of the Board of managers.
ARTICLE V.
Each branch society shall hold antiaal meet- ings to elect its officers and members of the lioards of Managers, and to transact any busi- ness pertaining to its work, its members to con- sist of the officers and three delegates from each local society.
DISCIPLINE. 10§
ARTICLE VI.
Each branch society shall provide for the ex- penses of its delegates to the annual meeting of the Board of Managers.
ARTICLE VII.
Life members within the bounds of the confer- ence shall be regarded advisory members of the annual meeting of the branch society.
Local Constitution.
article i.
Local societies may be organized by securing names of persons desiring to become members in any United Brethren congregation, and puo- ceeding to the election of officers.
ARTICLE II.
The officers of this society shall consist of a president, vice-pi*esident, secretary and treas- ui"er, and two or more collectors.
ARTICLE III.
Sec. 1. The duties of the president shall be those usual to the office.
Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the vice-presi- dent to assume the duties of president in hex absence.
/Sec 3. It shall be the duty of the secretary to
106 DISCIPLINE.
keep a record of the proceedings of each meeting, with the names of members, and report quarter- ly to the secretary of the branch society.
Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to hold all funds of the society and transmit the same semi-annually to the treasurer of the branch society.
Sec. 5. It shall be the duties of the collectors to visit members of the Church and solicit names, collect quarterly dues, and report the number of visits and amount collected at each meeting.
ABTICIiE IV.
Any child may become a member of a local society upon such terms as said society shall designate.
ARTICLE V
All local societies shall meet quarterly, and shall arrange their year witli reference to the annual meeting of the branch society.
CHAPTER XVII.— CHURCH-ERECTIOX
SOCIETY.
I. This society shall be known as The Cliarch- Erection Society of the Church of the United Breth- ren in Christ, and is organized for the purpose of aiding feeble churches in the erection of houses of worship.
DISCIPLINE. 107
II. The Board of Missions shall constitute the Board of Managers of this society, and shall be governed by the constitution and by-laws of the Missionary Society so far as they are appli- cable to this society.
III. It shall be the duty of each annual con- ference to make a reasonable assessment to their various fields of labor for this interest, which funds when collected shall be transmitted to tho treasurer,
IV. The treasurer of the parent Board of Missions shall receipt for all moneys sent him by the various conference treasurers, that they may make settlement with their respective an- nual conferences.
V. Application for aid from this society must be made to the Board of Managers, through the bishop and the presiding elder of the district and the preacher in charge of the circuit, sta- tion, or mission where such house is to be erect- ed, who shall state in writing the condition of the society desiring such aid, the prospects of success, and the security of the investment.
VI. Should any society thus aided lose its organization, so as to make the sale of such house necessary, then, out of the proceeds of such sale, the amount loaned them, with inter- est, shall be refunded to the Church-Erection Board.
108 DISCIPLINE.
VII. The Board shall make uo appropriations where there is reasonable prospect that the soci- ety asking aid can succeed without it.; or where there is no prospect of building up a good society.
VII. All aid rendered shall be only as a loan, the principal to be refunded, without interest, at such times as the Board may direct, but in no ease for a longer term than three years at any one time, or more than five hundred dollars to any individual or single church ; nor shall moneys be loaned to any society until their church-property is secured by deed as provided for in Discipline ; nor shall moneys be loaned to churches until their trustees have forwarded an abstract of the title of their property and their notes, secured by first mortgage on the premises and properly recorded in the records of tl» ODurts for the inspection of the Board of Mana- ger or Executive Committee.
Tne trustees of cliurches which receive moneys from the Ciiurch-lOiecLion Society sliall be i"e- quired to secure from loss by fire said church- buildings in some reliable insurance company.
IX. The Board of Managers may employ one or more special agents ; provided, however, that said agency shall not be continued for a longer term than three months, unless it be apparent
DISCIPLINE, 109
that said agency is a moneyed success to the society.
CHAPTER XVIII.— PRINTING ESTAB- LISHMENT.
Rule 1. The above establishment shall be call- od " The Printing Establishment of the United Brethren in Christ."
Ride 2. The legislative authority herein grant- ed shall be vested in the General Conference of said church, whose duty it shall be to elect the i>ecessary officers not otherwise provided for, and make or amend any rules as in their judg- ment may seem expedient.
Rtde 3. The proceeds of said establishment, over and above contingent expenses, shall be ap- plied to the benefit of traveling and worn-out preachers, and their widows and orphans. The distribution of anj- available profits of the pub- lishing house for this purpose shall be in propor- tion to the number of regular ministers in each ainiual conference who are itinerants, according to the " Itinerant Plan " of the Discipline. It sliall be the duty of the secretaries of the annual conferences each year to report to the publishing agent at Dayton, Ohio, the true number of such itinerants as found upon the records of the sev-
110 niMCIPLTNE.
eral conferences ; also the name and address of the conference treasurer appointed to receive the dividend awarded to his conference.
Rvle 4. A board of seven trustees, elected by the General Conference, shall take the oversight of the establishment.
Rule 5. The officers of the establishment shall" consist of seven trustees, one agent, and such number of editors as the General Conference shall deem necessary.
Rule 6. It shall be the duty of the trustees to fix the salaries of agent and editors, to make set- tlement vidth the officers of the establishment every six months, and see that they properly discharge their duties, and, if found derelict, may suspend them from office until the General Conference ; provided, no such officers shall be suspended until they have been furnished with a copy of the complaints in writing, and have had an opportunity of defense before the Board of Trustees. They shall also have the privilege of making any by-laws which may seem expe- dient for the better regulation of the minor con- cerns of the office ; provided, they do not violate any part of the foregoing rules.
Rule 7. It shall be the duty of the agent to take charge of the temporal concerns of the of- fice, furnish such material as may be Deodtxl,
DISCIPLINE. Ill
and to act as the general book-agent under the direction of the Board of Trustees. He shall prepare and publish a report annually, through the Heligious Telescope and Joyful Messenger, and shall also make a report to the General Con- ference. It shall be his duty to make arrange- ments for verbatim reports of the pro<?eedings of the General Conference for publication.
Rule 8. Should a vacancy occur in any of th« offices of the establishment, or in the Board of Trustees, the trustees may fill said vacancy, un- til the sitting of the next General Conference.
Rule 9. No editor or officer employed in the establishment shall accept any office or engage In any business which will interfere with the duties of his office.
CHAPTER XIX.— COURSE OF READING AND STUDY.
Section I.
For licentiate preachers, upon which they aie to be examined by the annual conference to which they belong. They shall be examined, also, each year of their probation, on the doc- trine and government of the Church, as taught in our book of Discipline It is presumed that
112 DISCIPLINE,
a fair knowledge of the ordinary branches of an English or German education has been acquired before entering upon this course. If the licenti- ate does not possess such knowledge, he shall be examined, in each year, on grammar and geog- raphy.
s
FIRST YEAR — BIBLE DOCTRINE.
Human Depravity ; The Atonement ; Redemp- tion ; Repentance ; Justification by Faith ; Re- generation ; Adoption ; Witness of the Spirit ; Christian Perfection ; Possibility of Final Apos- tasy; Existence and Attributes of God.
Books Required. — Bible ; Watson's Institutes ; Broadus' Homiletics ; Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation; Harris' Great Commission; Fletch- er's Appeal ; History of tlie United Brethren in Christ; an essay on •written sermon.
Books i^ecomwenrfefL— Bridges' Christian Min- istry ; Upham's Life of Faitli ; Whateley's Rhet- oric ; Shedd's Christian Doctrine ; Thwing's Drill-Book of Vocal Culture; Barrow's Sacred Geography and Antiquities ; Christlieb's Prot- estant Foreign Missions.
SECOND YEAR — BIBLE DOCTRINE.
Trinity; Divinity and Humanity of Christ; Personality and Deity of the Holy Ghost ; Doc- trines Relating to Man.
DISCIPLINE. 113
Books Hequired.— Bible ; Watson's Institutes^ continued ; Shedd's Homiletics ; Blackburn's History of the Christian Church to chapter six- teen; Hopkins' Law of Love; Haven's Mental Pliilosophy; Alexander's Evidences of Chris- tianity ; written sermon.
Books Ilecommended. — Uphain's Interior Life ; Neander's Planting and training of the Christiaf! Church (Robinson's Translation); Jahn's Arch- aeology; Weber's Universal History; Shedd's Christian Doctrine ; Kurtz' Church History ; Schaff's Apostolic Church.
THIRD YEAR — BIBLE DOCTRINES AND INSTITU- TIONS.
Immortality of fhe Soul ; Resurrection of th« Body ; Future General Judgment ; Eternal Re- wards and Punishments ; The Christian Sabbath ; The Lord's-supper ; Christian Baptism.
Books Required. — Bible ; Watson's Institutes ; Blackburn's History of the Christian Church, continued and close ; Smith's Old-Testament History; Smith's New-Testament History ; Cole- man's Geographical History of the Bible ; But- ler's Analogy ; Companion to the Bible — Bar- rows ; Whateley's Logic ; written sermon.
Books Becommended. — Vinet's Homiletics ; D'Aubigne's History of the Reformation ; Jose- phus' Antiquities of the Jews ; Hackett's lUus- 8
114 DISCIPLINE.
trations of Scripture ; Upbam's Divine Union ; Blackburn's History of the Christian Church : Hopkin's Law of Love ; Haven's Mental Piiil- osophy ; Alexander's Evidences of Christianity ; written sermon.
^ GERMAN COURSE OF READING.
First Year. — Bible ; Discipline ; History of United Brethren Church ; Kurtz' Church Histo- ry, first part; Sulzberger's Dogmatic, first part; History of the World, by Colver Society ; Clark's Hand-Book ; Fletcher's Appeal ; Nelson on Infi- delity ; Hare on Justification; Nippart''s Practi- cal Theology ; Heyse's German Grammar ; writ- ten sermon on justification. • 'Second Year. — Bible; United Bi*ethren Church History; Discipline and Heyse's Grammar con- tinued; Kurtz' Church History, second part; Sulzberger's Dogmatic, second part; D'Aubigne's History of the Reformation ; Zeller on the Soul ; Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation ; Luthardt's Apologetische Vortrsege; written Sermon on the Christian Sabbath.
Third Year. — Bible; Sulzberger's Dogmatic, third part; Osterzee's Theology of the New Test- ament; Luthardt's Ethics ; Lisco's Apostolic Creed ; Nast on the God-Man Christ ; Pearson's Infidelitj^; written sermon on baptism.
Any licentiate who fails to read the books ro-
DISCIPLINE. 116
quired, and to submit to the examination, shall, at the close of the third year of his probation at furthest, have his name erased from the annual- conference record, unless a reasonable excuse can be gi^'^u for such failure, in which case he shall be referred back to and have standing in the quarterly conference as a licensed preacher ; 'promded, if in the judgment of the conference they see fit, the conference may relieve graduates of Union Biblical Seminary from examination on the above course.
CHAPTER XX.— MEETING-HOUSES AND PARSONAGES.
Ques. Is anything advisable in regard to the building of meeting-houses ?
Ayis. Let all our meeting-houses be built plain and neat, with free seats, and not more ex- pensive than necessary.
Ques^*To whom are our meeting-houses, and the premises belonging to them, to be deeded?
Ans. To a board of trustees, who shall in all cases have warranty deeds legally executed and made to them and their successors in office, in trust for the Church of the United Brethren in Qbrist, who shall have the same recorded in the county records where the property is situated.
116 DISCIPLINE.
Ques. How is the board of trustees to be con- Btituted ?
Ans. Whenever it is contemplated by a soci- ety to purchase or build a meeting--house, it shall be the duty of a leader or steward of such society to make it known to the C[uarterly con- ference of the circuit or station to whieli he be- longs, whose duty it shall be to appoint a judi- cious board of trustees, where the law of the state does not otherwise provide, of not less Lhan three in number, or as the law of the state in wliich said house is to bo Built may direct; pro- vided, however, that at least a majority of such board of trustees shall be members of our church. T!ie trustees sliall hold their ollice dur- ing the pleasure of the quarterly conference.
Ques. How are the trustees to proceed in building a house?
Ans. No society shall commence the building o^f any meeting-house without first getting an act of incorporation, where the law of t,he state I'equii'fes it. They shall form an estimate of the amount necessary to procure a lot, to build, and to make such other improvements as may be considered necessary. And they shall at no time proceed with the building of a house of worship, beyond the means, either in hand or sufficiently secured, so as to avoid involving our houses of worship in any way in debt.
DISCIPLINE. 117
The trustees shall hold annual meetings, or ofteuer if need be, and shall elect fi-oin their number the following officers ; namely, a presi- dent, secretary, and treasurer. The meetings of the board shall be subject to the call of the pres- ident. Itshall.be the duty of the secretary to keep a correct record of all the business transac- tions of the board, in a book provided for that purpose, which shall at all times be open for in- spection by the quarterly conference of the charge having the care of the property. The treasurer shall receive all funds for meeting- house, cemetery, and parsonage purposes, and pay out the same under the direction of the board, and report to the board the financial con- dition at their several meetings.
The board shall make an annual report to the quarterly conference.
Ques. ^/hat shall be done wiieu a vacancy or vacanciej> occur in the board of trustees?
Arts. It shall be the duty of the quarterly (X>nferenco to appoint a suitable person or \)(iv- sons to fill such vacancies.
Ques. What shall be done when any of our houses are vacant ?
Ans. It shall be the duty of the quarterly conference of the nearest circuit or station to appoint not less than three suit . .le persons for
118 DISCIPLINE.
•trustees, who shall have the power, when au- thorized by two thirds of the members of that conference, to lease, rent, or sell such meeting- house, and the appurtenances belonging to it, and to appropriate the money arising from such lease, rent, or sale, by the direction of said con- ference, toward the ereciiou of new meeting- houses, or the liquidation of debts on old ones. If the vacated house be a parsonage, the pro- ceeds shall be disposed of in like manner ;, but in every case the proceeds arising from the lease, rent, or sale of parsonage property shall be kept' sacred for parsonage purposes. When a lot is deeded to an English United Brethren society, or to a German United Brethren society, and one or the other cease to exist in an organized form by deaths, removals, expulsions, or otlierwise, the remaining oi-gaiiized class shall have full right to make such improvements or repairs on said lot, as may be needed for worship, and a p-^aceable possession.
The above rules to be observed in purchasing oi- building parsonage-houses.
It shall be the duty of our presiding elders, as soon as convenient, to appoint, or see that three or ti\ e snitable persons are appointed, with the consent of tlie quarterly conference, to take up subscription- to build or purchase parsonage- liouses lor their respective stations or circuits,
DISCIPLINE. 119'
the same to be deeded to those three or five trus- tees, and their successors in office, for the use of the Church of the United Brethren in Clirist. We recommend that all our parsonage-houses be plain, andlocated in some central place.
In cases where fields of labor are divided hav- ing parsonages upon them the disposition of said parsonages shall be submitted to a board of arbiters, consisting of three members of the Church, one to be chosen by each quarterly con- ference, and these two a third, to whom the whole matter shall be referred, their decision of the case being final. In cases where more than two quarterlj' conferences are interested, the same plan shall be pursued.
CHAPTER XXI.— BOARD OF EDUCATION.
I. There shall be a general board of education, known by the name of " The Board, of Educa- tion," under the care of the General Conference of the Church of the XJnited Brethren in Christ.
II. This board shall consist of twelve nieni- bers, elected by the General Conference so dis- tributed as to have at least two members in each bishop's district, except the Pacific, which shall have one, who shall hold office for four years, six of whom shall be clergymen ; the remainder
120 DISCIPLINE,
■may be lay members of the United Brethren Church. Five members, including the president ar vice-president, shall constitute a quorum.
III. The officers shall be a president, vice- president, recording secretarj', corresponding secretary, and treasurer. These shall be elected by the members of the board at their first regu- lar meeting after the sitting of General Confer- ence,, and shall hold office until the next regular sessioji of the General Conference.
The board may appoint any competent per- sons, members of the United Brethren Church, to be their treasurer and corresponding secretary; these, if elected outside of the board, shall be advisory members of the board.
In case of vacancy occurring in the board, by death or otherwise, the board shall have power to fill the vacancy, the election to be by ballot, and the person elected to hold office until the next meeting of General Conference.
There shall be at least one session of the board each yea*. Meetings of the board shall be called by the president, upon request of three mem- bers.
IV. The object of this board shall be — 1. To raise funds by collection, donation,* bequest, or otherwise, to aid by loan, without interest, as the executive committee may determine, in educa-
DISCIPUNE. 12X«
ting, both in their collegiate and theological course, pious young persons who are preparing themselves for the work of the gospel ministry, or as missionaries, in " the United Brethren Church; provided, however, the hoard shall have power to receive money and use it for other educational purposes as donors may direct.
2. To seek by the publication of tracts, pamph- lets, addresses, or books upon edrtcational ques- tions, to diffuse among our members a more general knowledge of the value of a sanctified education and of a well-instructed ministry, and thereby awaken in them* a better appreciation of our institutions of'learning and of the obliga- tions resting upon them to give of their sub- stance for their support.
3. To make an annual report of the condition, financially and otherwise, of the eolleges and other educational institutions of the Church ; to make such recommendations to the managers of. these institutions as will tend to make them more efficient ; to secure, as far as may seem desirable, harmony or courses of study between prepara- tory schools and colleges and universities; to discourage the raultiplicaton of schools and col- leges when they can not be properly supported ; to recommend methods of endowment, plans of building, how best to secure funds, and give any
122 DISCIPLINE.
other counsel which the interest of these schools and the Church naay demand.
V. To accomplish these results, the board may cause an annual collection to be taken on the next Sabbath following the last Thursday of January, or at such tether time as the presiding tL- ler of the district may deem rnost suitable. The preacher in charge, or some other competent person, shall first preach a sermon or make ap- propriate remarks concerning the object, plans, and working of this board, and then take a col- lection in such a manner as will secure the larg- est amount of funds. If the board deem it best, it may appropriate the amount to be raised to the various conferences, according to their number and ability, and these in turn shall apportion to their respective fields of labor.
VI. Young persons aided by this board naust first be recommended by the conference in whose bounds they live, or to which they belong, or by the Board of Missions when the applicant does not reside within the bounds of any conference, as suitable persons to receive aid, or by an edu- cational committee appointed by said conference, to whom all requests for aid, not acted upon by conference, or which shall occur during the in- terim of its sitting, shall be referred.
VII. The funds raised in any conference shall
DISCIPLINE. 123
be applied as follows : one third to be sent to the treasurer of the Board of Education, to assist young men in their tlieological course, and the remainder shall be in the hands of a treasurer elected by the conference and used for the aid of young men in securing an education, as th<j conference may direct. This, however, shall not prevent the board from assisting applicants who come from weak or mission-conferences to such an extent as they may deem best, nor in applying donations and bequests in such a man- ner as donors may desire,
VIII. The board shall have power to make persons honorary members of the same by the payment of ^50.00. The persons thus made honorary members shall have the right to sit in the meetings of the board and engage in its deliberations, but shall have no right to vote.
IX. The board shall have power to appoint an executive committee from its own body, and to make such by-laws to regulate its own pro- ceedings, and to effectually accomplish the object of its creation, as shall not be inconsistent with this constitution.
X. The board, through its corresponding seo- retarj% shall mr.ke to the General Conference a report of all the work done during the preceding four years, including money received by coUec-
124 DISCIPLINE.
tions, bequests, or otherwise, the amount paid out, and the purposes for which it was paid. The board may propose to the General Confer- ence, from time to time, such plans as it may consider useful or necessary for the success of the work committed to it.
XL No addition or amendment to the pro- visions of this constitution shall be made unless by consent of a majority of the members of General Conference present at any of the ses- sions. Notice of this proposed addition or amendment shall have been given at least one day previous.
CHAPTER XXII.— BOUNDARIES.
Section I.
Boundaries of Bishops' Districts.
Eastern Listrict. — Pennsylvania Conference, Eastern German, Virginia, Par^ersburg, Alle- ghany, Erie, Muskingum, and Tennessee.
North- M''estern Bistrici. — Fox River Conference, Micliij.an, St. Joseph, Upper Wabash, Rock River, North Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, West Des i- oii.es, Dakota, West Nebrasiva, Colo- rado. «
South- Western Bistrict. — Arkansas Valley Con- ference, Osage, West Kansas, Kansas, South
DISCIPLINE. 125
Missouri, Missouri, Southern Illinois, Illinois, Lower Wabash, White River, Indiana, Central Illinois, East Des Moines, East Nebraska. '
Ohio District. — Scioto Conference, Sandusky, Miami, Auglaize, Ohio German, Ontario, North Ohio, Western Reserve, Kentucky, Central Olik).
Pacific District. — California Conference, Ore- gon, Walla Walla.
.* *■
Section II.
AUeghany Cor?/e7-er?.ce.— Beginning at the south- west corner of Mercer County, Pennsylvania; thence east, to the soutli-east corner of Potter County; thence north, to the state line between Pennsylvania and New York ; thence east on Siiid line to the point where the Northern Central Railroad crosses said line ; thence south-west to the north-west corner of Union ; thence along the line of Eastoiii German Conference, to the iiioutii of the Juniata River ; thence up said river t-o Tuscarora Mountain ; tlience. southward along s<iid mountain to the state line.between Maryland and Pennsylvania, west of Fulton County; thence along the southern boundary of Pennsyl- vania to tlie south-west corner of said state ; thence northward along the western boundary of Pennsylvania to the south-west corner of Mercer County, the place of beginning.
126 DISOrPLINB.
Arkansas Valley Conference. — Beginning at the north-west corner of Osage Conference ; thence west to Colorado line ; thence south to the south line of the state ; thence east to the south-west corner of Osage Conference ; thence north to the place of beginning.
Auglaize Conference. — Beginning at Union City, Indiana ; thence west with the Bellefontaine & Indianapolis Railroad, to Winchester ; thence on a straight line to the south-east comer of Hunt- ington County, Indiana ; thence on the east line of said county north, to the Wabash River ; thence down said river to the crossing of the Toledo, Wabash & Western Railroad ; thence with said railroad to Ft. Wayne, including said city; thence to Paulding Center, including all territory now occupied by said conference; thence due east to Auglaize River ; thence along the line of Sandusky Conference, including Ada, North Washington, and Dunkirk, to Forest; thence with the Cleveland, Sandusky & Cincin- nati Railroad, to the line of Hardin County ; thence on the east line of said county, to the south-east corner thereof ; thence on the north and east lines of Union County, to the Delaware and Springfield branch of the C. C. C. <fe I. Rail- road ; thence with said railroad to Milford Cen- ter, Ohio ; thence with the Pan-Handle Railroad
DISOTPLINE. 127
including Urbana and Horatio, to Union City, the place of beginning.
California Conference. — Includes the State of ^* California.
Central Illinois Cb7i/ere?/ce.— Beginning at Peru, on the Illinois River ; thence up the Illinois River to the mouth of the Kankakee River; thence with the Chicago Branch of tlie Illinois Central Railroad to Tolono ; thence with the Great Western Railway to Bement ; thence di-^ rcct to Shelbj'ville ; thence down the Okaw River to Vandalia ; thence direct to the mouth of the Illinois. River ; thence up skid river to the x>lace of beginning.
Colorado Conference. — Bounded by the Union Pacific Railroad on the north, and by the state lines of Colorado on the east, south, and Avest.
Dakota Conference. — Beginning at the north- west corner of Mononee County, Iowa; thence east to the south-east corner of Sac County;, thence north on the count}' line to the line of the Illinois Central Railroad ; thence east by said railroad to the east line of Webster County ; thence north to the south line of the state ol Minnesota ; thence west on said line to the south-cast corner of Noble County, Minnesota ; thence north to the north-east corner of said county ; thence west to the west line of Minne-
128 DISCIPLINE.
sota ; 'thence to the north-west corner of Pipe- stone County ; thence west to the Missouri River ; thence down said river to the place of beginning.
East Des Moines Conference. — Beginning at tti« mouth of the Iowa River ; thence up said river to the east hne of Marshall County, Iowa ; thence south to the Mahaska County line ; thence west to the corner of said county, thence south to the
f Des Moines River; thence up said river to White Breast Creek ; thence up said creek to the west line of Marion County ; thence south f o the cor- ner of said county ; thence south-west to the Wayne County line, six miles east of the north- west corner of said county ; thence south twelve miles ; thence west six miles ; thence south to the Missouri state line ; thence east on the line between Iowa and Missouri to the Mississip^ River ; thence up said river to the place of be-
# ginning.
Eastern Oerman Confei^ence. — Beginning at the Atlantic Ocean ; thence along the 40th parallel of north latitude to the Delaware River ; thence t<^) the north-east boundary of the city of Phiia^ delphia; thence west and south along the bound- ary line of said city to the Schuylkill River, leaving the city of Philadelphia and Camden, N J., to be occupied in common by the Pennsylva-
DISCIPLINE. 129
nia and East German conferences, the former exclusively in English, and the latter exclusively in the German language ; thence up said river to the foot of Penn Street in the city of Reading; thence up said street to Tenth Street ; thence north along Tenth Street to the city limits thence westward around said city limits to ta* Lebanon Valley Railroad ; thence west aiong said railix)ad to Beaver Creek, leaving the fol- lowing appointments south of Lebanon Valley Railroad and now occupied by said East German Conference to be occupied by said conference — namely, Shaffei-stown, Blue Church, Avon, jtf 1- myra, Fishbums, and Snavelys ; thence up said Beaver Creek to the South Mountain; thence across said mountain to Stony Ci*eek; thence west to the Susquehanna River, leaving Dau> phin to be occupied by the Pennsylvania Confer- ence; thence up the Susquehanna River to the une of Juniata County ; thence in a north-west- trn direction to Richfield, including that point ; whence across to the mountain to a point in Pennsylvania Valley called Old Fort; thence north-east through the Nitiny to the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, down to the place at the river where it strikes the Alleghany Conference line ; thence along that line to thA state line of New York,
130 DISCIPLINE.
Also Otterbein and Third churches, with any exclusively German missions they may open in the city of Baltimore.
Erie Conference. — Beginning on the shore of Lake Erie, at the north-west corner of the State of Pennsylvania ; thence south along the state line between Ohio and Pennsylvania to the south-west corner of Mercer County, Pennsyl- vania ; thence east with the line as described in tlie bounding of the Alleghany Conference to the New York state line, and including the State of NcAV York and all that part of Pennsylvania embraced within the above described limits.
Fox River Conference. — Beginning at Milwau- kee, Wisconsin ; thence by the railroad lines to Watertown and Portage City; thence up the Wisconsin River to the Michigan state line ; thence with the state line south-east, and the western shore of Lake Michigan to the place of beginning.
Illinois Gonfei'ence. — Beginning at the junction of the Mississippi and Rock rivers ; thence up the latter stream to the crossing, of, the Chicago, Rock Island <fe Pacific Railroad ; thence east with said railroad to the Illinois River; thence down the Illinois River to its mouth ; thence up the Mississippi to the place of beginning.
Indiana Conference. — Beginning at the south-
DISCIPLINE, ISl
east corner of Franklin County, Indiana ; thence along the line of the White River Conference, as described in the boundaries of that conference, to the White River due west of Franklin, Indi- ana ; thence down said river, and the Wabash, to the Ohio River; thence up said river to the mouth of the Great Miami River; thence up the state line between Ohio and Indiana to the place of beginning.
Iowa Conference. — Beginning on the Mississippi River, with the north line of the State of Iowa; thence due west on said line to the west line of Winnebago County; thence dne south to the Dubuque & Sioux City Division of the Illinois Central Railroad ; thence east along said railroad to the Iowa River; thence down said river to its junction with the Mississippi River; thence up the Mississippi River to the place of beginning.
Kansas Confei^ence. — Beginning at the South- east corner of Maumee County, Kansas ; thence west to the center of McPherson County ; thence north to the Nebraska and Kansas line ; thence east to the Missouri River ; thence on the Kan- sas and Missouri line to the place of beginning.
Lower Wabash Conference. — Beginning at Gos- port, on White River ; thence with the railroad to Greencastle ; thence with the Indianapolis 4l Terre Haute Railroad to the Wabash River;
132 DISCIPLINE.
thence up said river to the mouth of Bruletts Greek ; thence up said creek to Cherry Point ; thence west on th« line of the Indianapolis, De- catur & Springfield Railroad, to and including Tuscola; thence north by the Illinois Central Rail- road to Tolono ; thence west and south with the line of Central Illinois Conference to the junc- tion of the Illinois Central and Ohio & Mississippi Railroad ; thence by the Skillet Fork and Little Wabash rivers to Carmi ; thence down the Little Wabash River to its mouth ; thence up the Wabash and White rivers to the place of begin- ning.
Miami Conference. — Beginning at the mouth of the Great Miami River; thence nortli on the line between Ohio and Indiana, to Union City, and to include that city ; thence east with the Pitts- burgh, Cincinnati <fe St. Louis Railway to the east line oi Champaign County, Ohio, including Piqua ; thence south on the east lines of the counties of Champaign, Green, Clinton, and a part of Brown County, to Ripley ; thence down the Ohio River to the place of beginning.
Michigan Conference. — Beginning at the north- west corner of Branch County, Michigan ; thence east on the north line of Branch, Hillsdale, Lenawee, and Monroe, to the north-east corner of Monroe County ; thence beginning at the
DISCIPLINE. 133
north-east comer of Moijroe County, Michigan thence west, on the north line of Lenawee, Hills- dale, and Branch counties to the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad ; thence by said railroad to Kalamazoo j thence by the South Haven & Kala- mazoo Railroad to South Haven ; thence along the shore of Lake Michigan to Grand Haven ; thence by the Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad east to Detroit; thence down the Detroit River and the western shore of Lake Erie to the place of beginning.
Muskingum Conference. — Beginning at the point where the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad crosses the line between Pennsylvania and Ohio ; thence west on the Une of said rail- road, to the west line of Ashland County, Ohio embracing Warner's Chapel, Benjamin Warner's, and Lower's appointments ; thence south to the north line of Knox County ; thence west to the north-west corner of said county ; thence south to the south-west corner of Knox County; thence east along the lines of Knox and Coshoc- ton counties, to Dresden ; thence down the Mui*- kingum River to its mouth ; thence up the Ohio River and Ohio state line to the place of begin- ning.
Missouri Conference.— 'Embvsices all that pari of the State of Missouri lying north of the Mis- souri River.
134 DISCIPLINE. '
Minnesota Conference. — Bounded by the state lines, embracing the whole State of Minnesota except the counties of Noble, Rock, and Pipe- stone. The above named conference also em- braces the counties of Grant and Dual in Dakota Territory.
Nebraska Conference. — Embraces the south- eastern portion of Nebraska, and as far west and north as the lines describing the West Nebraska Conference boundaries.
North Michigan. — Includes all that part of the State of Michigan lying north of the Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad, except that Ovid and Ben- gal circuits remain with Michigan Conference.
North Ohio Conference. — Beginning at the north-west corner of Branch County, Michigan ; thence east on the north lines of Branch, Hill- side, Lenawee, and Monroe counties, to the north-east corner of Monroe County ; thence on the coast of Lake Erie to the mouth of Maumee River ; thence upsaid river to Defiance ; thence up the Auglaize River to a point east of the city of Paulding Centre ; thence by the way of Paulding Centre to Ft, Wayne ; thence — leaving Ft. Wayne to Auglaize Conference — on the Ft, Wayne and Chicago Railroad to Columbia, Whitley County ; thence due north to the line of Noble County; thence east to the corner of
DISCIPLINE. 135
Noble County; thence north— including the Salem appointment within the North Ohio Con- ference, to the state line of Michigan, at the south-west corner of Branch County ; thence to the place of beginning.
Ohio German Conference. — Bounded by the state lines of Oliio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illi- nois. They are permitted to go into any of the western states or territories, where doors of use- fulness open unto them to labor among the Ger- uian population.
Ontario Conference. — Includes all of the Prov- ince of Ontario, in the Dominion of Canada.
Oregon Conference. — Includes in its territory all of that portion of country lying west of the Cascade range of mountains, both in Oregon and Washington Territory.
Osage Conference. — Beginning at the south- west corner of Chautauqua County, Kansas ; thence north to the south line of Kansas Confer- ence; thence due east to the nortli-east coriier of Linn County; thence south to the state line; thence west to the place of beginning.
Parkershurg Conference. — Beginning on the summit of the Alleghany Mountain, at the line between Pennsylvania and Virginia; thence along the summit of said mountain south-west to the line between Virginia and North Carolina;
4136 DISCIPLINE.
thence west on said line to the south-west come? of the State of Virginia; thenee with the Vir- ginia and Kentucky line north to the Ohio River; thence with said river to the Pennsylvania state line; thence east on said line to the place of beginning.
Pennsylvania Conference. — Beginning on the summit of South Mountain on the Une between Maryland and Pennsylvania; thence to West- minister, Md.; thence to Baltimore, including that city ; thence south along the Chesapeake Bay to a point opposite the line between Virginia and Maryland ; thence across said bay and along said line to the sea-coast ; thence along said coast north to the line of the East German Confer- ence ; thence along said line to the Susquehanna River ; thence up said river to the mouth of the Juniata River ; thence up said river to Tuscarora Mountain ; thence along said mountain to the east corner of Fulton County ; thence west along said line to the line between Fulton and Bedford counties; thence along said line to the line be- tween Pennsj'lvania and Maryland ; thence along said line to the place of beginning. Dun- can's Isle belongs to this conference.
Rock Rive)' Conjerence. — Beginning at the junc- tion of the Mississippi and Rock rivers ; thence east with the north boundary of the Ulinoia
DISCIPLINE. 137
Central, Illinois, and Upper Wabash conferenois to the Indiana State line ; thence north on said line to Lake Michigan ; thence along said line to the place of beginning.
Sandusky Covference. — Beginning at the mouth of the Vermillion River, on Lake Erie ; thence on an air-line south, to the south-west corner of Ashland County ; thence with the north and west lines of Knox County, to the south-west corner of said county ; thence to the north-west corner of Trenton Township, Delaware County ; thence to the south-east corner of Genoa Town- ship, of the same county ; thence west on the Scioto Conference line, embracing Pleasant Val- ley, in Madison County ; thence along the east and north lines of Union County, to the south- east corner of Hardin County ; thence along the east line of said county to Forest ; thence west on the Pittsburgh and Fort "Wayne Railroad to Johnstown ; thence to Cairo ; thence to Kalida ; thence to Defiance; thence down the Maumee River and the southern shore of Lake Erie to the place of beginning.
Scioto Oonference. — Beginning at Dresden, on the Muskingum River; thence west on the south lines of Coshocton and Knox counties to the south-west corner of Knox County ; thence to the north-west corner of Trenton Township,
138 DISCIPLINE.
Delaware County ; thence to the sont] -east cor- ner of Genoa Township, of the same county; thence west on the Delaware County line to the Whetstone River ; thence to the north-west cor- ner of Madison County ; thence south, embrac- ing Fayette, Highland, and a part of Brown County, to Ripley, on the Ohio River ; thence up said river to the mouth of Muskingum River ; thence up said river to Dresden, the i^lace of be- ginning.
Southern Illinois Coyiference. — Embraces all that part of the State of Illinois Ij'ing south and west of the Central Illinois and Lower Wabash conferences.
Souih-icestern Missoiiri Mission-Conference.— Embraces all of that part of Missouri lying south of the Missouri River.
Si. Joseph Co7?/erewce.— Beginning at Peru, In- diana, on the Wabash River ; thence up said river to Huntington ; thence up the Auglaize Conference line to Ft. Wa^'ne ; thence by the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railroad, to Columbia City; thence due north to the line of Noble County ; tlience east to the soutli-easi corner of said county; thence iiortli on the east lines of Noble and Lagr;;nge counties to the Michigan state line ; thence west on said line to the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad ; thence 1
DISCIPLINE, 139
by said railroad to Kalamazoo, Michigan ; thence by the Kalamazoo & South Haven RaiJroad to Lake Michigan ; thence along the lake shore to the line of Illinois and Indiana ; thence south to Beaver Lake ; thence to the mouth of Big Monon Creek ; thence down the Tippecanoe River to the Wabash, to Lafayette, including Lafayette ; thence along the Strawtowu Road, including the town of Jefiferson, to the Indianapolis & Peru Railroad ; thence along said railroad to the place of beginning, including all the towns and churches north of Kokomo.
Jennessee Conference. — Embraces all that part of the State of Tennessee east of a due north and south line drawn through Nashville, the capita^ of the state.
Upper Wabash Conference. — Beginning at Gos- port, on White River, to the crossing of the Indianapolis & Peru Railroad ; tlience on the Strawtown Road to Lafayette, on the Wabash River ; thence up said river to the mouth of Tip- pecanoe River ; thence up said river to the mouth of Big Monon Creek ; thence in a north-we'^tern direction to the northern extremity of Beaver Lake ; thence to Kankakee City ; U'lence south along the Chicago branch of the Illinois Central Railroad to Tuscola, and including Tolono; thence east with the line of Lower Wabash Con- ference to place of beginning.
140 DISCIPIilNB.
Virginia (inference. — Beginning at the soxxth- east corner of the State of Virginia ; thence along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay to Baltimore ; thence to Westminster ; thence to the summit of the South Mountain, on the state line between Maryland and Pennsylvania; thence west on said line to the summit of the Alleghany Mountain; thence south, along the summit of said mountain, to the state line be- tween Virginia and North Carolina ; thence east on said line to the place of beginning. The Vir- ginia Conference shall also include all the aj)- pointments embraced in the Alleghany and New Germany circuits, now occupied by the said conference within the limits of the Parkersburg Conference.
West JDes Moines Confei^ence. — Beginning at the north-west corner of Monona County ; thence to south-east corner of Sac County ; thence east along the Central Illinois Railroad to the east line of Marshall County; thence south on the line of East Des Moines Conference to the Mis- souri state line ; thence west to the soutli-west corner of the State of Iowa ; thence along the west line of the state to the place of beginning. Including Calhoun, Webster, Hamilton, and Hardin.
Wext Kansas Oow/er«nce.— Beginning on the
DISCPLIINE. 141
north at the center of Republic County ; thence south to the north line of Arkansas Valley Con- ference; thence west to the Colorado line; thence north to the Nebraska line ; thence east to the place of beginning.
West Nebraska Conference, — Beginning at the north-east corner cf Hamilton County; thence south to Nebraska state line ; thence west to the south-west corner of the State of Nebraska ; thence north to the north-west corner of the State of Nebraska ; thence east to the north-east corner of Nebraska; thence south to the Platte River ; thence up said river to the place of be- ginning.
Western Reserve Oynference, — Beginning at the north-east corner of the State of Ohio ; thence south on the state line to the crossing of said line by the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne <fe Chicago Railroad ; thence west, embracing Pleasant Val- ley, Paradise, and Carr appointments, with said raih-oad, to the west line of Ashland County, Ohio ; thence north to the mouth of Vermillion River; thence east along the shore of Lake Erie to the place of beginning; provided, that Orange- ville Church in Ohio remain with Erie Confer- ence, and Beaver Church in Pennsylvania re- main with Western Reserve Conference
While River OoTy'erewce.— Beginning at and i»
142 DISCIPLINE.
eluding Indianapolis and suburbs; thence up White River to the crossing of the Indianapolis & ^Peru Railroad ; thence along said railroad to the "Wabash River ; thence up said river to the Wells County line; thence south to the south-east corner of Huntington County ; thence on a straight line to Winchester ; thence eastward along the railroad to the Ohio and Indiana state line; thence south along the state line to the south-east corner of Franklin Countj'-, Indiana . thence westward to Greensburg; thence to Co- lumbus ; thence to Nashville ; thence west to White River ; thence up the river to the south line of Marion County; thence west to the south- west corner of said county ; thence north to the north-west corner of the same county ; thence east on the north line to the Peru & Indianapolis Railway. Kokomo and all the towns and church- es on and in the vicinity of the Indianapolis A Peru Railroad, south, are within the bounds of White River Conference. All the towns and churches north of Kokomo, on and in the vicin- ity of said railroad, are within the bounds of St. Joseph Conference.
Wisconsin Conference. — Beginning at Milkau- kee, Wisconsin; thence south to the Illinois Btate line ; thence west on the line between Illi- nois and Wisconsin to the Mississippi River;
DISCIPLINE. 143
thence up said river and the Wisconsin state line to Lake Superior ; thence with the shore of said lake and the Michigan and Wisconsin state line to the Wisconsin River ; thence down said river to Portage City; thence along the Watertown <fe Portage City Railroad to Watertown ; thence along the Milwaukee & Watertown Railroad to the place of beginning.
Walla Walla Conference. — Includes all that portion of Oregon and Washington Territory lying east of the Cascade Mountains, and also Idaho Territory,
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