3. If a member of our Church endeavor to sow dissension in any of our societies, by inveighing against either our doctrines or Discipline, such person so offending shall be first reproved by the senior minister or preacher of his circuit; and if he persist in such pernicious practices, he shall be expelled from the Church.
Ques. 2. What shall be done in case of disputes between members of the Church?
Ans. 1. On any dispute between two or more members of our Church, concerning the payment of debts or otherwise, which cannot be settled by the parties concerned, the preacher in charge shall inquire into the circumstances of the case; and shall recommend to the contending parties a reference, consisting of one arbiter chosen by the plaintiff, and another chosen by the defendant; which two arbiters so chosen shall nominate the third—the three arbiters being members of our Church.
2. But if one of the parties be dissatisfied with the judgment given, such party may apply to the ensuing Quarterly Conference for a second arbitration; and if the Quarterly Conference see sufficient reason, they shall grant a second arbitration, in which case each party shall choose two arbiters, and the four arbiters shall choose a fifth, the judgment of the majority of whom shall be final; and any person refusing to abide by such judgment shall be excluded from the Church.
3. And if any member of our Church shall refuse, in cases of debt or other disputes, to refer the matter to arbitration, when recommended by him who has the charge of the circuit, or shall enter into a lawsuit with another member before these measures are taken, he shall be expelled, unless the case be of such a nature as to require and justify a process of law.
Nevertheless, in all the above mentioned cases of trial and expulsion, an appeal to the ensuing Quarterly Conference shall be allowed, if the condemned person signifies to the pastor his intention to appeal at the time of his condemnation, or at any time thereafter when he is informed thereof.
CHAPTER XXVII.
MINISTERIAL COURT OF APPEALS.
1. Each Annual Conference shall elect every two years beginning with its first session after the General Conference, three Elders, who shall be men of experience, judgment and information touching the law of the Church, to be known as Triers of Appeals.
2. The Ministerial Court of Appeals shall consist of a President, who shall be a Bishop, and the Triers of Appeals from three Conferences adjacent to that of which the appellant was a member.