Transcriber's Note:

Obvious printer errors have been corrected. Hyphenation has been rationalised.

The text is divided into fifty eight Chapters, which are grouped into nine Parts. The Chapters are not identified in the Contents pages: they mostly coincide with the topics noted there, though not with their numbering. The numbering of pages is occasionally out of sequence, generally when a topic is discussed more than once.

Both the Index and the Contents Pages use expressions that identify the page number and section/subsection to which they relate. These expressions are explained in the Note immediately before the Index.

A number of words and phrases are bolded in the original. These have been bolded in this text. Where the original treatment is unclear a guess has been necessary.

Passages in smaller font in Part IX (The Ritual), that describe actions to be taken by a minister or the congregation, are indented.

THE DOCTRINES
AND
DISCIPLINE
OF THE
COLORED METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

REVISED EDITION 1918

COPYRIGHTED 1918,
By The AGENT and Publishers of the
COLORED M. E. CHURCH

Episcopal Address

To the Members of the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church:

We esteem it our duty and privilege most earnestly to recommend to you, as members of our Church, our form of Discipline, which has been founded on the experience of a long series of years.

We wish to see this publication in the house of every member of the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church; and the more so, as it contains the Articles of Religion maintained more or less, in part or in whole, by every reformed Church in the world.

Far from wishing you to be ignorant of any of our doctrines, or any part of our Discipline, we desire you to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the whole. You ought, next to the Word of God, to procure the Articles and Canons of the Church to which you belong.

We deem it proper, in this place, to give you a brief account of the organization of our Connection:

From the introduction of Methodism on this continent, we have ever constituted a part of the great Methodist family—first, as members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in America, and also after the change took place by which we were known as the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States; and when the division took place, in 1844, which we regard as a legal and constitutional division of the Church, we formed a part of that division called the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, which relation we continued to sustain until the organization of our Church took place at the General Conference held at Jackson, Tenn., which began its session December 15, 1870. The day was spent in prayer and supplication to the Almighty that his blessings might rest upon us; and on the following day the regular business of the session began, Bishop Robert Paine, D. D., of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in the chair.

The circumstances which led to our separate and distinct organization were as follows:

When the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, met in New Orleans, April, 1866, the Conference found that, by revolution and the fortunes of war, a change had taken place in our political and social relation, which made it necessary that a change should also be made in our ecclesiastical relations, and provision was made for our organization into separate congregations, Districts, and Annual Conferences, if we desired it; and that when two or more Annual Conferences should be formed, if it was our wish, and met the approbation of the Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, we should have a General Conference organization like that of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and that our preachers should receive ordination according to the regulations and requirements of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, as Deacons and Elders; and should a General Conference be organized, and suitable men be elected to the office of Bishops, that the Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, would ordain and set them apart as Chief Pastors among us. At the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at Memphis, Tennessee, May, 1870, it was found that five Annual Conferences had been formed among us, and that an almost universal desire had been expressed on our part that we might be organized into a separate and distinct Church, which was acquiesced in by the Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and recommended to said Conference in their address; whereupon, by our request, the Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, together with A. L. P. Green, Samuel Watson, Edmund W. Sehon, Thomas Whitehead, R. J. Morgan, and Thomas Taylor, were appointed by said Conference to aid in organizing our General Conference at the time and place above specified. At the succeeding sessions of our Annual Conferences, delegates were elected to attend our General Conference, in accordance with the Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

It was further determined by the acts of the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, 1866, that should the time arrive when we should be formed into a separate and distinct organization, that all property which was intended for the use and benefit of people of color, held by the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, should be transferred to Trustees appointed by us, to be held forever for our use and benefit.

It will be seen from the facts in the case that our record is clear, and that we have descended regularly from the very father of Methodism, and that our organization is both legal and constitutional.

We remain your very affectionate brethren and pastors, who labor night and day, both in public and in private, for your good.

LUCIUS H. HOLSEY,

ISAAC LANE,

ROBERT S. WILLIAMS,

ELIAS COTTRELL.

CONTENTS

PART I
THE CONSTITUTION

CHAPTER I.
ARTICLES OF RELIGION

I. OF FAITH IN THE HOLY TRINITY.

There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body or parts; of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the maker and preserver of all things, both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead, there are three persons of one substance, power, and eternity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

II. OF THE WORD, OR SON OF GOD WHO WAS MADE VERY MAN.

The Son, who is the Word of the Father, the very and eternal God, of one substance with the Father, took man's nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin; so that two whole and perfect natures—that is to say, the Godhead and manhood—were joined together in one person, never to be divided, whereof is one Christ, very God and very man, who truly suffered, was crucified, dead and buried, to reconcile his Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for actual sins of men.

III. OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

Christ did truly rise again from the dead, and took again his body, with all things appertaining to the perfection of man's nature, wherewith he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth until he return to judge all men at the last day.

IV. OF THE HOLY GHOST.

The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is of one substance, majesty, and glory, with the Father and the Son, very and eternal God.

V. THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES FOR SALVATION

The Holy Scriptures contain all things necessary to salvation; so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of the Holy Scripture, we do understand those canonical books of the Old and New Testament, of whose authority was never any doubt in the Church.

THE NAMES OF THE CANONICAL BOOKS

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, The First Book of Samuel, The Second Book of Samuel, The First Book of Kings, The Second Book of Kings, The First Book of Chronicles, The Second Book of Chronicles, The Book of Ezra, The Book of Nehemiah, The Book of Esther, The Book of Job, The Psalms, The Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, or the Preacher, Cantica, or Songs of Solomon, Four Prophets the greater, Twelve Prophets the less. All the books of the New Testament, as they are commonly received, we do receive and account canonical.

VI. OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

The Old Testament is not contrary to the New; for both in the Old and New Testament everlasting life is offered to mankind by Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and man, being God and man. Wherefore, they are not to be heard who feign that the old fathers did look only for transitory promises. Although the law given from God by Moses, as touching ceremonies and rites, doth not bind Christians, nor ought the civil precepts thereof of necessity to be received in any Commonwealth, yet, notwithstanding, no Christian whatsoever is free from the obedience of the commandments which are called moral.

VII. OF ORIGINAL OR BIRTH-SIN

Original Sin standeth not in the following of Adam, (as the Pelagians do vainly talk,) but it is the corruption of the nature of every man, that naturally is engendered of the offspring of Adam, whereby man is very far gone from original righteousness, and of his own nature inclined to evil, and that continually.

VIII. OF FREE-WILL

The condition of man after the fall of Adam is such that he can not turn and prepare himself, by his own natural strength and works, to faith and calling upon God; wherefore we have no power to do good works, pleasant and acceptable to God, without the grace of God by Christ preventing us, that we may have a good will, and working with us, when we have that good will.

IX. OF THE JUSTIFICATION OF MAN

We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, by faith, and not for our own works or deservings; wherefore, that we are justified by faith only, is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort.

X. OF GOOD WORKS

Although good works, which are the fruits of faith and follow after justification, cannot put away our sins, and endure the severity of God's judgment; yet are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and spring out of a true and lively faith, insomuch that by them a lively faith may be as evidently known as a tree discerned by its fruit.

XI. OF WORKS OF SUPEREROGATION

Voluntary works, besides over and above God's commandments, which are called works of supererogation, cannot be taught without arrogancy and impiety. For by them men do declare that they do not only render unto God as much as they are bound to do, but that they do more for his sake than of bounded duty is required; whereas Christ saith plainly, When ye have done all that is commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants.

XII. OF SIN AFTER JUSTIFICATION

Not every sin willingly committed after justification, is the sin against the Holy Ghost, and unpardonable. Wherefore, the grant of repentance is not to be denied to such as fall into sin after justification. After we have received the Holy Ghost, we may depart from grace given, and fall into sin, and, by the grace of God, rise again and amend our lives. And, therefore, they are to be condemned who say they can no more sin as long as they live here, or deny the place of forgiveness to such as truly repent.

XIII. OF THE CHURCH

The visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men, in which the pure word of God is preached, and the sacraments duly administered, according to Christ's ordinance, in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same.

XIV. OF PURGATORY

The Romanish doctrine concerning purgatory, pardons, worshiping, and adoration, as well of images as of relics, and also invocation of saints, is a fond thing, vainly invented, and grounded upon no warrant of Scripture, but repugnant to the word of God.

XV. OF SPEAKING IN THE CONGREGATION IN SUCH A TONGUE AS THE PEOPLE UNDERSTAND

It is a thing plainly repugnant to the word of God and the custom of the Primitive Church, to have public prayer in the Church or to minister the sacraments in a tongue not understood by the people.

XVI. OF THE SACRAMENTS

Sacraments, ordained of Christ, are not only badges or tokens of Christian men's profession, but rather they are certain signs of grace, and God's good will toward us, by the which he doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only quicken, but also strengthen and confirm our faith in him.

There are two sacraments ordained of Christ our Lord in the Gospel; that is to say, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord.

Those five commonly called sacraments—that is to say, Confirmation, Penance, Orders, Matrimony, and Extreme Unction—are not to be counted for sacraments of the Gospel, being such as have partly grown out of the corrupt following of the apostles, and partly are states of life allowed in the Scriptures, but yet have not the like nature of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, because they have not any visible sign or ceremony ordained of God.

The sacraments were not ordained of Christ to be gazed upon, or to be carried about; but that we should duly use them. And in such only as worthily receive the same, they have a wholesome effect or operation; but they that receive them unworthily purchase to themselves condemnation, as St. Paul saith, 1 Cor. xi. 29.

XVII. OF BAPTISM

Baptism is not only a sign of profession and mark of difference whereby Christians are distinguished from others that are not baptized; but it is also a sign of regeneration, or the new birth. The baptism of young children is to be retained in the Church.

XVIII. OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

The Supper of the Lord is not only a sign of the love that Christians ought to have among themselves one to another, but rather is a sacrament of our redemption by Christ's death; insomuch that, to such as rightly, worthily, and with faith receive the same, the bread which we break is a partaking of the body of Christ; and likewise the cup of blessing is a partaking of the blood of Christ.

Transubstantiation, or the change of the substance of bread and wine in the Supper of the Lord, cannot be proved by Holy Writ, but is repugnant to the plain words of Scripture, overthroweth the nature of a sacrament, and hath given occasion to many superstitions.

The body of Christ is given, taken, and eaten in the Supper, only after a heavenly and spiritual manner. And the means whereby the body of Christ is received and eaten in the Supper, is faith.

The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was not by Christ's ordinance reserved, carried about, lifted up, or worshiped.

XIX. OF BOTH KINDS

The cup of the Lord is not to be denied to the lay people; for both the parts of the Lord's Supper, by Christ's ordinance and commandment, ought to be administered to all Christians alike.

XX. OF THE ONE OBLATION OF CHRIST, FINISHED UPON THE CROSS

The offering of Christ once made, is that perfect redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction for all the sins of the whole world, both original and actual; and there is none other satisfaction for sin but that alone. Wherefore the sacrifice of masses, in the which it is commonly said that the priest doth offer Christ for the quick and the dead, to have remission of pain or guilt, is a blasphemous fable and dangerous deceit.

XXI. OF THE MARRIAGE OF MINISTERS

The ministers of Christ are not commanded by God's law either to vow the estate of single life or to abstain from marriage; therefore it is lawful to marry at their own discretion, as for them, as for all other Christians, they shall judge the same to serve best to Godliness.

XXII. OF THE RITES AND CEREMONIES OF CHURCHES

It is not necessary that rites and ceremonies should in all places be the same, or exactly alike; for they have been always different, and may be changed according to the diversity of countries, times, and men's manners, so that nothing be ordained against God's word. Whosoever, through his private judgment, willingly and purposely, doth openly break the rites and ceremonies of the Church to which he belongs, which are not repugnant to the word of God, and are ordained and approved by common authority, ought to be rebuked openly, that others may fear to do the like, as one that offendeth against the common order of the Church, and woundeth the consciences of weak brethren.

Every particular Church may ordain, change, or abolish rights and ceremonies, so that all things may be done to edification.

XXIII. OF THE RULERS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The president, the congress, the general assemblies, the governors, and the councils of state, as the delegates of the people are the rulers of the United States of America, according to the division of power made to them by the constitution of the United States, and by the constitution of their respective States. And the said States are a sovereign and independent nation, and ought not to be subject to any foreign jurisdiction.[1]

XXIV. OF CHRISTIAN MEN'S GOODS

The riches and goods of Christians are not common, as touching the right, title, and possession of the same, as some do falsely boast. Notwithstanding, every man ought, of such things as he possesseth, liberally to give alms to the poor according to his ability.

XXV. OF A CHRISTIAN MAN'S OATH

As we confess that vain and rash by our Lord Jesus Christ and James, his apostle, so we judge that the Christian religion doth not prohibit, but that a man may swear when the magistrate requireth, in a cause of faith swearing is forbidden Christian men and charity, so it be done according to the prophet's teaching, in justice judgment, and truth.

[1] As far as it respects civil affairs, we believe it the duty of Christians and especially all Christian ministers, to be subject to the supreme authority of the country where they reside, and to use all laudable means to enjoin obedience to the powers that be; and, therefore, it is expected that all our preachers and people, who may be under any foreign government, will behave themselves as peaceable and orderly subjects.

CHAPTER II.
THE GENERAL RULES

The General Rules of "The United Societies" organized by Mr. Wesley in 1739, are as follows:

There is only one condition previously required of those who desire admission into these societies, a "desire to flee from the wrath to come, and to be saved from their sins." But wherever this is really fixed in the soul, it will be shown by its fruits. It is therefore expected of all who continue therein that they shall evidence their desire of salvation—

First, by doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practiced; such as:

The taking of the name of God in vain;

The profaning the day of the Lord, either by doing ordinary work therein, or by buying or selling;

Drunkenness, or drinking spirituous liquors unless in cases of necessity;

Fighting, quarreling, brawling, brother going to law with brother, returning evil for evil, or railing for railing; the using many words in buying or selling.

The buying or selling goods that have not paid the duty;

The giving or taking things on usury, i.e., unlawful interest;

Uncharitable or unprofitable conversation, particularly, speaking evil of magistrates or of ministers;

Doing to others as we would not they should do unto us;

Doing what we know is not for the glory of God: as,

The putting on of gold and costly apparel;

The taking such diversions as can not be used in the name of the Lord Jesus;

The singing those songs, or reading those books, which do not tend to the knowledge or love of God;

Softness or needless self-indulgence;

Laying up treasure upon earth;

Borrowing without a probability of paying, or taking up goods without a probability of paying for them.

It is expected of all who continue in these societies, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation—

Secondly, by doing good, by being in every kind merciful after their power, as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and as far as possible, to all men;

To their bodies, of the ability which God giveth, by giving food to the hungry, by clothing the naked, by visiting or helping them that are sick or in prison;

To their souls, by instructing, reproving, or exhorting all we have any intercourse with, trampling under foot that enthusiastic doctrine that we are not to do good unless our hearts be free to do it.

By doing good, especially to them that are of the household of faith, or groaning so to be, employing them preferably to others, buying one of another, helping each other in business; and so much the more because the world will love its own, and them only.

By all possible diligence and frugality, that the gospel be not blamed. By running with patience the race which is set before them, denying themselves, and taking up their cross daily; submitting to bear the reproach of Christ, to be as the filth and off-scouring of the world; and looking that men should say all manner of evil of them falsely for the Lord's sake.

It is expected of all who desire to continue in these societies that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation—

Thirdly, by attending upon all the ordinances of God, such as;

The public worship of God;

The ministry of the word, either read or expounded;

The Supper of the Lord;

Family and private prayer;

Searching the Scriptures, and

Fasting or abstinence.

These are the General Rules of our societies; all of which we are taught of God to observe, even in his written word, which is the only rule, and the sufficient rule, both of our faith and practice. And all these we know his Spirit writes on truly awakened hearts. If there be any among us who observe them not, who habitually break any of them, let it be known unto them who watch over that soul, as they who must give an account. We will admonish him of the error of his ways; we will bear with him for a season; but if then he repent not, he hath no more place among us; we have delivered our own souls.

PART II.
THE CONFERENCES

CHAPTER III.
GENERAL CONFERENCE

Ques. 1. Who shall compose the General Conference, and what are the regulations and powers belonging to it?

Ans. 1. The General Conference shall be composed of one clerical member for every twenty-eight members of each Annual Conference, and one lay member (who may be a local preacher) for each Annual Conference, to be appointed as follows:

The clerical representatives shall be elected by the clerical members of the Annual Conference: provided that such representatives shall have traveled at least four calendar years from the time they were received on trial, and are in full connection at the time of holding the Conference. The lay representatives shall be elected by the lay members of the Annual Conference: provided that such representatives be twenty-five years of age, and shall have been members of the Church for at least six years at the time of holding the Conference.

2. An Annual Conference, entitled under the second Restrictive Rule to two ministerial delegates, shall not be denied the privilege of two lay delegates also.

3. The ministers and laymen shall deliberate in one body; but upon a call of one-fifth of the members of the Conference, the lay and clerical members shall vote separately, and no measure shall be passed without the concurrence of a majority of both classes of representatives.

4. The General Conference shall meet in the month of May, once in four years perpetually, in such place or places as shall be fixed on by the General Conference from time to time.

5. The Bishops, or a majority of all the Annual Conferences shall have authority to call a General Conference, if they judge it necessary, at any time.

6. When a General Conference is called, it shall be constituted of the delegates elected to the preceding General Conference, except when an Annual Conference shall prefer to have a new election. The place of holding a called session of the General Conference shall be that fixed by the preceding General Conference.

7. The Bishops shall have authority, when they judge it necessary, to change the place appointed for the meeting of the General Conference.

8. At all times when the General Conference is met, it shall take a majority of the representatives of all the Annual Conferences to make a quorum for transacting business.

9. One of the general superintendents shall preside in the General Conference; but in case no general superintendent be present, the General Conference shall choose a president pro tem.

10. The General Conference shall have full powers to make rules and regulations for our Church under the following limitations and restrictions, viz:

(1) The General Conference shall not revoke, alter, or change our Articles of Religion, or establish any new standards or rule of doctrine contrary to our present existing and established standards of doctrine.

(2) They shall not allow of more than one representative for every fourteen members of the Annual Conference, nor allow of a less number than one for every thirty; provided, nevertheless, that when there shall be in any Annual Conference a fraction of two-thirds the number which shall be fixed for the ratio of representation, such Annual Conference shall be entitled to an additional delegate for such fraction; and provided, also, that no Conference shall be denied the privilege of two delegates.

(3) They shall not change or alter any part or rule of our government, so as to do away with episcopacy, or destroy the plan of our itinerant general superintendency.

(4) They shall not revoke or change the General Rules of the United Societies.

(5) They shall not do away with the privilege of our ministers or preachers of trial by a committee and of an appeal; neither shall they do away with the privileges of our members of trial before the Church or by a committee, and of an appeal.

Provided, nevertheless, that upon the concurrent recommendation of three-fourths of all the members of the several Annual Conferences, who shall be present and vote on such recommendation, then a majority of two-thirds of the General Conference succeeding shall suffice to alter any of the above restrictions, excepting the first article; and also, whenever such alterations shall have been first recommended by two-thirds of the General Conference, so soon as three-fourths of the members of all the Annual Conferences shall have concurred as aforesaid, such alteration or alterations shall take effect.

Provided, that when any rule or regulation is adopted by the General Conference, which, in the opinion of the Bishops, is unconstitutional, the Bishops may present to the Conference which passed said rule or regulation, their objections thereto, with their reasons, in writing; and if then the General Conference shall, by a two-thirds vote, adhere to its action on said rule or regulation, it shall then take the course prescribed for altering a restrictive rule, and thus passed upon affirmatively, the Bishops shall announce that such rule or regulation takes effect from that time.

CHAPTER IV.
ANNUAL CONFERENCES.

Ques. 1. Who shall compose an Annual Conference, and what are the regulations and powers belonging to it?

Ans. 1. All the traveling preachers in full connection with it, and four lay representatives—one of whom may be a local preacher—from each Presiding Elder's District.

2. The lay members shall be chosen annually by the District Conferences; provided that no one shall be a representative who is not twenty-five years of age, and who has not been for six years, next preceding his election, a member of the Church.

3. The lay members shall participate in all the business of the Conference, except such as involves ministerial character.

4. It shall be the duty of all the members of the Conference to attend its sessions, unless providentially hindered. All the preachers on trial, and those to be admitted on trial, shall also attend the sessions, but they shall not vote on any question, nor speak unless by consent of the Conference.

Ques. 2. Who shall determine the number and boundaries of the Annual Conferences?

Ans. The General Conference.

Provided, however, that the Annual Conference or Conferences shall have the right to create other conferences in the interval of the General Conferences. The Conference or Conferences desiring to create a new Conference shall appoint a Commission for the purpose of arranging the boundary line of such Conference and giving it a suitable name. The Commission shall submit its report to the ensuing Conference or Conferences for ratification or rejection. In all cases the report of the Commission to become effective must be adopted by the Conference or Conferences which appointed the Commission.

Ques. 3. Who shall appoint the times of holding the Annual Conferences?

Ans. The Bishops; but they shall allow every Annual Conference to sit a week at least.

Ques. 4. Who shall appoint the places of holding the Annual Conferences?

Ans. Each Annual Conference shall appoint the place of its own sitting; but should it become necessary from any unforeseen cause to change the place after it has been fixed by the Conference, a majority of the Presiding Elders, with the consent of the Bishop who is to preside, shall have power to make such change.

Ques. 5. Who shall preside in the Annual Conferences?

Ans. The Bishops. In the absence of a Bishop, the Conference shall elect the president by ballot, without debate, from among the traveling elders. The president thus elected shall discharge all the duties of a Bishop except ordination.

Ques. 6. What is the method of proceeding in an Annual Conference?

Ans. The following questions shall be asked:

1. Are all the preachers blameless in their life and official administration?

2. Who are admitted on trial?

3. Who remain on trial?

4. Who are discontinued?

5. Who are admitted into full connection?

6. Who are re-admitted?

7. Who are received by transfer from other Conferences?

8. Who are the deacons of one year?

9. What traveling preachers are elected deacons?

10. What traveling preachers are ordained deacons?

11. What local preachers are elected deacons?

12. What local preachers are ordained deacons?

13. What traveling preachers are elected elders?

14. What traveling preachers are ordained elders?

15. What local preachers are elected elders?

16. What local preachers are ordained elders?

17. Who are located this year?

18. Who are supernumerary?

19. Who are superannuated this year?[2]

20. What preachers have died during the year?

21. What is the number of traveling preachers in this Conference?

22. What is the number of local preachers in this Conference?

23. What is the number of lay members in this Conference?

24. How many infants have been baptized during the year?

25. How many adults have been baptized during the year?

26. What is the number of Sunday-schools?

27. What is the number of Sunday-school teachers?

28. What is the number of Sunday-school scholars?

29. What is the number of Epworth League Chapters?

30. What is the number of Epworth League members?

31. What amount has been raised for superannuated preachers, widows, and orphans of preachers? (a) from General Funds? (b) from five cents assessment? (c) from per capita collection at the Annual Conference?

32. What amount has been received by claimants in this Conference?[3]

33. What was contributed for missions on General Missionary Day?

34. What amount was contributed for education on Children's Day?

35. What amount has been contributed for Church Extension?

36. What amount was apportioned in this Conference for General Funds?

37. What amount has been raised on General Funds this year?

38. What amount was apportioned in this Conference for Annual Conference Contingent Fund?

39. What has been raised on Annual Conference Contingent Fund?

40. Where shall the next session of the conference be held?

41. Where are the preachers stationed this year?

Ques. 7. What method is recommended in the examination of the life and official administration of the preachers?

Ans. 1. Let none be present except members of the Conference, and others who may be in attendance on Conference business, unless the Conference by vote shall order otherwise.

2. Let the name of every preacher be called, and let his Presiding Elder, or some other member of the Conference, state whether or not there be any complaint against him. If there be none, he may retire, and the Conference may make further inquiry concerning him, and pass his character without vote.

3. If there be a complaint, and the preacher has been advised of it, let it be stated to the Conference, and let the accused have the privilege of replying. He shall then retire, and the Conference shall determine by vote whether or not his character shall pass.

4. If a trial be necessary, it shall be conducted according to the provisions of Chapter XXIV.

5. The names of any who may be expelled or suspended, or who may have withdrawn from the Church, shall be stated in the minutes.

Ques. 8. What other business shall be done in the Annual Conference?

Ans. 1. Let every Annual Conference inquire into the state and character of all the institutions of learning that may be under its care, and the best means of promoting their interests, and, if necessary, of increasing their number. Provided, no member of the C. M. E. Church, bishop, presiding elder, or preacher shall establish a school in the name of the C. M. E. Church without first getting the consent of the Quarterly or Annual Conference within whose bounds said school may be located.

2. Let every Annual Conference take account of all the church buildings, parsonages, and other church property within its bounds, and see that same be legally secured to the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, according to the provisions of the Discipline.

3. In each Annual Conference, the bishop presiding shall appoint a committee of examination on the course of study provided for candidates for the ministry. The committee of examination shall consist of not less than three (3) nor more than eleven (11) of the most competent members of the conference. The committee shall serve four years, provided they are appointed at the first session of the conference following the General Conference. The Bishop may appoint one or more of the committee as often as he thinks the interests of the work require it.

4. The committee of examination shall assemble one day in advance of the Conference, and at the same place, to hold examination for all candidates. As far as practicable, all examinations shall be conducted in writing and at least ten (10) questions shall be proposed in each branch of study.

5. All applicants for admission on trial, into full connection and for ordination, and all local preachers seeking ordination as deacons or elders, must be examined in the course of study provided by the bishops and approved by the General Conference. All applicants must meet the committee one day before the opening of the Annual Conference.

6. The standard of examination shall be one hundred (100), but in no case shall an applicant be promoted or ordained who falls below seventy (70) in examination, provided, nevertheless the provisions for ordaining Missionaries be not changed.

7. Let every Annual Conference have a record of its proceedings, kept by a secretary chosen for that purpose; said record shall be signed by the President and the Secretary, and a copy of the same be sent to the General Conference at its next ensuing session.

8. The Secretary of each Annual Conference shall forward to the Editor of the Christian Index or Book Agent full and correct answers to the foregoing forty-one questions, for insertion into the General Minutes, according to the form therein adopted.

9. The Joint Board of Finance shall fix the salary and traveling expenses of the Presiding Elders, and apportion the same in and to the several charges within the District.

10. SECRETARY OF STATISTICS

(a) The Secretary of Statistics shall keep a record of the number of itinerant ministers and lay members, the number of churches and parsonages, the value of the same by Annual Conferences; all moneys raised for general and local purposes shall be tabulated by Annual Conferences, and published in pamphlet form annually. The pamphlet containing such information shall be known as "The Year Book of the C. M. E. Church," and shall be printed by the Book Agent.

(b) The Secretary of each Annual Conference shall, as soon as the conference closes, send to the Secretary of Statistics an accurate return from the Statistical Secretary and Joint Board of Finance, all figures necessary to be used in making up said "Year Book."

[2] NOTE: Let the answer to this question embrace the names of all superannuated with the date of their superannuation.

[3] Let answer embrace amount paid to each claimant in the conference.

CHAPTER V.
DISTRICT CONFERENCES

Ques. 1. What directions are given concerning District Conferences?

Ans. 1. There shall be held annually, in each presiding elder's District, a District Conference. The time shall be fixed by the Presiding Elder, and the place by the conference.

2. The District Conference shall be composed of all the preachers, in the District, both traveling and local, and of laymen, the number of whom, and their mode of appointment, each Annual Conference may determine for itself.

3. The Presiding Elder shall preside. In his absence, the Conference shall elect a president.

4. The Conference shall elect a secretary, who shall keep a record of all its proceedings.

1. It shall be the duty of the Conference to examine Quarterly Conference Journals, and to inquire particularly into the condition of the several charges in the District:—

(a) As to their spiritual state, and

(b) As to missions within the District, where new ones should be established, or what missions should be raised to circuits or stations.

(c) As to the Sunday-schools, and the manner of conducting them, and as to education generally.

(d) As to the financial system, the contributions to church purposes, and the condition of houses of worship and parsonages.

(e) As to the mission work and Church Extension; the amount raised for each.

(f) As to the Epworth League chapters and the manner of conducting them.

2. (a) Hearing reports from Special Committees.

(b) Reading and discussion of papers.

3. The District Conference shall elect annually, by ballot, from the District, four delegates to the ensuing Annual Conference; provided, no member of the Annual Conference shall vote in said election.

4. At these conferences prominence shall be given to religious exercises, such as preaching, prayer meetings, love feast, and the administration of the sacraments.

CHAPTER VI.
QUARTERLY CONFERENCES.

Ques. 1. Who shall compose a Quarterly Conference?

Ans. All the traveling and local preachers, exhorters, stewards (senior and junior), stewardesses (senior and junior), trustees of church property, class leaders, presidents of Epworth League chapters, Presidents of Woman's Missionary Societies, Superintendents of Sunday Schools, Secretaries of Church Conferences, and choristers, who are members of the church, and none else.

Ques. 2. When and where shall each Quarterly Conference meet?

Ans. Four times a year, at such place as the Conference may appoint, and at such time as the Presiding Elder may designate.

Ques. 3. Who shall preside in a Quarterly Conference?

Ans. The Presiding Elder, or, in his absence, the preacher in charge.

Ques. 4. What is the regular business of a Quarterly Conference?

Ans. 1. To receive and try appeals, to hear complaints, and examine Church Records and Registers.

2. To superintend the interests of Sunday-schools and the instruction of children.

3. To take cognizance of all the local preachers and exhorters in the circuits, stations, or missions, and to inquire annually into the gifts, labors, and usefulness of each by name.

4. To try, suspend, expel, or acquit any local preacher in the circuit, station, or mission, against whom charges may be brought.

5. To license proper persons to exhort and to preach; provided that no person shall thus be licensed to either preach or exhort who, for any cause, marries a divorced woman; to renew their license annually, when, in its judgment, their gifts, grace, and usefulness will warrant a renewal. All votes to license preachers shall be taken by ballot.

6. To recommend suitable candidates to the Annual Conference for deacon's or elder's orders in the local connection, and for admission on trial and re-admission into the traveling connection: Provided (a) that no one shall be admitted or allowed to remain in the traveling connection who marries a divorced woman: Provided (b) that no person shall be recommended to the Annual Conference for admission on trial, or for ordination, without first being examined in the Quarterly Conference on the subject of doctrine and discipline, and giving satisfactory evidence of his ability to read the word of God. All votes to recommend preachers for admission on trial, or re-admission into the traveling connection, or for deacon's or elder's orders shall be taken by ballot.

7. To elect trustees, stewards, and stewardesses, superintendents of Sunday-schools, according to the discipline, for the circuit, station, or mission, and of the stewards, to appoint one a Recording Steward.

8. To see that all its proceedings be faithfully recorded, by a secretary chosen for the purpose, in a book to be kept by the Recording Steward; the records of each session being signed by the President and Secretary.

Ques. 5. What order of business shall be observed in the Quarterly Conference?

Ans. After religious service, let the roll be called, and the following inquiries be made—

1. Are there any appeals?

2. Are there any complaints?

3. Is there a written report from—

(a) The Pastor as to the number and state of the church?

(b) The Superintendent as to the number and state of the Sunday School?

(c) Senior and Junior Stewards?

(d) Senior and Junior Stewardesses?

(e) Trustees of Church Property?

(f) Woman's Missionary Society?

(g) Epworth League?

(h) Church Extension?

(i) Chorister?

4. What were the estimated claims, and what the final settlement of the same, in the charge, during the past year? (1)

The answer to this question will embrace the amount assessed and paid Presiding Elder, Pastor, General Funds, Church Extension, Missions, Education, Superannuated preachers, widows, and orphans of preachers and other items.

5. What amount has been estimated by the Board of Stewards for the support of the preacher in charge, and his assistant, for the present year? (1 or 2).

6. What amount has been apportioned this charge by the Joint Board of Finance: 1, for Presiding Elder's salary and traveling expenses? 2, for General Funds, Education, Missions and Church Extension? (1 or 2).

7. Are there any applications—

(a) For license to exhort?

(b) For license to preach?

8. Who are elected to fill vacancies in the Board of Trustees?

9. What amount was raised for education on Children's Day? (3 or 4.)

10. Have the General Rules been read?

11. Is there a Church Register, and a Record of Church Conferences for each church on the charge, and have they been faithfully kept?

12. Have the exhorters and local preachers passed an examination of character, and have their license been renewed? (3 or 4.)

13. Are there any applications to the Annual Conference to be admitted on trial into the traveling connection, or for re-admission? (4).

14. What local preachers are recommended to the Annual Conference for ordination? (4.)

15. Who are elected Senior and Junior Stewards, and Senior and Junior Stewardesses for the ensuing conference year?

16. Who is elected Recording Steward? (4.)

17. Who are elected Sunday School Superintendents? (4.)

18. What amount was raised for Missions on General Missionary Day? (3 or 4.)

19. What are the statistics to be reported to the Annual Conference? (4.)

20. Is there any miscellaneous business?

21. Where shall the next Quarterly Conference be held?