THE
DOCTRINES
AND DISCIPLINE
OF
THE
MENNONITE
BRETHREN
IN
CHRIST CHURCH
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A
Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up
unto you
of your brethren, like unto me;
Him
shall ye hear in all things
whatsoever He
shall say unto you (Acts 3:22)
Published
by The General Conference
Executive
Committee,1928
For
sale at The Gospel Banner Office
New
Carlisle, Ohio
PREFACE.
That as a church
organization it is meet and right, as well as necessary to have a written
discipline, for the sake of convenience and harmony amongst the members of the
church in reference to doctrine as well as church government, we are fully
decided in our minds; although we are conscious that many will raise objections
against a discipline, or any form of government, only as we find them in God's
Word. Notwithstanding, we doubt very much, whether there be at the present day
a church organization, which has not a form of church discipline or code of
laws, rules, and regulations in reference to church government, church doctrine
and peculiar faith, either written or verbal; and hence, we would be at a loss
to know (if any wrong were connected with having a discipline at all) wherein a
just cause might be attributed against the one over the other. The only difference observable by us, between
a written and verbal discipline, is the decided reference of the former over
the latter, for the reasons already assigned, in connection with many others,
which might be given; but for the sake of brevity, we wish to say, that we have
no scruples in presenting to the public, these, our views in reference to God's
Word, as we understand it. Hence we wish to say, kindly, to all into whose
hands it may fall, "Prove all things, hold fast
to that which is good." If there is anything therein contained, which is
not in harmony with the sacred teachings of the Bible, receive it not; if it is
God's truth then it is as sacred and binding upon you, as though you read
it from the sacred page, or heard it
sounded from the pulpit. That its principles be strictly adhered to, and
carried out to the honor and glory of God, and not alone professed on the part
of Christian professors, is the greatest care and desire of those whose sentiments are
herein expressed as a church
organization.
The confession
of faith, and the discipline of the MENNONITE BRETHREN
IN CHRIST were originally composed from the Holy Scriptures, and through the
aid of disciplines of other Christian denominations, by a committee, appointed
for that purpose by the General Conference.
ORIGIN
OF THE MENNONITE BRETHREN IN CHRIST.
ORIGIN
OF THE REFORMED MENNONITES.
Through the
direction of God and the instrumentality of the Holy Ghost, a number of
ministers of the Mennonite Church were brought to realize and deeply feel the
responsibility weighing upon them, as
the ambassadors for Christ, and were from time to time seriously impressed with
convictions that greater and more earnest efforts should be put forth to
promote the glory of God and build up his Zion on earth, by extending the
borders of the Church, and practically carrying out the principles of
Christianity.
In order to
accomplish this more fully, they were inclined to believe that protracted,
prayer and fellowship meetings were essential means thereto, which were not
practiced in the church at that time.
In the year
1869, December, one of the ministers of the Canada conference, who hitherto had
not experienced a change of heart, was happily converted to God through Christ,
and at once introduced these means of grace above referred to, on his field of
labor. In taking this step he incurred upon himself the displeasure and
disapproval of the bishops generally. But it was the means resulting in a
glorious revival of the Christian religion, and in the conversion of many precious
souls, throughout the Church, both in Canada and in the United States, which
consequently resulted in an excommunication of all who believed in this way,
from Church fellowship.
On the 15th day
of May, 1874, a conference was called at Eby's
meeting house Berlin, Ontario, at which place such that believed in present
salvation by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and those who had experienced the
pardon of their sins, and had the evidence of their acceptance with Christ,
formed themselves into a Church organization, and as a name of distinction,
adopted REFORMED MENNONITES.
ORIGIN
OF THE UNITED MENNONITES.
The following
year — 1875 — it became evident that the New Mennonites apparently manifested a
desire to become one with the Reformed Mennonites, inasmuch as no material
difference existed between the two branches, who also,
from similar circumstances, had formed into a separate body a number of years
previous.
At a special
meeting held at the Bloomingdale meeting house, Waterloo county, Ontario, the
23rd day of March, 1875, the two branches formed into one society, by uniting
with each other into one body, and adopted the name UNITED MENNONITES.
Names
of Elders
Samuel Sherk Solomon Eby
Peter Geiger John
Krupp
John McNalIy Daniel Brenneman
John Baer John
Steckley
Noah Detweiler Henry Wismer
Names of
Probationers.
Joseph Raymer, Menno Bowman,
Michael Haug.
Names of Deacons.
William Hembling, Joseph Schneider,
Amos Bowman.
ORIGIN
OF THE EVANGELICAL MENNONITES.
Of the origin
of the Evangelical Mennonites suffice it is to say that in the State of
Pennsylvania, in 1853, several Mennonite ministers, with a number of their
members, united together to labor for the conversion of souls, through whose
efforts, accompanied by the Holy Spirit, many were brought to Christ and
happily converted.
On the 24th day
of September, 1858, they held their first conference in Lehigh County,
Pennsylvania; and by the Divine influence and blessing of God, have been
sustained as a branch of the vine, notwithstanding the various disadvantages
under which they have labored.
ORIGIN
OF THE EVANGELICAL UNITED MENNONITES.
In the providence
of God an acquaintance was formed between the Evangelical Mennonites and the
United Mennonites, and a desire was soon cherished on the part of each society
that a union might be effected between them, which, by
the blessing of God, was accomplished at a special conference, called expressly
for that purpose, Nov. 8, 1879.
To ratify and
confirm the union, the following acknowledgement was subscribed to by the
conference.
This is to
certify, that we the undersigned members of the Evangelical Mennonite conference
of Pennsylvania, and the United Mennonite conferences of Canada, and Indiana,
Michigan, and Ohio, upon authority, and in the name of the several General Conferences,
upon due consideration and prayerful investigation, by mutual agreement, have, in
the fear of God, united together as one body, adopting as a name of
distinction,
EVANGELICAL
UNITED MENNONITES.
William Gehman, Eusebius Hershey
Solomon Eby, David
Henning
Samuel Musselman Joel Rosenberger
Daniel Brenneman Abraham Kauffman
Sidenham Lambert William
Yeakel
Joseph Schneider Jonas
Musselman
Jacob Ruch Abel Strawn
Daniel Koch Michael
Landis
John Baer David
Gehman
George
Lambert
ORIGIN
OF THE BRETHREN IN CHRIST.
About the year
1838 there found itself amongst the members of the River Brethren a difference
in doctrinal points, which caused a division, and those that differed from
their doctrine on these points, organized themselves into a body and adopted
the name BRETHREN
IN CHRIST. The Lord greatly blessed
their labors to the salvation of many precious souls.
ORIGIN
OF THE MENNONITE BRETHREN IN CHRIST.
About the year
1882 the Brethren in Christ and the Evangelical United Mennonites formed an
acquaintance with each other, and desires were soon expressed to form a union between
the two bodies, which was effected through divine guidance by a special conference
held at Jamton, Ohio Dec. 27, 1883.
To ratify and
confirm the union the following acknowledgement was subscribed to by the
conference
Ratification.—This is to certify that we the undersigned, members of the
Evangelical United Mennonite Church of the United States and Canada; and the
Brethren in Christ of the United States, upon the authority and in the name of
our respective General Conferences; upon due consideration and prayerful
investigation, by mutual agreement, have, in the fear of God, united as one
body, adopting as a name of distinction, MENNONITE BRETHREN IN CHRIST.
George W. Wright,
Moses Blackburn,
George D. Waitman, Peter
Pike,
Menno Bowman, Isaiah Smail,
Sidenham
Lambert, Solomon Eby,
William Geliman, Samuel
McDonald,
Daniel Brenneman, Abel
Strawn,
Peter Walter,
John Rasor
CHAPTER
I.
ARTICLES
OF FAITH.
The
Following Articles Contain our Unanimous Confession of Christian Faith.
ARTICLE
I
GOD,
THE CREATION OF ALL THINGS. AND
MAN.
There is but
one Eternal, Omnipotent, Incomprehensible and Triune God — the Father Son and
Holy Ghost — who is the Creator of the heavens, earth and sea, and all that is
therein, visible and invisible; Governor and Upholder of the same, by His wisdom
and the word of His mighty power, amongst which He created man after His own
image, and formed him of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils
the breath of life; and man became a living soul, inbued
with many great gifts; placed him in the Garden of Eden or Paradise where he enjoyed
sweet fellowship and communion with Him and gave him both a command and a
prohibition — Gen. 1: 1; 2: 1-9, 15-17. John 10: 30; 1 John 5: 7, Rev.19:6.
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ARTICLE
II.
THE
FALL OF MAN.
Our first
parents did not remain in this glorious and happy state of their original
creation, but, being deluded through the subtlety and deception
of the devil, disobeyed and transgressed the command of their God and Creator,
incurring upon themselves and their posterity the sentence of death.— Gen. 3: 5, 7, 17; Rom. 5:12.
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ARTICLE
III.
THE
RESTORATION OF MAN.
Notwithstanding
the fall of our first parents from the state of their original purity and
happiness, into a state of unhappiness, degradation and death, God devised for them
a way of salvation through the gift of His beloved Son, of whom He gave promise
and testified through all His prophets; and who, in due time, came into the
world, "tasted death for every man," became the propitiation for the
sins of the whole world, and has thus "brought life and immortality to
light through the Gospel."—John 3: 16,
17; Gen. 3: 15; 2 Tim. 1: 9,10;
Heb. 2: 9.
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ARTICLE
IV.
THE
WORD OR SON OF GOD, WHO BECAME MAN.
The Son of God
is the Word, the Eternal and true God, of one substance with the Father, who
took man's nature upon Him, by being conceived and born of the Virgin Mary; so
that both natures, Divine and human are perfectly and inseparably joined in
Him. Therefore He is Christ (the anointed), very
God and very man, who suffered, was crucified, died and was buried and rose
again, in order to reconcile us to the Eternal Father, and to present Himself a
sacrifice for both our original and actual sins.— 2 Cor. 5: 19; John 1: 1—3,
14.
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ARTICLE
V.
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. His office and
work is, to reprove the world of sin, of righteousness,
and of judgment; also to imbue the children of God with power, stability and
energy to contend earnestly for the faith of the Gospel, to comfort and lead them
into all truth.—John 15: 26; 16: 8; Acts 1: 8; John 20: 22; 1 John 5: 7.
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ARTICLE
VI.
THE
HOLY SCRIPTURES.
The canonical
books of the Holy Scriptures contain all the instructions necessary to salvation,
and whatsoever is not contained therein, nor can be proven thereby, is not to
be required, nor believed as an article of faith, neither
to be received as necessary to salvation.—John 5: 39: 2 Tim. 3: 15, 16.
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ARTICLE
VII.
ORIGINAL
SIN.
Original sin is
that corruption and depravity of the human nature in consequence of the fall
whereby man has become estranged from God and is disqualified to do the will of
God perfectly. Rom. 7: 21; 8: 7; 1 Cor. 3:1-4.
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ARTICLE
VIII.
FREE
WILL.
Man, having
become so completely ruined, has neither the will nor power to turn to God, and
if left to himself, would remain in his wretched and
miserable condition forever. But blessed
thought, the “grace of God that bringeth salvation,
hath appeared to all men;” hence, God graciously employs the means of
enlightening and awakening the mind of the sinner to a sense of his poverty and
wretchedness, and then extends the invitation, that – “whosoever will may come
and take of the water of life freely." But just so long as man refuses to
comply with the requirements of God, and rejects the invitations of His word,
salvation cannot be secured by him. —John 6: 44; Rev. 3: 20; 22: 17.
-——-o——
ARTICLE
IX.
REPENTANCE
.
Genuine
repentance toward God consist in a knowledge of, a sorrow for, and a confession
and forsaking of sins brought about by the knowledge of the goodness of God and
the convincing power of the Holy Spirit accompanying the truth as it is preached
or read. Matt. 3: 2; Acts 20: 21; 2 Cor 7:10: 1 John
1: 9, first clause.
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ARTICLE
X.
FAITH.
Genuine and
saving faith is that simple trust in the promises of God in Christ through
which all doubt is excluded from the heart and peace and rest are produced in
the soul. According to the language of the Holy Scriptures, faith is the
substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.—Rom. 5: 1;
Heb.11: 1, 6.
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ARTICLE
XI.
JUSTIFICATION
AND REGENERATION.
Justification and
regeneration imply the forgiveness of sins, and a change of heart, through
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, being justified by faith, we have
peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. -- John 3: 3; Rom. 5:1.
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ARTICLE
XII
ENTIRE
SANCTIFICATION.
Entire
sanctification necessarily follows justification and regeneration; for, by it
is implied a setting apart for, the continual service of God, the individual,
justified and regenerated; also a cleansing from all sin and all
unrighteousness, which are removed only by the application and cleansing
process of Christ's blood. It is an instantaneous act of God, through the Holy
Ghost, by faith in the atoning merits of Christ's blood, and constitutes the
believer holy.
The personal
indwelling of God through the Holy Ghost in the believer is the greatest theme
of the New Testament. If we are really
filled with the Spirit we must have Him in our body. We will then know what it means to be
quickened in our mortal flesh by the Spirit that dwelleth
in us.
We therefore are
perfect – perfectly saved – the will of God perfectly performed in the
soul. We must get a Scriptural
conception of the reality and possibility of such a life. The Scriptures speak of:
1. The sanctification of Christ (John 10:36;
17:19), as His setting apart as a servant and the sacrifice for sin.
2. The sanctification of believers unto
God. (1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Thess. 2:13, 1 Thes. 4:3)
The
sanctification of believers is two-fold, viz:
1. That which is wrought for them, or
sanctification, past and perfect. (1
Cor. 1:2; 6:11, (R.V.; Acts 20:32; 26:18.)
The work of God the Father (Jude 2), and Christ the
Son. Heb. 2:11; Eph. 5:26.
2. That which is wrought in them, or
sanctification experimental and practical wrought by the Spirit, (1 Thess.
5:23); through the Word. John 17:17.
The divine injunctions to the regenerated child of God
are, to sanctify Christ in his heart as Lord I Pet. 3:15; to present his body a
living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, Rom. 12:1; to mortify his
members which are upon earth, Col. 3:5; for they who are Christ's have
crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts, Gal. 5:24; Rom. 6:6; to put
off the old man with his deeds and to put on the new man which after God is
created in righteousness and true holiness, Eph. 4:22, 24; Col. 3:9, 10; to
reckon himself dead indeed unto sin and alive unto God. Rom. 6:11; Gal. 2:20;
to yield himself unto God for service, Rom. 6:13, 16; that he may have his
fruit unto holiness, Rom. 6:22, being made pure in heart, Matt. 5:8; Acts 15:9,
and a partaker of the
divine nature, II Pet. 1:4.
The
believer endeavoring to lead a holy life is warned against conformity to the
world, Rom. 12:2; against unequal yokes and unholy alliances, II Cor. 6:14-17,
and against teachers and holders of evil doctrines, II John 9, 11. He is also
commanded to be filled with the Spirit and to walk in the Spirit, Eph. 5:18;
Gal. 5:16: to be holy in all manner of life, I Pet. 1:15, 16; to follow after
holiness, Heb. 12:14 and to cleanse himself from all filthiness of the flesh
and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, II Cor. 7:1.
Because
He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified all
of one, Heb. 2:11: Therefore the children of God are called saints or holy
ones, holy brethren, and holy men of God, Rom. 1:7; Heb. 3:1; II Pet. 1:21.
Thus sanctification is both instantaneous and progressive, and is necessary for
Christian life and service, and the preparation of the saints for the
inheritance among them that are sanctified, Acts 20:32.
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ARTICLE
XIII
GROWTH IN GRACE
Even
though in the regenerated state we may bring forth fruit, the state that we
attain through entire sanctification fits us for the development of those
heaven-born principles imparted to us in regeneration. (Eph.
4:15; II Thess. 1:3; II Pet. 3:18.)
The
child of God thus regenerated is exhorted to renounce all sin and sinful
gratifications and live a life of faith (Heb. 10:38). He is told not to lay up
treasures on earth (Matt. 6:19-21) nor to trust in uncertain riches, financial
speculations or in the worldly beneficial societies of the present day which
weaken his faith in God and retard his spiritual growth and development, but
rather follow after holiness without which no man shall see the Lord (Heb.
12:14.)
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ARTICLE
XIV.
DIVINE HEALING.
All sickness is the result of sin directly or
indirectly. Job 2:7; Luke 13:16;
Acts10:38; John 5:14; Deut. 28:15-23; Lev. 26:16. God has made provision in the atonement for
the healing of the body (Isa. 53:3, 4 R. V. with (Matt. 8:16, 17); 1 John
3:8. The mode given us for the healing
of the sick is the laying on of hands, and anointing with oil and praying over
them – Mark 16:17, 18; James 5:14, 15; Mark 6:13.
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ARTICLE
XV.
GOOD
WORKS.
Good works are
not conditions of life and salvation, but are the natural results of a regenerated
and sanctified heart, from which, as naturally as water gushes forth from
every, respective fountain after its kind, and every tree bringeth
forth fruit after its own nature, supreme love to God and love to man, with every
other corresponding trait of Christian character, will naturally show forth
themselves in all the various avocations and deportments of life.
By grace are ye
saved, "not of works," for when we have done all that is our duty to
do, we must say, We are unprofitable servants.—Matt.
7: 16—20; John 15: 5, 8, 16;
Luke 17:10.
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ARTICLE
XVI.
SIN
AFTER JUSTIFICATION.
Not every sin
committed after justification, is blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, and
unpardonable. Therefore the grant of repentance is not denied to such as fall into
sin after justification. After we have received the Holy Ghost, it may so
happen, that we may depart from grace given, and fall into sin, and we may even
then, by the grace of God, rise again, through the workings of the Spirit, and
turn to God and receive forgiveness of our sins.— 1 John 2:1; Rev. 2:5.
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ARTICLE
XVII.
THE
CHURCH OF CHRIST.
The Church of
Jesus Christ is composed of all true believers who are designated His "sheep,"
who hear His voice and follow Him, who know Him and are known by Him and who
are a separate people from the world, "a peculiar people." Supreme
love to God and love to all men (enemies included), being a true characteristic
feature, peculiar to them only, they may readily be distinguished from the
world. Their ground and pillar of hope is that of the "apostles and
prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner Stone." “The gates
of hell shall not prevail against it." "Blessed is that people whose God is the Lord."—John 10: 1—5; Eph. 2:
20; Tit. 2: 14.
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ARTICLE
XVIII.
BAPTISM.
Water Baptism has
no saving or cleansing efficacy. It is a visible or outward sign of an internal
work of grace, in regeneration and consecration to the service of God. It is not
the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience
toward God; hence, cannot with propriety, be administered, only to such as
have, by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, realized the forgiveness of sins, and
have the evidence of their acceptance with God.—Matt. 28: 19, 20; Acts 8: 37; 1
Peter 3: 21.
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ARTICLE
XIX.
FEET
WASHING.
The Lord Jesus
has instituted and commanded feet washing, who also himself washed the
disciples' feet, and has thereby given an example, that we "ought to wash
one another's feet."—John 13: 4—17; 1 Tim. 5:10.
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ARTICLE
XX.
THE
LORD'S SUPPER.
The Lord's Supper
is the ordinance which our Saviour instituted in the
night of His betrayal, with bread and the fruit of the vine.
We are to observe
it, to commemorate that upon the cross, to redeem us from the curse of sin and
death.
That the bread of
communion and the cup of blessing were not intended for a full meal, we infer
from the language of Paul when he says: "If any man hunger, let him eat at
home," and, "What! have ye not houses to eat
and to drink in?''
Christ draws our
attention to the fact, that it is not to be a natural, but a spiritual feast,
when he
says, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have
no life in you."
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. Therefore the Supper
was instituted for the children of God only. God has also wisely directed that
each one examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that
cup.—Matt. 26:26— 29; 1 Cor. 10: 16; 11: 20—29.
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ARTICLE
XXI.
MARRIAGE.
Holy matrimony
is a sacred institution of Divine origin; and believers should enter into so
solemn an engagement in the fear of God, seeking direction and guidance of Him
who knoweth to direct all things according to the
good pleasure of His will, and according to the teachings of God's Word. This
solemn engagement should be "only in the Lord."
Believers should
not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. The trouble and despair
subsequent upon entering the marriage state of those whom God hath not joined
together, is incalculable, and should be a solemn warning to
any and all who contemplate this step, to take the matter with all sincerity
of heart to God in prayer. Gen. 1: 27;
2: 18; 1 Cor. 7: 39; 2 Cor. 6: 14, 15.
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ARTICLE
XXII.
CIVIL
GOVERNMENT.
God ordained and
instituted the civil government for the punishment of evildoers and for the
protection and defence of the good. We respect these powers with due loyalty, and
are willing to be submissive, subjective and obedient to their authority, so
long as not intruded upon in things which should militate against the supreme
law and will of God. We pay willingly
and cheerfully tribute and customs demanded of us, and pray for their
protection, prosperity, and welfare, "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable
life, in all godliness and honesty."— Matt. 17: 27; Rom, 13: 1—7; 1 Pet.
2: 14.
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ARTICLE
XXIII.
SELF-DEFENSE.
Jesus has forbidden
His disciples and followers all revenge and resistance, with the divine
injunction, "Resist not evil;" again, “My kingdom is not of this
world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my
servants fight, but now is my kingdom not from hence."
Christ's
followers are denominated His sheep, whose nature is the direct opposite of the
wolf or lion. Christ, in His suffering, has given us an example, and we should
follow His
steps. "He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before
her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth.'"
We are commanded to recompense to no man evil for evil," and to cause grief
or suffering to come upon no one; and if required, for conscience' sake, at the
Lord's bidding when persecuted in one place, to flee into another; and also to
take the spoiling of our goods joyfully, for the Lord's sake,
"knowing that there is
reserved for us in heaven a better and enduring substance."— Matt. 5:
39—44; 1 Peter 3: 9.
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ARTICLE
XXIV.
OATHS.
Christ has
strictly forbidden the swearing of oaths, when He says, "I say unto you, Swear
not at all; but let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever
is more than these cometh of evil." It is evident that the apostles
regarded it, and strictly insisted upon its careful observance. James says,
"Above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by
the earth, neither by any other oath; but let your yea be yea, and your nay,
nay, lest ye fall into condemnation.
From these clear
testimonies we conclude that the swearing of oaths is forbidden and not
tolerated; and that anything beyond an affirmation is violating the command of
our Saviour. We regard our affirmation as sacred and
binding as though we had confirmed it by an oath.—Matt. 5: 34—37; Jas. 5: 12.
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ARTICLE
XXV.
THE
CALL TO THE MINISTRY.
The call to the
ministry is of such vast importance that God alone is able to decide as to who
shall go forth as laborers in the vineyard of the Lord, as ministers of the Gospel.
The Saviour says, "Pray ye the Lord of the harvest, that
He will send forth laborers into His harvest;" and Paul says, "How
shall they preach except they be sent?" Hence, only such as the Lord has
called, qualified and sent forth to preach the Gospel, can be an efficient
means in His hand to further His cause, prosper the Church, and be successful
in winning souls to Christ.—Matt. 9:38 ; Rom. 10:15.
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ARTICLE
XXVI.
THE LORD’S
DAY
We believe the Lord’s Day to be of divine
origin. The Jewish Sabbath was obligatory upon those living under the law of Moses until the time of its consummation.
We recognize the
first day of the week as being the Lord’s Day under the present dispensation, the
observance of which we hold obligatory and sacredly binding upon the followers
of the Lord Jesus in commemoration of the glorious victory achieved through His
resurrection from the dead on that eventful day; it also having been duly and
persistently observed by the Apostolic Church, and also being the day upon
which the Holy Ghost was poured out on the disciples. John 20:1, 19; Acts 20:
7.
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ARTICLE
XXVII.
THE
COMING OF CHRIST.
We believe that
the hope of the Church is centered in the personal return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who will Himself return in like
manner as He ascended. We are exhorted
to comfort one another with these words. Acts 1:11; 1 Thess. 4: 18.
Importance—Matt.
24: 42, 44: Mark 13:33-37; Luke 12: 35, 36; 21: 36.
Object of hope—Titus 2: 13;
1 Pet. 1:3- 9; 1 Thess. 4: 17; John 14: 3; 1 Cor. 1:4-8.
Motives to activity and holiness—Luke 9:26; Phil. 3:20; Col. 3: 4,
5; 1 Tim 6:14 1 Peter 5: 2- 4; Titus 2:12, 13; Heb. 10: 36, 37; Jas. 5: 7, 8;
Rev. 2: 25; 3:11; 1 Thess. 3: 12, 13; 1 Jno.
2: 28; 3: 2, 3; 1 Thess. 5; 4-6.
Scoffers do not
believe in His coming 2 Peter 3: 3-7,
11, 12;
He will come to
those that look for him – Heb. 9: 28.
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ARTICLE
XXVIII
MILLENNIUM.
The Millennium
(Rev 20: 1-6), or day of the Lord (2 Peter 3: 8) will be ushered in by the
appearance of Christ in His glory (Luke 21: 27) with his church (1 Thess. 3:
13; Zech. 14: 5), or ten thousand saints (Jude 14), to reign on earth, (Rev. 5:
10; Zech. 14:9) one thousand years, during which time the devil will be
bound,(Rev. 20: 1-6) and Christ will reign in righteousness (Psa. 46: 9; Psa. 72:
8, 10,11, 17; Isa. 2: 1-4) until His enemies become His footstool( Heb. 10: 13
; Isa. 11: 6-9; Hos. 2: 18).
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ARTICLE
XXIX.
JUDGMENT
DAY.
The Scriptures tell us that the believer has
been judged as a sinner at the cross of Christ and shall not come into judgment
for he is passed out of death into life. Jno. 5:24 R. V.; as a child in the family of God, he is being
judged and chastened during his lifetime, Heb. 12:5-8; I Pet. 4:17; I Cor.
11:30-32; and as a servant, he shall be judged at the judgment seat of Christ
after the rapture, I Cor. 4:2-5; II Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:10; I Cor. 3:13-15.
The Son of
man shall come in His glory and stand upon the Mount of Olives and will judge
the nations, Zech. 14:1-3; Psa. 96:13; Matt. 25:31-46, and will vindicate His
people Israel.
At
the close of the millennium, God will cast the devil into the Lake of Fire,
Rev. 20:10, and He will sit upon the great white throne and judge the wicked
dead. Rev. 20:11-12; and cast death and hell into the Lake of Fire, Rev. 20:14;
and bring forth the new heavens and new earth, II Pet. 3:13.
CHAPTER II.
GENERAL RULES OF OUR SOCIETY.
SECTION
I.
GENERAL
SERVICE.
1. We esteem it
as becoming true worshippers, upon entering the place of worship, in reverence
to God, and from a sense of gratitude for being permitted to meet with His people,
to kneel in silent prayer before the Lord.
2. We recommend, that the time be properly occupied by singing and
prayer, to the edification of those assembled, until the time of opening
service. The minister may read a portion of God's Word, and at his direction,
the congregation may arise and sing and then kneel in united prayer; after prayer
a verse or two may be sung, then preaching, prayer, singing, and benediction.
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SECTION
II.
SPECIAL
OR PROTRACTED MEETINGS.
In addition to
the regular appointments for public worship we make special efforts, in the way
of protracted meetings, for the awakening and conversion of sinners and sanctification
of believers. We believe these to be the most efficient means available to this
end, when entered into in the spirit of faith.
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SECTION
III.
PRAYER
AND FELLOWSHIP MEETINGS.
1. Prayer and
fellowship meetings are necessary in the Church, not only for the benefit of
its members, to preserve them from falling into lukewarmness,
but to exert a good influence upon the rising generation, or any who may
attend.
2. They are
Scriptural, and approved of God, and when held once a week, or even oftener in
the spirit of true love to God and the brethren, they will prove to be
efficient means against the enemy, and preserve life and power in the church.
3. They are to
be opened by singing and prayer, then the leader will
read a portion of God's Word, suited to the occasion, with appropriate remarks
when the privilege is extended to all, to exercise themselves in prayer and
testimony, according to the promptings and desires of their hearts. Acts 12: 12:
Mal. 3: 16.
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SECTION
IV.
CLASS
MEETINGS.
Believing that it
is good that each member be examined and encouraged before the class, therefore
a class meeting should be held in each class at least four times a year, shortly
before the Quarterly Conference. Let the meeting be announced in due time so that
all may know it, and let each member be urged to attend. After the members are present,
the minister will open the meeting the same as prayer and fellowship meeting, after
which he, or the class leader, will request each member, personally, to testify
as to his or her standing in Christ, after which the leader of the meeting will
give such instruction or admonition as he may see fit.—Mal. 3:16; 2 Cor. 13: 5.
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SECTION
V.
ADMISSION
OF MEMBERS.
1. We receive
such that have been baptized on confession of their faith: and believers may be
received into full church membership before they are baptized on condition that
they be baptized at the first opportunity after their
reception.
2. We receive
them in a public manner.
3. The minister
in charge, or Presiding Elder, shall ask the necessary questions and afterwards
extend to them the right hand of fellowship, in the name of Christ and His
Church.
4. The
following questions shall be asked applicants:
Question 1.
Have you,
through repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, received
forgiveness of sins?
If
so, answer, yes.
Question 2.
Are you
willing to serve God, with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your
mind; especially discharging every duty reasonably belonging to the service of
God, such as the faithful attendance of public worship, reading of the
Scriptures, prayer, praise and faithfully discharging your duty towards God and
the Church?
If
so, answer, yes:
Question 3.
If you
have not as yet followed the Lord in baptism, will you do so at your first
convenient opportunity?
If
so, answer, yes.
Question 4.
Are you
willing to renounce the world, and all sinful gratifications and practice
chastity, temperance, sobriety and conduct yourself modestly and circumspectly
as becometh Christians?
If
so, answer, yes.
5. A
number of members should greet them with a hearty welcome.
Associate
members may be informally received or recognized; such who give evidence of a
change of heart, but are not ready to become full members of our society. These shall have all the privileges of full
membership with the exception of voting and holding office.
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SECTION
VI.
DUTIES
OF MEMBERS.
1. It is expected
of all, who desire to continue as members of this society, that they continue
to evidence their desire of salvation, by attending to public worship, ministry
of the Word either read or expounded, the Supper of the Lord, Family devotions,
secret prayer, searching the Scriptures, feet washing, greeting with the holy
kiss, and fasting or abstinence.
2. We strictly
enforce upon each member of the society the duties toward each other which the Saviour inculcated, namely: "If thy brother shall
trespass 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, that in the mouth of two or three
witnesses every word may be established; and if he shall neglect to hear them,
tell it unto the Church; but if he shall neglect to hear the Church, let him be
unto thee as an heathen man and a publican"—Matt. 18:15—17. And again: "If
thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest
that thy brother hath aught against thee, leave there thy gift before the altar
and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy
gift."—Matt. 5: 23, 24.
3. No one shall
have any right to receive a complaint, or in any way encourage any member therein,
before the above injunctions have been complied with.
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SECTION
VII.
SINGING.
Singing, as an
important part of worship, has held a prominent place in the Church of God in
all ages, and is one of the most soul-cheering, and animating exercises belonging
to the solemn worship of God; and when Christians unite together in singing the
praises of God, "with the Spirit, and with the understanding," it is
truly sublime; and in its effects is calculated to elevate the minds and
affections above the things of time and sense, to things heavenly and divine.
It is very
desirable that all who can, should participate in this part of the divine
service of God.
The Psalmist
said, "I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live, and praise my God while
I have my being;" and again: "Sing unto the Lord a new song; let all
the earth sing unto the Lord.''
The Apostle said:
"Singing and making melody in your hearts unto the Lord."
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SECTION
VIII.
APPAREL.
1. In reference
to wearing of apparel, the Holy Scripture gives us no definite instruction, as
regards the mode and style; only that Christians should adorn themselves in "modest
apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety: not with broidered hair, or gold, or
pearls, or costly array.''
2 It is not
specially taught in God's Word as to the mode or style of dressing, yet there are
directions given, strongly protesting against extravagance and intemperance;
therefore it is necessary to guard against extremes in dressing, as well as in
eating and drinking.
3. Simplicity in
manner of dressing has no more saving efficacy than anything else of a like
nature. We must be clothed with the garments of salvation, and covered with the
robe of righteousness.
4. Be it known
that our influence is decidedly against the useless practice, vain indulgence
and sinful habit of wearing sumptuous attire, costly array, or any of those articles
which are strictly prohibited in the Holy Scriptures. We admire neatness and
cleanliness, and insist on decency, with becoming propriety, in the wearing of
modest apparel. — 1 Tim. 2: 9, 10; 5: 9, 10; i Peter
3: 3 —6; Isa.
3: 16—26.
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SECTION
IX.
INTOXICATING
LIQUORS.
The use of
intoxicating liquors, as a beverage being the cause of incalculable misery in
the world, the evil influences of which are enormous in their effects upon
society at large, no member shall be permitted to make or prepare ardent or
intoxicating liquors, to deal in them, or use them as a beverage.
We recommend that
all members of our denomination take an active part in prohibiting this evil.
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SECTION
X.
NEEDLESS
INDULGENCES.
All needless
indulgences such as snuffing, chewing and smoking tobacco, using opium, and any
kindred habit, which are only for the gratification of the depraved appetite, are
unbecoming and inconsistent with our Christian profession. Let it be known
therefore, that our influence is strictly against them, and that we recommend
our ministers not to receive any as church members who are addicted to the use
of any of them.
Seeing as we do
the evil effects of what filthy weed, tobacco, and since we as a Church was to
exert our influence against it, no person shall be elected to the office of a
deacon, class-leader or S. S. superintendent, and no applicant for Quarterly
Conference license received, who is addicted to the use of tobacco or opium in
any form.
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SECTION
XI.
SECRET
SOCIETIES.
It is
inconsistent and anti-scriptural for Christ's devoted followers to belong to
secret societies. There is nothing belonging to the religion of Jesus, of which
His followers need be ashamed, or keep concealed from the eyes of men, for
Christ said: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven," and further:
"I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in
the synagogues and in the temple—in secret have I said nothing." Upon
these and like considerations no member of this society shall be allowed to
belong to any secret organization.
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SECTION
XII.
CONFORMITY
TO THE WORLD.
As regards
conformity to the world in participating in festivals, socials, picnics, fairs
and similar gatherings, the object of which is to merely gratify the carnal
mind or will of the flesh, trifling conduct and conversation, and the needless
waste of time in idle games; these shall be strictly prohibited.
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SECTION
XIII.
MUSICAL
INSTRUMENTS AND CHOIRS.
Seeing as we do
the evil effects of musical instruments and choirs in our sister churches, and
being desirous of warding off all that may retard the cause of Christ, it is not
alIowed to introduce either musical instruments or
choirs into our regular church and Sunday-school services except by the consent
of the Annual Conference.
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SECTION
XIV.
BRINGING
TO TRIAL, FINDING GUILTY, AND
REPROVING,
SUSPENDING, OR EXCLUD-
ING
DISORDERLY PERSONS FROM
THE
SOCIETY OR CHURCH
PRIVILEGES.
How shall an accused member be brought to trials
1. Before the society of which he is a member, or a select
number of them, in the presence of the Presiding Elder, or preacher, in the
following manner:
After the
admonitions of sec. VI., Par. 2, Page 37, have been fully carried out without
bringing reconciliation between the parties, then let the accused and the
accuser be brought face to face; but if this cannot be done let the next best
evidence be produced. If the accused
person be found guilty by the decision of the members before whom he is brought
to trial, and the accusation be such as is forbidden by the Word of God, sufficient
to exclude a person from the kingdom of grace and glory, let the minister or
preacher in charge expel such member. If the accused person evade a trial, by
absenting himself, after sufficient notice, and the circumstances of the
accusation be strong and presumptive, let him be esteemed guilty, and accordingly
be expelled. Trustworthy witnesses from without shall not be rejected.
2. But in case
of neglect of duties of any kind, imprudent conduct, indulging in sinful tempers
or words, or disobedience to the order and discipline of the church, let private
reproof be given by a leader, or preacher; and if there be an acknowledgement
of the fault, and proper humiliation, the person shall be acquitted. If no proper humiliation and confession are
manifested, the preacher shall admonish such an one in
the presence of one or two faithful members.
If this effort proves fruitless in bringing him to the proper
acknowledgment, let the case be brought before the society or a select number
of them, and if there be no sign of real humiliation, the offender must be cut
off.
If a member of
our Church shall be clearly convicted of endeavoring to sow dissensions in our
society, by inveighing against either doctrines or discipline,
such a person so offending shall be first reproved by the preacher of his
circuit, and if he persist in such pernicious practices, he shall be expelled
from the church.
3. Nevertheless,
if in any of the above mentioned cases, the preacher differ
from a majority of the society, or the select number, concerning the innocence
or guilt of the accused person, the trial, in such case, may be referred by the
preacher, to the ensuing Quarterly Conference.
4. If there be a
murmur or complaint from any excluded person, in any of the above mentioned
instances, that justice has not been done, he shall be allowed an appeal to the
next Quarterly Conference, except such as absent themselves from trial, after sufficient
notice is given them, and the Quarterly Conference shall finally determine the
case. After such form of trial and conviction, such a person shall be excluded
from church fellowship until contrition be manifested,
and confession be made.
5. Members who
habitually neglect their duties shall be dropped at the annual revision of the
class books in case they have been duly informed by the minister in charge without
producing the desired effect.
HOW
SHALL AN ACCUSED MINISTER BE
BROUGHT
TO TRIAL?
Answer.—Any minister against whom a charge is preferred
for immoral conduct or teaching any doctrine or doctrines contrary to our
Discipline he shall be admonished by the Presiding Elder on whose charge he
labors or lives, and in case he persists in such practice, the Presiding Elder
shall suspend him from preaching until the next Annual Conference where he
shall be tried.
HOW SHOULD
A PRESIDING ELDER UNDER
CHARGE
BE BROUGHT TO TRIAL?
Answer.—Each
Annual Conference shall elect by ballot a Standing Committee of three Elders
who give themselves unconditionally into the hands of the Conference who shall
examine any Presiding Elder of that Conference in case any charges are preferred
against him. And if he be found guilty
they shall have power to suspend him from his office until the next Annual Conference,
where he shall be dealt with.
No ministers of
our society shall be allowed to take active part in politics, and they shall
discourage the members in the same. In the temperance movement each one shall
act in regard to voting according to the dictates of his own
conscience.
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SECTION
XVI.
HOW
TO DEAL WITH PERSONS WHO
DISTURB
OUR PUBLIC MEETINGS.
Having frequently
been disturbed in our public worship by persons having no proper regard for
religious services; and since the Lord has made ample provision for his
children by the powers that be, (Rom. 13:1-5,) and the apostle Paul appealed to
these for justice, (Acts 25:11), hence, after the use of all reasonable means
to secure order have failed, such offenders may be given over into the hands of
the said powers.
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SECTION
XVII.
DIVORCE.
No brother or
sister shall retain membership in our church, who will marry again after having
been divorced, or who will marry a divorced person saving for fornication, or
adultery. Neither shall any one be received into
church fellowship under the same circumstances. We use our influence strongly against the
courtship and marriage of Christians with the unconverted. -- Matt. 19: 6; Rom.
7:2; 1 Cor. 7:10,11.
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THESE are the
general rules of our society, all of which are in harmony with the spirit of the
word of God. 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, that 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.
CHAPTER III.
FORMS.
SECTION
I.
BAPTISM.
How and to whom
shall baptism be administered?
Baptism shall be
administered to believers and by immersion only.
Questions
to candidates for baptism.
1. Can you
testify that you through repentance towards God and faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ, have experienced
the forgiveness of your sins, and enjoy peace with God?
Answer,
"Yes."
2. Are you
willing to renounce the world with all sinful gratifications, and cleave unto the
Lord, and consecrate your all to His service?
Answer,
''Yes."
3. Are you
willing to be taught from the Word of God, and to yield obedience to all that
He enjoins upon you?
Answer,
"Yes."
SECTION
II
DEDICATION
OF CHILDREN
Since the
Scripture give a number of instances where children of Godly parents were
formally and publicly dedicated (1 Sam. 1:28; Mark 10:13-16; Matt. 19:13-15;
Luke 18:15-17; 2:22-24; Lev. 19.)
We heartily
encourage our people to dedicate their children to the Lord, by prayer and the
laying on of the hands of the Elders, who shall furnish proper
certificates: Lev. 12:2-6; 1 Sam.
1:24-28; Matt. 19:13-15; Luke 2:22-24; 18:15-17.
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SECTION
III.
QUARTERLY
MEETINGS.
1. We recommend
that feet washing be observed previous to communion.
2. At the time
when the communion is to be administered, there shall be a preparatory discourse
or exhortation delivered, to invite self-examination, according to the words of
the apostle.—1 Cor. 11: 23—29.
3. The
communicants gather around the altar, kneel, uniting in prayer, led by the Elder
in giving of thanks for the emblem representing the broken body of Christ, then
partake. Then likewise kneel and give thanks for the cup representing the blood
of Christ, which was "shed for many," then partake.
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SECTION
IV
MARRIAGE
FORMULA.
At the time appointed,
the persons to be married present themselves before the minister, the bride at
the left side of the bridegroom, when the minister will address them in the
following manner:
Question.—To the man: Do you confess that you are free from all other
women, as far as the bond of matrimony is concerned? If so, can you in the presence of God and these
witnesses answer, Yes?
Q.—To the woman: Do
you confess that you are free from all other men as far as the
bond of
matrimony is concerned? If so, can you in the presence of God and these witnesses
answer, Yes?
Q.—To the man: Will you (Name) have this woman to be your
wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance, in the holy state of
matrimony? Will you love her, comfort, honor and keep her in days of good and evil
report, wealth or poverty, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others,
keep yourself only unto her, so long till death shall separate you? If so can you in the presence of God and
these witnesses answer, Yes?
Q.—To the woman: Will you (Name) have this man to be your
wedded husband to live together after God's ordinance, in the holy state of
matrimony? Will you obey him love, honor and care for him, in days of good and
evil report, wealth or poverty, sickness and health; and forsaking all others,
keep yourself only unto him so long till death shall separate you? If so, can
you in the presence of God and these witnesses answer, Yes?
Then shall the
minister join their right hands together and say:
Those whom God
hath joined together, let no man put asunder. For as much as
(Name) and (Name) have consented to live together in holy
wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and in the presence of these
witnesses, and thereto have pledged their faith each to the other, and have declared
the same by joining hands, I pronounce that they are husband and wife together,
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Close with
prayer and benediction.
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SECTION
V.
FUNERAL
OCCASIONS.
Before leaving
the house, the minister will be governed more or less by circumstances.
If time permit,
will give a short exhortation, or offer a few words of comfort to the bereaved,
and sing and pray, when, if convenient, he will lead the procession to the
place of services or burial as may be decided upon. The
burial before or after services, to be governed by circumstances, or the choice
of relatives or interested parties.
At the Grave.—
At the Grave--When the remains are laid in the earth, the minister shall
say:
"I am the resurrection
and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were
dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and
believeth in me shall never die"
"Verily,
verily, I say unto you He that heareth my word, and
believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into
condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto
you the hour is coming and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the
Son of God: and they that hear shall live.” “Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear
his voice, and shall come forth: They that have done good unto the resurrection
of life: and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation."
"Man that
is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh up like a
flower and is cut down; he fleeth like a shadow and continueth not."
Inasmuch as it
has pleased the Lord, in whose power are life and death, to remove our departed
(......) from our midst, we therefore commit the body to the earth; earth
to earth! ashes to ashes! dust to dust! awaiting the resurrection through Jesus Christ our Lord by
whom each must come forth in his own order when this corruptible must put on incorruption,
and this mortal must put on immortality, and all shall appear in His presence,
according to the mighty working whereby He is able to subdue all things unto
Himself.
If all services are over previous to burial benediction at the
grave.
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SECTION
VI.
DEDICATION.
At the time of
dedication the minister in charge, or some other minister appointed to officiate,
shall read one of the following Scripture passages: Psalm 132, or John 17. Then
a dedicatory hymn shall be sung, followed by prayer, then the sermon.
Then the
congregation shall rise before the Lord, and the following declaration be made
by the preacher:
Beloved: It
behooves us, in this solemn hour, to appear before the Lord, the God of heaven
and earth, the source and giver of all good, who has given us the intention and
the ability to build this house and it being now accomplished by His help, we
therefore dedicate it to His service.
Our Divine
Redeemer gives us the precious assurance that He will meet with His people where
they assemble themselves.
Thus, encouraged
and strengthened in faith, we have confidence that the Most High, who inhabiteth eternity and dwelleth
also in those who are of a contrite and humble spirit, to comfort them, will
accept this house which we have built to His glory, at our hands, and regard it
with His good pleasure, to the salvation and benefit of those who may from time
to time here assemble to magnify His holy name.
Having this
confidence, we now declare, designate and consecrate this house as the (name of
Church) of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ, (name of place,) unto the Triune God,
where, by the singing of His praise, the offering of thanksgiving, prayer, reading,expounding and preaching of His Word, the administration
of the sacraments, and the observance of such other devotional services and
rules as are adopted and practiced in public worship by the Mennonite Brethren in
Christ, agreeable with His Word, His honor shall be magnified, and His kingdom
be built up to the salvation of men.
And that this
dedication be confirmed by God, let us also consecrate ourselves, and all that
we are and possess, without reservation or condition, to Him as His people, and
for His service, in accordance with His rightful claim, through the covenant of
grace by Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Then the congregation
shall kneel in prayer to God to accept the offering.
Doxology and benediction.
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SECTION
VII
ORDINATION
OF PROBATIONERS.
1. On the day
appointed there shall he a suitable sermon or exhortation delivered.
2. After the
names of those to be ordained have been read aloud, the Presiding Elder shall read
the following articles to all who may be chosen for ordination:
"A bishop
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 men, sober, just, holy, temperate, holding fast
to the faithful Word, as he hath been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine
both to exhort and convince the
gainsayers."—Titus
1:7-9.
Question,—Do you
feel inwardly persuaded that you are moved upon by the Holy Ghost to take upon
you the office of the ministry of the Gospel, to serve God in the Church of Christ,
to the honor and glory of His holy name?
Answer.— Of this I am persuaded.
Q. — Do you believe the Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testament?
A.—I do believe
them.
Q.— 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 worthy example of the flock of Christ?
A. — I will the
Lord being my helper.
Q-—Will you obey
them to whom the charge and government over you is committed, and follow their
godly admonitions with a willing and ready mind?
A—I will, by the
grace of God.
Prayer.
After prayer,
the Presiding Elder and elders present shall lay their hands upon the heads of
every one of them and say:
"Take thou
authority to execute the office of an elder in the Church of God, in the name
of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen,"
"Take thou
authority to read and preach the Word of God, and to administer the ordinances
of the Church of Christ."
Prayer.
After prayer, read Luke 12: 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 shall return from the wedding, that when He cometh,
and knocketh, they may open unto Him immediately.
"Blessed
are those servants whom the Lord, when He cometh, shall find watching. Verily, I say unto you, that He shall gird Himself,
and make them sit down to meat and will come forth and serve them. And if He
shall come in the second watch, or in the third watch, and find them so,
blessed are those servants."
After this, the
following benediction is to be pronounced:
"The peace
of God keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, our
Lord. Amen."
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SECTION
VIII.
ORDINATION
OF DEACONS.
At the time of
ordination an appropriate sermon or exhortation shall be delivered.
After the names
of those to be ordained have been read aloud, the Presiding Elder
shall
read the following passages of Scripture to those who may be chosen for ordination:
"Likewise
must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to
much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre, holding the mystery of the faith in a pure
conscience. And let these also first be proved, then
let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers,
sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife,
ruling their children and their own houses well; for they that have used the
office of a deacon well, purchase to themselves a good degree and great
boldness in the faith which is in Jesus Christ." 1 Tim.
3: 8—13.
Then shall the
Presiding Elder propound to those to be ordained the following question:
Since it seems
to have pleased God and the Church, to recognize in you, dear brother, the
qualifications necessary to the fulfillment of the office of deacon (and the
Church places in you the trust and confidence, that by the assistance of God,
you will continue to merit and retain that confidence which is placed in you
because of the satisfaction rendered during the time of your probation) do you promise, by the assisting grace of
God, to continue according to the ability which God shall bestow upon you, to
perform the several duties enjoined, relative to your office as a deacon?
Answer.—By the assisting grace of God I will.
Prayer.
Then the
Presiding Elder or Elders, with the laying on of hands, will say:
Take thou
authority to execute the office of a deacon in the Church of Christ. The
peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, keep your heart and mind in the knowledge and love of God and
His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. The
blessing of God the Almighty Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost rest upon and
remain with you always. Amen.
Seeing as we do
the evil effects of that filthy weed, tobacco, and since we as a Church want to
exert our influence against it, no person shall be elected to the office of a
deacon, class-leader, or S. S. superintendent, and no applicant for the
ministry, be received on probation, who is addicted to the use of tobacco.
--------
CHAPTER
IV.
OFFICERS-THEIR
ELECTION
AND
DUTIES.
SECTION
I.
OFFICERS.
Presiding Elders, Elders, Helpers, Probationers, S. S.
Superintendents, Stewards, Trustees, Deacons and Class Leaders.
--------
SECTION
II.
ELECTION
OF OFFICERS.
The following
officers are to be elected by ballot, namely: Presiding Elders, Deacons, S. S.
Superintendents, Trustees and Class Leaders.
1. The Presiding
Elders are to be elected from among those Elders who give themselves up
unconditionally to the Conference, for an Annual Conference term only.
2. No presiding Elder shall hold office for
more than five years in succession, unless he receive two-thirds of the vote of
the Annual Conference from year to year.
We recommend the Annual Conference to favor for the Presiding Eldership,
men, who from year to year continue in the ministry as unconditional.
3. At each Annual Conference, after the election
of Presiding Elder, a Vice-Presiding Elder shall be elected to supply his place
in case he should become unable to longer fill his office. He shall be elected from among those Elders
who give themselves unconditionally to the Conference.
4. Deacons shall
be elected by the membership of the church over which they are to preside, at a
meeting previously announced, and taken on probation for a term of three years.
Deacons on probation to be ordained shall be examined at the last Quarterly
Conference on their field in the Conference year, and if passed satisfactory the
Quarterly Conference shall specify time and place of ordination.
5. Class Leaders
shall be elected by the class, at the close of each Annual Conference year.
6. Stewards
shall be nominated by the pastor in charge or Presiding Elder, and elected by
the class by an open vote at the close of each Annual Conference year.
7. Trustees
shall be elected annually by the last Quarterly Conference in the Annual Conference
year, by ballot, or open vote, as the Annual Conference may decide.
8. Sisters may
be elected as class-leaders, S. S. Superintendents, and Stewards.
--------
SECTION
III.
THE
RECEPTION OF CANDIDATES FOR THE MINISTRY.
1. If there is a brother or sister who has convictions
of a call to preach the Gospel (see Article 25) such shall make it known to the
minister in charge.
2. If the
minister considers such an one a proper subject, as Paul writes in 1 Tim. 3, he
shall bring the matter before the class, and if two-thirds of the class present
vote (by ballot) in favor of the person, he shall recommend him, or her, to the
Quarterly Conference.
3. Then the
Presiding Elder with the minister in charge, will examine the state of grace,
nature of the call, and the moral character of such, and with the consent or two-thirds
of the Quarterly Conference, may grant a Quarterly Conference license, giving him,
or her, the privilege to labor as directed by the Quarterly Conference or
Presiding Elder.
4. Quarterly
Conference Licenses shall be renewed annually at the last Quarterly Conference
in the Annual Conference Year, providing the workers receive two-thirds of the
votes of those present.
5. Such who have
labored satisfactorily under a Quarterly Conference license for at least one
year, may make application to their Quarterly Conference for a recommendation
to the Annual Conference which may be granted them, after examination, by
consent of two-thirds of the Quarterly Conference members present, where such may be received on a
three years' term of probation providing they pass an examination on discipline
satisfactorily.
6. No
probationer shall be ordained until the Church is fully satisfied that he is
capable of taking charge of a work, is fully in line with our doctrine, submits
himself unconditionally to the conference and intends to continue in the itineracy.
7. Probationers who have passed their reading
course and have not proven themselves capable of taking charge of a work in the
judgment of the respective Annual Conferences, or such who do not desire to
continue in the itineracy after having been on
probation for five years shall be referred to their respective Quarterly
Conferences.
8. If ministers,
having been ordained by other denominations, desire to join our society, they
shall be admitted in the same manner as other applicants according to
paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
They shall pass
a thorough examination on our church discipline by the Presiding Elder, and
also a special examination on the Bible by the Committee on the Reading Course,
before they are admitted into the Annual Conference.
They shall be
required to read the book of our Reading Course before or during the first year
after they are admitted. Under the above
conditions such may be admitted on a three-years’ term of probation.
--------
SECTION
IV.
WOMEN
PREACHING.
Sisters who are
licensed according to the Discipline may be recognized as evangelists, helpers,
and missionaries subject to the Presiding Elder or minister in charge. They
shall be received according to Chap. 4 Sec. 3, except ordination. All sister
workers who have passed their Reading Course satisfactorily shall be recognized
as approved ministering sisters by their Annual Conference.
--------
SECTION
V.
DUTIES
OF S. S. SUPERINTENDENTS.
1. The duties of
the superintendents are as follows: They shall see that the school is regularly
opened, directed and closed; that each class is provided, if possible, with a
Christian teacher, competent to teach; that the scholars are classed as they
advance, and that everything in the school is done in a Christian manner. They
shall furnish the Quarterly Conference with a statistical report and other
necessary information. In all matters of special importance, where opportunity
is afforded, they shall consult the
In the absence
of the superintendent, the vice superintendent shall occupy his place. The
duties of the other officers are such as belong to their respective positions
2. We recommend
that the preacher meet once a week with the officers and teachers of the
school, for the purpose of discussing with them the lesson of the following Sabbath.
If he cannot be present, the superintendent shall take his place.
--------
SECTION
VI.
THE
QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES OF CLASS LEADERS.
Question. - What are the necessary qualifications of
class leaders?
Answer- They
shall be persons of deep piety and members of our church, having Christ's cause
at heart.
Q. -What are the
duties of class leaders?
A. - 1.That they never cease praying for, and
watching over themselves, to obtain such grace from God, that they may, in
observing these rules according to the commandments of God, be faithful
leaders, and give their brethren and sisters good instruction by their own
deportment.— 1 Peter 5:2, 3.
2. That they
cordially love the class committed to their charge, frequently pray for them in
secret, visit them occasionally, hold public prayer meetings at least once a
week, and be diligent in supplication, in intercession, in deprecation and in
thanksgiving; the like exercises being commanded by Jesus Christ and His holy
apostles.
3. That they do
not seek to dominate over their brethren and sisters, but watch over them in
love, and see that they progress in the divine life, not only according to the form,
but to see that they grow in the true knowledge and love of God; and in love to
advise them, teach them, reprove, comfort and admonish them, as circumstances
may require.
4. That they be
careful that all things are conducted in their classes according to Divine and
human order; and that they inform the preacher of such as lead a disorderly
life and will not be admonished, as well as of those who purposely or
habitually neglect their duty of doing good.
--------
SECTION
VII.
QUALIFICATIONS
AND DUTIES OF STEWARDS.
Let the stewards
be men of sound piety, who earnestly seek after the prosperity of the Church;
and have good natural and acquired abilities to transact temporal business.
The duties of
stewards are:
1. To assist the
deacons in procuring dwellings for the ministers, and collect and pay the rent
for the same aside from the support of the minister.
2. They shall,
as soon as possible after the Annual Conference, make themselves acquainted
with the wants of the minister.
3. They shall
personally require of each member in their respective classes to contribute
quarterly, monthly, or weekly, as the Quarterly Conference may decide according
to their several abilities, towards the support of the ministers.
4. A book shall
be kept by each steward, wherein is contained an accurate account of all moneys
collected and paid out, which shall be examined by each Quarterly Conference on
his charge.
--------
SECTION
VIII.
QUALIFICATIONS
AND DUTIES OF DEACONS.
Question —What
are the necessary qualifications of deacons?
Answer.—See
Chap. 3, Sec. 7.
Q.—What are the
duties of deacons?
A.— 1. They
shall provide the emblems and other necessaries for the Lord's Supper and feet
washing, and to the best of their abilities assist the minister in his labors,
if required.
2. They,
assisted by the stewards, shall procure dwellings for the ministers, and
collect and pay the rent for the same aside from the support of the minister.
3. They shall
see if there are any poor in the district over which they preside; and if so,
to inquire into the nature of their wants, and take such steps to provide for
them as they may deem proper.
There shall be
one or more at each church-house, as the Quarterly Conference may decide.
--------
SECTION
IX.
DUTIES
OF HELPERS.
They shall,
according to the direction of the Annual Conference, assist the minister in
charge as mutually agreed upon, in supplying regular appointments.
--------
SECTION
X.
DUTIES
OF PROBATIONERS.
They shall be
unconditional and labor according to the direction of the Annual
Conference. If a charge be assigned to
them, their duties are the same as those of the travelling elders, except solemnizing
marriages; and they may administer baptism and communion, only by the permission
of the Presiding Elder wherever this does not conflict with the laws of the
State. They may administer baptism and communion, also by permission of the
Presiding Elder. If directed to labor as
helpers, their duties are the same as under Sec. 9.
--------
SECTION
XI.
DUTIES
OF TRAVELLING ELDERS.
Question.—-What
are the duties of elders?
Answer.—To
preach, to meet the societies and classes, to visit the sick, to hold class meeting
four times a year in each class, to see that our Church Discipline is observed
in respect on his charge, and to read the general rules or get them read once a
year.
Q.—What are the
directions given to elders?
A.—Be diligent.
Never be unemployed; never be triflingly employed, never trifle away time,
neither spend any more time at any place than is strictly necessary. Be
serious. Let your motto be, "Holiness to the Lord." Avoid all lightness,
jesting and foolish talking; conduct yourself prudently with women. Take no
step towards marriage without first consulting with your brethren. Believe evil
of no one without good evidence (unless you see it done, take heed how you
credit it). Speak evil of no one;
because your word especially, would eat as doth a canker. Keep your thoughts
within your own breast, till you come to the person concerned. Tell every one under your care what you think wrong in his or
her conduct, and that lovingly and plainly, as soon as may be, else it will
fester in your heart. Make all haste to cast the fire out of your bosom. Avoid
all false show. A preacher of the Gospel is servant of all. Be ashamed of
nothing but sin. Be punctual. Do
everything exactly at the time; and do not mend our rules but keep them. You have
nothing to do but to save souls; therefore, spend and be spent in God's cause;
and go always, not only to those that want you, but to those that need you
most.
Observe, it is
not your business only to preach so many times, and take care of this or that
society, but to save as many as you can; to bring as many sinners to repentance
as you can, and with all your power to build them up in holiness, without which
they cannot see the Lord. Therefore you will need to exercise all the faith,
sense and grace you have.
Act in all
things not according to your own will, but as a son in the Gospel—in preaching
and visiting from house to house —in reading, meditation and prayer.
An ordained
minister leaving the active work of our society (except for reasons accepted by
the Annual Conference) shall forfeit his voice in his Conference until satisfaction
be given to said Conference.
Any minister who
has been passed at the preceding Annual Conference, and also at the preceding
Quarterly Conference may, at his request receive a transfer to any other Annual
Conference from the Presiding Elder of the District.
No Elder in our
Church shall be allowed to be a member in any Association or Society organized
with the object of making financial gain.
No minister shall
have charge of the same field longer than three years in succession, except by
two-thirds vote of the Annual Conference.
The travelling elders shall be stationed at the Annual Conference by a
committee consisting of the Presiding Elders and a number of or all the
delegates.
No minister of
our society shall be allowed to take active part in politics, and he shall
discourage the members of the same.
The travelling elders,
helpers, Sunday-school superintendents, class leaders, deacons, stewards and trustees
shall be held accountable to their charge for the faithful performance of their
official duties.
When a member is
transferred from one circuit to another, their transfer to be sent to the
pastor of said
--------
SECTION
XII.
THE
DUTIES OF PRESIDING ELDERS
.
Question.—-What are the duties of a Presiding
Elder?
Answer.— 1. To travel and preach in the district
assigned him.
2. To preside
over Quarterly and Annual Conferences.
3. In case of necessity, he has the power in
the interval between the Annual Conferences, to change or transfer preachers,
and to remove or suspend immoral ones within the bounds of his district, until
the next Annual Conference according to the direction of our Church Discipline.
4. He shall take
heed not to be remiss in attending to his appointed meetings, and in holding
Quarterly Conferences, and at his discretion he can appoint and hold grove meetings,
preach and exhort according to ability, and ever be intent to set his brethren in
office a good example in godliness.
5. He shall
take special care that our Discipline be inculcated in all its parts, within
the bounds of his district.
6. He has the
superintendence of all the societies within the bounds of his district.
7. He shall
hold missionary meetings at every appointment, with the assistance of the minister
in charge, and take up collections for the missionary cause.
8. The Presiding
Elder shall read the duties of officers once a year on each charge at the first
Quarterly Conference in the conference year.
9. He shall
preach once a year on each charge, on the duties of members towards their
minister.
10. He shall
give a report of the work on his field to the General Conference.
11. The chairman of the last Annual Conference in
the General Conference term shall bring a full summary statistical report of
the four years of his Conference to the General Conference. This report shall be compiled by the
Statistical Secretary of the last Annual Conference, audited, and handed over
to the chairman.
The Presiding
Elders are accountable to the Annual Conference of their district for the
performance of their official duties.
12. At the Last Quarterly Conference of the year,
the Presiding Elder with the Quarterly Conference shall determine the value of
church property on the various charges.
--------
SECTION
XIII.
EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE
1. The executive Committee shall consist of ordained unconditional ministers, members of General Conference. Lay delegates may also be elected if General Conference representatives of any Conference or Conferences should so desire. Each General Conference from time to time shall determine the number of members from the various Conferences according to the membership of the respective Conferences.
The Chairman of this committee shall be elected from among the ordained ministers who are members of this Committee.
Vacancies of the above Committee, if such occur for any reason, may be filled by the remaining members of the committee from among the members of the last General Conference.
2. In case
there be no Editor for any reason, the Executive Committee shall meet and elect
an Editor, who shall serve until the next General Conference.
3. The
Executive Committee shall examine the Editor in case any charges are preferred
against him, and if he be found guilty, and he does not meet the requirements
of the committee they shall have power to suspend him from his office until the
next General Conference where he shall be dealt with.
4. The Executive
Committee shall constitute a court of appeal, which shall, if necessary, hold a
session once a year, for the purpose of trying all appeals that may be taken by
any travelling preachers from the decision of an Annual Conference. The chairman
shall preside at the trial of appeal cases. Majority members of the committee shall constitute
a quorum.
5. The Executive
Committee shall meet whenever the chairman or any three members of the
committee shall deem it necessary, and a majority of the members elected shall
constitute a quorum for transacting business.
6. It shall have
charge of the publishing interests, subject to the regulations adopted by the
General Conference from time to time.
7. It shall
settle all disputes or appeals on boundaries between Annual Conferences.
--------
SECTION
XIV.
THE
EDITOR.
The Editor of the
Gospel Banner is elected at each General Conference by ballot for a General
Conference term. The duties of an Editor are:
1. To write or
select articles for the Gospel Banner which are in harmony with our Discipline.
2. He may ignore
or curtail any articles or testimonies of contributors in general which are
unsound or detrimental to the general interest of the readers of the Banner to
the best of his knowledge.
3. No Camp-Meeting report should cover more than
one page, no Presiding Elder's report more than one column, no Obituary or
death notice more than three inches, (ministers excepted), and no marriage
notice more than one inch. We allow no
general advertisements; a notice of a good book or periodical once accepted.
4. He is to send
the full subscription list of each charge annually to the Presiding Elder or
pastor of the charge at such time as may be agreed upon with each Annual
Conference, when each pastor will collect subscription money before the 15th of
January.
5. He shall
notify the Presiding Elder of any pastor who fails to collect subscription
money by the 15th of January.
6. He is held
responsible for the doctrines of all articles which appear in the Gospel Banner
with the exception of such which are contributed by associate Editors or endorsed
by any Annual Conference or Convention.
7. In case any associate Editor advocates, or Annual
Conference endorses any doctrines, rules, or regulations that are unsound or
not in harmony with our Discipline through the columns of the Gospel Banner,
the Editor shall not be held responsible, but such an associate Editor or
Annual Conference shall be denied their special rights by order of the Chairman
and the majority of the executive committee.
8. Any
member or preacher who in any way undermines the Editor may be reported by the
Editor or any one else to the Chairman of the
executive committee, who, with or through one or more of said committee will investigate
the matter; and if such an one is found guilty of the same, and does not render
satisfaction he shall be dealt with according to Discipline.
--------
CHAPTER
V.
CONFERENCES.
OUR
CONFERENCES ARE:
1. Quarterly.
2. Annual.
3. General.
The first is
held quarterly on each charge.
The second
annually on each conference district.
The third every
four years for the whole society.
All sessions are
to be opened and closed with singing and prayer.
Let all, upon conference
occasions, consider themselves as in the presence of God, and as laboring for
him. Let each be openhearted and speak freely the convictions of his heart. Let
the intermediate time be improved by private prayer for ourselves and one
another, and especially that God may direct the business transactions of the
conference.
All accounts of
the different conferences, Quarterly, Annual, and General, shall be audited at
the time of the several conferences, by two or more brethren as may be elected
for that purpose at the time.
--------
SECTION
I.
QUARTERLY
CONFERENCES.
1. Question.—Who
are the members of the Quarterly Conferences?
Answer.— All members
on the charge in good standing.
2. Q.—Who shall
appoint the time and place?
A.—The Presiding
Elder shall appoint the time on each charge, but the Quarterly Conference shall
appoint the place.
3. Q. Who shall
be the chairman of the Quarterly Conference?
A.—The Presiding Elder; but if he cannot be
present, he shall appoint a substitute.
The conference
is to choose the secretary for the occasion.
Then
Examine
The S. S. superintendents, class leaders, stewards,
deacons, helpers and itinerant preachers, whether they have been faithful, godly,
and unblamable in their demeanor, and to the charge entrusted
to their care; and whether the members have conducted themselves properly and
godly.
REVISION
OF CLASS BOOKS.
The class-books
of each minister in charge shall be revised annually at the last Quarterly Conference
on their respective charges. Members who
have moved away without reporting during the year, may be dropped according to
the discretion of the Quarterly Conference, providing the minister in charge has
done his duty towards them.
SECTION
II.
ANNUAL
CONFERENCES.
Question.— Who
are the members of the Annual Conference?
Answer.— All
ordained ministers (except such who are mentioned except such who are mentioned
as excepted in Chapter 4, Section 11), and all probationers who have charge of
a work assigned to them by the Annual Conference or by the Presiding Elder, and
one lay delegate from each charge elected by ballot at the last Quarterly
Conference in the Conference year.
Order
of Procedure.
1. Enrollment of
members and organization.
2. Adoption of
Rules and Regulations.
3. Appointment
of Committees.
4. The ministers
shall give in their reports.
5. Each minister
shall be examined with regard to his moral and official conduct and
whether he employs
as much time as practicable to promote the kingdom of God according to Titus 1:
7—9, and 2 Tim. 2: 15; and if charges should be brought, the defendant shall be
granted a hearing in the presence of the conference, and he shall be admonished
or advised as the case may require. But, should all admonitions or advice fail
in any case, then the name of the delinquent person shall be erased from Church
connection.
6. Committee
Reports.
7. What are the
statistics of the conference?
In order to
obtain these, each minister is requested to hand in the following schedule
properly filled out for his field of labor:
1. How many
presiding elders?
2. How many ordained minister
3. How many approved ministering sisters?
4. How many on
probation?
5. How many on
probation to be ordained?
6. How many
applicants for the ministry?
7. How many Q.
C. licensed preachers and evangelists?
8. How many deacons?
9. How many
stewards?
10. How many
baptized?
11. How many members are not baptized?
12. How many
received into church fellowship?
13. How many
received by transfer?
14. How many received by letter of recommendation
from other denominations?
15. How many members died during the past
year?
16. How many have withdrawn?
17. How many expelled?
18. How many dropped?
19. How many moved to other conferences?
20. How many transferred?
21. Increase of members?
22. Total increase of members?
23. Decrease of
members?
24. Total decrease of members?
25. Whole number of members?
26. How many appointments?
27. How many new appointments?
28. How many sermons preached?
29. How many pastoral visits?
30. How many prayer-meetings visited?
31. How often S. Schools visited?
32. How many classes?
33. How many new classes organized?
34. How many class leaders?
35. How many M. B. C. S. Schools?
36. How many new M. B. C. S. Schools organized?
37. How many
officers and teachers?
38. How many
scholars on roll?
39. What is the
average attendance?
40. How many Union
S. Schools?
41. How many
subscribers to GOSPEL BANNER?
42. How many new
subscribers received during past year?
43. How many
churches?
44. How many
parsonages?
45. What is the
supposed value of church property?
46. Increase of
church property?
47. Decrease of
church property?
48. Total increase of church property?
49. Total Decrease of church property?
50. How much
collected for church property?
51. How much
collected for parsonage rent?
52. How much
collected for S. Schools?
53. How much
collected in S. Schools for foreign missions?
54. How much
collected for ministers in cash?
55. How much
received in other contributions?
56. How much
collected for helpers?
57. How much
collected for home missions?
58. How much
collected for foreign missions?
59. How much
collected for repairing church property?
60. How much
collected for sexton and sundry expenses?
61. How much
collected for presiding elders?
62. How much
collected for tabernacle work?
63. How much
collected for evangelistic work?
64. How much
collected for missionary work?
65. How much
collected for camp meetings?
66. How much
collected for the poor?
67. How much
collected for S. School conventions?
68. How much
collected for self-denial fund?
69. How much
collected for Annual Conference fund?
70. How much
collected for Superannuation fund?
71. How much collected for beneficiary fund?
72. How much collected for General Conference
Fund?
73. How much
collected for other purposes?
74. ……..
……..
75. ……..
……..
76. Total amount
collected on your charge?
77. Name of
pastor.
8. Who are the preachers that are willing to
travel this year, according to the directions of the conference and our
Discipline, and what is their number?
9. Who
shall constitute the boundary, stationing and appropriating committee?
10. What is to be
done in the Home Missionary cause?
11. What is to be
done in the Foreign Missionary cause?
12. How are the
circuits and missions assigned to the preachers?
13. Election of
officers.
14. Where, and
when, shall our next conference session be held?
15. Have the
preachers given their successors sufficient information, and written appointments
of their fields of labor?
16. Is there any
other necessary business on hand?
17. After the
proceedings of this conference have been correctly recorded, and adopted by the
members, as a testimony of acquiescence and obedience, as in the sight of God,
then, after the conclusion, let every one cheerfully
and in peace, attend to his charge.
18. Mission conferences may be organized by any Annual
Conference when deemed advisable. These
shall receive financial support as mutually agreed upon. They shall be under
the supervision of their respective Annual Conferences until they are
recognized as independent Annual Conferences by the General Conference. We recommend that the Annual Conferences of
the various Mission Conferences be presided over by the Chairman of their
respective Annual Conferences. Minutes
of Mission Conferences shall not be submitted to the General Conference but
shall be examined by their respective Annual Conferences. Mission Conferences shall also submit
respectively a summary (Statistical and financial) report to their respective
Annual Conferences of the General Conference term or part of it and their
respective Annual Conferences shall incorporate it in their report to the
General Conference, and shall also submit such appeals from the Mission
Conferences, as they deem advisable.
——o
——
SECTION
III.
THE
GENERAL CONFERENCE.
Question.—Who
are the members of the General Conference?
Answer.—Presiding
Elders, Editor, Publisher, one delegate from every three hundred (300) members,
and an additional one in case the fraction of members is 200 or more, elected
by ballot at the last Annual Conference of General Conference term. The
delegates from the ministry shall be unconditional men. Every alternate delegate elected shall be a lay
member.
In no case shall more than one Presiding Elder
be a member of General Conference by virtue of his office except the membership
of his respective Annual Conference numbers 800. If the membership exceeds 800 then an
additional Presiding Elder may be a member of the General Conference, after
which an additional Presiding Elder may be a member of the General Conference
for each additional 600 members. No
Missionary Presiding Elder, City Mission President or Presiding Elder of a
Mission Conference shall hereafter be a member of a General Conference by
virtue of his office.
Q—Who shall
preside over the General Conference?
A—A chairman elected
from among the Presiding Elders.
Mode
of Procedure.
1. Election of
chairman and secretary.
2. Who are the
delegates?
3. What is their
number?
4. Address of
chairman.
5. Examination of
the transactions of our Annual Conferences.
6. Are there any
recommendations from the Annual Conferences to this Conference, with regard to
the rules, formulas and regulations of our Church, on hand?
7. Summary
statistics of our Church.
8. Is there
anything to be done with regard to the rules and regulations of the temporal
economy of our church?
9. How are the
Annual Conference districts arranged, and how are they named?
10. What books are
to be published? And what is the report concerning the printing and book
establishment?
11. Election of
officers of the printing and book establishment.
12. Any other
business concerning the printing and book establishment?
13. What is to be
done in the missionary cause?
14. What is to be
done in the Sabbath school cause?
15. Is there any
other business on hand?
16. Where and when
shall the next General Conference be held?
17. After the
proceedings of this conference have been correctly recorded, and adopted by the
members, as a sign of acquiescence and obedience, as in the sight of God, then,
after the conclusion, let every member cheerfully, and in peace, attend to his
charge.
CHAPTER
VI.
SUNDAY
SCHOOLS.
The
Constitution and Government Thereof.
1. In our
societies there shall be formed Sunday Schools, which shall, if possible, meet
each Sunday in the year, at an appropriate hour, for religious instruction
according to the Word of God as expounded in the standard of the Discipline.
2. When it is
deemed practicable to organize a school, the minister in charge shall make it
known to the Quarterly Conference, and if the Quarterly Conference deem it necessary,
then he shall proceed to organize a school by electing officers.
3. The management
of the school is to be entrusted to the superintendent (and the approval of the
minister in charge,) who shall be elected annually, at the close of the year, at
a regular meeting of the members of the Church, or if in a Sunday school
session the election be conducted by the Pastor.
4. There is
nothing to be introduced into the schools except by the consent of the Quarterly
Conference.
5. If any difficulties
should arise that cannot be settled in the school, they are to be left to the
Quarterly Conference.
CHAPTER
VII.
MEETING
HOUSES.
DIRECTIONS
CONCERNING THEIR ERECTION
AND
THE MEASURES TO BE ADOPTED
1. Let all our
buildings be kept plain, and not more expensive than necessary for comfort and
health, and with free seats
2. The titles of
the Church property shall be secured and deeded to a Board of Trustees or
Executive Board, according to the laws of the State, and their successors in
office, in trust as the property of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ.
3. The Quarterly
Conference shall elect a judicious board of trustees of three or more in
number, as may be legally required.
4. No member of
any local board of trustees shall serve longer than three years without
re-election. No person shall form a part
of the board of trustees who is not a member of our society.
5. Wherever it is
deemed necessary by the brethren of a charge or field to purchase a meeting
house, burial ground, or lot upon which to erect a house of worship, or a
parsonage, it shall be the duty of the officials to make it known to their
Quarterly Conference.
6. No board of
trustees shall commence building a meeting house or parsonage, or purchasing
lots, without first getting an act of incorporation, when the law of the State
requires it. They shall give an estimate of the necessary cost to procure the
lot and erect the house. They shall at no time proceed in the building of a
house before the means are at hand or sufficiently secured; and they must
always secure a lawful title for the grounds upon which they intend to build,
and when the means are sufficiently secured, they are to proceed according to
instructions given by the Quarterly Conference.
7. The trustees
shall hold meetings annually, or more frequently, if need be. They shall elect
chairman, and secretary and treasurer, from their number, and it shall be the
duty of the secretary to keep a correct record of all the business transactions
of the board in a book provided for that purpose, which shall at all times be
open for inspection by the Quarterly Conference of the charge. The treasurer
shall
receive all funds for meeting house, cemetery, and
parsonage purposes, and pay out of the same under the direction of the board.
The secretary shall report to the board the financial condition at their
several meetings.
8. The board
shall make an annual report to the last Quarterly Conference in the conference
year.
9. No trustee board
shall permit any outside party or parties to use the church without permission
from their pastor.
10. A building committee maybe elected by the
Quarterly Conference on special occasions, if called for.
CHAPTER
VIII
COURSE
OF READING FOR
PROBATIONERS
FIRST
YEAR
Bible.
"All about
the Bible," by Sidney Collett.
"Lessons in
Holiness," "Inheritance Restored," or "The Law of Liberty
in Spiritual Life" by Evan Hopkins.
"Philosophy
of the Plan of Salvation," Chap. 1 to 5 (inclusive).
"Newman's Church
History." (First half of Vol. 1).
SECOND
YEAR
Bible.
"Philosophy
of the Plan of Salvation." Chap. 6 to 12 (inclusive).
"Newman's
Church History." (Second half of Vol. 1).
"Reformed
Pastor."
"Divine Art
of Preaching," or "The Making of a Sermon."
"Knowing the
Scriptures." Chap. 1 to 27 (inclusive).
THIRD
YEAR
Bible.
"Philosophy
of the Plan of Salvation." Chap. 13 to end.
"Newman's
Church History." Vol. 2.
"'Nelson on
Infidelity," or "System of Christian Evidences" by Dr. L.
Keyser.
"Fletcher's Appeal."
"Knowing the
Scriptures." Chap. 28 to end.
"Jesus is
Coming" by Blackstone.
The following
books are optional with Annual Conferences: "Field's Theology" or
"Knowing the Scriptures" in the second and third years.
We recommend the
"History of The Mennonite Brethren in Christ" be read during the
first year:
That
"Holiness and the Human Element," by Baldwin be read during the
second year:
That "The
Holy Spirit," by Wilson T. Hogue be read during the third year.
Probationers
shall be examined by a written examination by a committee to be appointed by
the Annual Conference. They shall make 50 per cent on the marks given on any
book, and an average of 75 per cent on the whole in order to pass. No
probationer shall be ordained until he has passed the Course of Reading for
probationers, except foreign missionaries, who may be ordained without taking
the Reading Course according to the discretion of the respective Annual
Conference.
CHAPTER
IX.
LEGACIES.
Any persons, who
from love to the work of the Lord, desire to bequeath anything to the Mennonite
Brethren in Christ Society, in their last will or testament, be it money or the
worth of money, should devise it to the Annual Conference Trustees, to be
disposed of, according to the good will of the donor, in the missionary cause,
or support of the ministry; or, it can be left to the conference to be disposed
of, where most needed, for the advancement of the cause of Christ.