THE LIBRARY OF THE 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF 
 
 NORTH CAROLINA 
 
 AT CHAPEL HILL 
 
 THE COLLECTION OF 
 NORTH CAROLINIANA 
 
 PRESENTED BY 
 
 Curtis Booker 
 
 C286.2 
 C23f 
 
FOR USE ONLY IN 
 THE NORTH CAROLINA COLLECTION 
 
 THiSITEIVlMAYNOTBECOPItU 
 ON THE SELF-SERVICE COPIER 
 
 i. 
 
 Form No. A-368, Rev. 8/95 
 
FAITH AND PRACTICE 
 OF THE 
 
 CAPE FEAR 
 
 FREE-WILL BAPTIST 
 
 CONFERENCE 
 
 REVISED 1926 
 
 Press of 
 
 The Standard Printery 
 
 FalcoH, N. C. 
 
r" fop 
 
 FAITH 
 
 1 
 
 THE HOLY SCRIPTURES 
 
 These are the Old and New Testaments. 
 They were written by men divinely inspired, 
 and contain God's will as revealed to man. 
 They are a sufficient and infallible guide in 
 religious faith and practice, and the supreme 
 standard by which all human conduct, creeds 
 and opinions should be tried. 
 
 THE TRUE GOD 
 
 The Scriptures teach that there is only one 
 true and living God (Deut. 6 : 4; 1 Cor. 8 : 
 4; Jer. 10: 10; John 7:28; 2 Cor. 1:18; 1 
 John 5:20; 1 Tim. 6:17), who is a Spirit 
 (John 4:24; 2 Cor. 3:17), self-existent (Ex. 
 3:14; Psalm 83:18; John 5:26; Rev: 1:4), 
 eternal (Psalm 90:2; Deut. 33:27; Isa. 57: 
 IS; Rom. 1:20; 1 Tim. 1:17), immutable 
 (Mai. 3:6; Num. 23:19; James 1:17), omni- 
 present (1 Kings 8:27; Jer. 23:24; Psalm 
 139: 7-10; Isa. 57:15; Acts 17:24), omnis- 
 cient (Acts 15:18; 1 Chron. 28:9; Psalm 94: 
 9, 10; Acts 1:24;), omnipotent (Rev. 19:6; 
 Job 42:2; Psalm 135:6; Matt. 19:26; Mark 
 14 : 36; Luke 18:27), independent (Eph. 4:6 
 
4 DISCIPLINE 
 
 Job 9:12; Isa. 14:13, 14;, Daniel 4:35; Rom. 
 11:33-36), good (Psalm 11 9-: 68; 25:8; 106:. 
 1; 145:9; Matt. 19:17), wise (Rom. 16:27;. 
 Daniel 2:20; 1 Tim. 1:17; Jude 25), holy 
 (Lev. 19:2; Job 6:10; just (Deut. 32:4; 
 Psalm 92:15-; 1 1 9 : 13 7 ; Zeph. 3 : S),- and mer- 
 citul.(Eph. 2:4; Ex. 34:6; Neh. 9:17; Psalm 
 100:5), the Creator (Gen. 1:1; "Ex.'-2D-:il; 
 Psalm 33:6, 9; Col. 1:16; Heb. 11:3), Pre- 
 server (Neh. 9:6; Job 7:20; Col. 1:17; Heb.- 
 i::3) and Governor (Psalm 47:7; 2 Chrbh. 
 20:6; Psalm 95:3) of the Universe; the-Re^ 
 deemer (Isa. 47:4; Psalm 73:35; Prov. 23 •:• 
 11; Isa. 41:14; 59:20; Jer. 50:34), Saw^' 
 (Isa. 45:21; 43:3, 11; 49:26), Sanctifier (Ex. 
 31:13; 1 Thes. 5:23; Jude 1), and Judge 
 (Heb. 12:23; Gen. 18:25; Psalm 50:6; 2 
 Tim. 4:8) of men; and the only proper ob- 
 ject of divine worship (Ex. 34:14; 20:4,. .5; 
 Matt. 4:10; Rev. 19:10). 
 
 The mode of His existence, however, is a^ 
 subject far above the understanding of man 
 (Job 11:7; Isa. 40:28); finite beings can' not 
 comprehend Him (Rom. 11:33; Job 26:14),' 
 There is nothing in the universe that can 
 justly represent Him, for there is none like 
 Him (Ex. 9:14; 8:10; 1 Chron. 17:20)." .He 
 is the foundation of all perfection and happi- 
 ness. He is glorified by the whole inanimate 
 creation, and is worthy to be loved and served 
 by all intelligences (Psalm 19:1, 2; 145:10; 
 150:6). 
 
DISCIPLINE 5 
 
 t" BIVINE GOVERNMENT AND 
 PROVIDENCES 
 
 •• God . exercises a providential care and su- 
 perintendence over all His creatures (A(jts 
 l-7::23; Matt. 10:20; Psalm 104:13, 14;. job 
 14^S; Eph. 1:11), and governs the world, in 
 wisdom and mercy, according to the testi- 
 jnoriy of His Word (Psalm 22:28; 97:2; Isa. 
 33:22; Ex. 34:6; Job 36:5). God has en- 
 dowed man with power of free choice, and 
 governs him by moral laws and motives; and 
 the power of free choice is the exact measure 
 of his responsibility (Deut. 30:19; Isa. 1:18- 
 2P; John 5:40; Rom. 2:14, 15; Prov. 1: 
 2-4-28). ." 
 
 : , -All events are present with God from ever- 
 Lasting, to everlasting,, but His knowledge, of 
 them does not in- any sense cause them, nor 
 does He decree all events which He .knov\fs 
 will occur (Ezek. 33:11; Acts 15:11; i Saml 
 2:30; Ezek. 18:20, 25, 31; Jer. 44:4). 
 
 .CREATION, PRIMITIVE STATE OF 
 MAN AND HIS FALL 
 
 CREATION 
 
 God created the world and all things that 
 it -contains, for His own' pleasure and glory, 
 and for the enjoyment of His creatures (Rev. 
 
6 DISCIPLINE 
 
 4:11; Isa. 43:7; 1 Tim. 6.17). The angels 
 were created by God (Col. 1:16), to glorify 
 Him (Rev. 7:11), and obey His command- 
 ments (Psalm 103:20). 
 
 Those who have kept their first estate, He 
 employs in ministering blessings to the heirs 
 of salvation (Heb. 1:14; Jude 6), and in ex- 
 ecuting His judgments upon the world (2 Sam. 
 24:16; Rev. 16:1). 
 
 God created man, consisting of a material 
 body and a thinking, rational soul (Gen. 2:7). 
 He was made in the image of God to glorify 
 his Maker (Gen. 1:26, 27; 1 Cor. 6:20). 
 
 PRIMITIVE STATE OF MAN AND HIS FALL. 
 
 Our first parents, in their original state of 
 probation, were upright; they naturally pre- 
 ferred and desired to obey their Creator, and 
 had no preference or desire to transgress His 
 will (Eccl. 7:29; Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10), till 
 they were influenced and inclined by the 
 tempter to disobey God's commands. Pre- 
 viously to this, the only tendency of their na- 
 ture was to do righteousness. In consequence 
 of the first transgression, the state under 
 which the posterity of Adam came into the 
 world is so far different from that of Adam, 
 that they have not that righteousness and 
 purity which Adam had before the fall; they 
 are not naturally willing to obey God, but are 
 inclined to evil (Psalm 51:5; Rom. 8:7; Eph. 
 2:4; Psalm 58:3; Gen. 8:21; John 3:6; Gal. 
 5:19-21; Rom. 5:12). 
 
 \ - 
 
DISCIPLINE 7 
 
 Hence, none by virtue of any natural good- 
 ness and mere work of their own, can become 
 the children of God (John 6:44; 1 Cor. 2: 
 14); but all are dependent for salvation upon 
 the redemption effected through the blood of 
 Christ, and upon being created anew unto 
 obedience through the operation of the Spirit 
 (John 3:25; 1:13; Heb. 12:14; Col. 1:14; 
 Titus 3:5), both of which are freely provided 
 for every descendant of Adam (same as atone- 
 ment, which see). 
 
 CHRIST 
 
 Jesus Christ, the Son of God, possesses all 
 Divine perfections. As He and the Father 
 are one, He in His Divine nature filled all the 
 offices and performed the works of God to 
 His creatures that have been the subjects of 
 revelation to us. As man. He performed all 
 the duties toward God that we are required 
 to perform, repentance of sin excepted. 
 
 His divinity is proved from His titles. His 
 attributes and His works. The Bible ascribes 
 to Christ the titles of Savior (Isa. 45:25; 43: 
 10, 11; John 4:42; Phil. 3:20; 2 Tim. 1:10; 
 Titus 2:13), Jehovah (Psalm 83:18; Isa. 40: 
 3; Luke 1:76), Lord of Hosts (Isa. 8:13, 14; 
 1 Peter 2:4-6; Isa. 6:5; John 12:41), the 
 first and the last (Rev. 21:13; 1:1, 11; Isa. 
 44:6), God (1 Tim. 3:16; 1 John 3:16; John 
 1:1; Heb, 1:8; John 20;28, 29), true (5od 
 
S I5ISCIPLINE 
 
 (l-JohH^:5:2G), great God (Titus 2:13:).,. vGod 
 over all (Rom. 9:5), Mighty. God, and -the. 
 everlasting Father (Isa. 9:6). • ■' . • • 
 
 He is eternal (Col. 1:17; Micah 5:2;He.b; 
 1:8), unchangeable (Heb. 13:8; l:12)j om-.. 
 nipresent (John 3:13; Matt. 18:20^ 28:20; 
 Eph. 1:23), omniscient (John 16:30;- 2:25, 
 26; 21:17; Rev. 2:23), omnipotent (Col; 2: 
 8, 10; Matt. 28:18; Heb. 1:3; Rev. 1:8), 
 holy (Acts 3: 14; Luke 1:35; Heb. 7: 26-;. Rev. 
 3:7), and is entitled to Divine, worship- (Heb-.- 
 1:6; John 5:23; Phil. 2:10^11; Matt. 28:9; 
 Luke 24:52). ' ^ 
 
 Bv Christ the world was created (Heb. 1: 
 8, 10; John 1:3, 10; Col. 1:16); He pre- 
 serves (Heb. 1:3; Col. 1:17), and governs it 
 (I«av9:6; 1 Peter ^-.IZ; Eph. 1^:21); He has 
 provided redemption for all men (Eph. 1:7; 
 Heb. 9:12; Gal. 3:13; Isa. 44:6; 1 Peter 1: 
 18, 19; Rev. 5:9), and He will be their .final 
 Judge (2 Tim. 4:1; Matt. 25:31-46-; John 
 5::22). 
 
 The Word, which in the beginning was with 
 God, and which was God, by whom- all things 
 Were made, condescended to a state of humili- 
 ation in becoming like us, pollution • and sin 
 excepted (John 1:14; Phil. 2:6, 7; 2 Cor. 8: 
 9; Heb. 4:15). In this state, as a subject. of 
 the law. He was liable to the infirmities of 
 oiir nature (Heb. 2:17; Matt. 8:17; 4:2; 8: 
 24; John 11:33, 35; 19:28; Isa. 53:3^Luke 
 2-2:44); was tempted as we are (Heb. .4:15; 
 Matt.. 4: 1-11); but He lived our example, and 
 ^^hdered perfect obedience to the Divine re- 
 
DISCIPLINE ' 9 
 
 quirements (1 Peter 2:21; John 13:15; 1 
 John 2:6). As Christ was made of the seed 
 of David according to the iiesh, He is called 
 ^'^-The Son of Man (Isa. 42:21; Matt. 5:17; 
 3:15; Gal. 4:4); and as the Divine existence 
 is the fountain from which He proceeded, and 
 was the only agency by which He was begot- 
 ten (Luke 19:10), He is called the Son of 
 God (John 16:27; Matt. 1:18, 20), being the 
 only begotten of the Father (Luke 1:35; 
 Mark 1:1; John 1 : 34 ; 20 : 3 1 ) , and the only 
 incarnation 'of the Divine Being (John 3:16; 
 -1:18). 
 
 THE HOLY SPIRIT 
 
 "The Scriptures ascribe to the Holy Spirit 
 the acts of an intelligent being. He is said 
 to guide (John 16:13), to know (1 Cor. 2: 
 11); to niOve (Gen. 1:2; Acts 8:39)^ to give 
 information (Acts 10:19; 1 Cor. 2:13; Acts 
 21:11; John i4:26), to command (Acts 13: 
 2), to forbid (Acts 16:6), to send forth (Acts 
 13:4), to reprove (John 16:8; Gen. 6:3), and 
 to be. sinned against (Mark 3:29; Isa. 63:10i; 
 Acts 7:51; Eph. 4:30). The attributes of 
 God are ascribed to the Holy Spirit; such as 
 eternity (Heb. 9:14), omnipresence (Psalm 
 139:7)j omniscience (1 Cor. 2:10), goodness 
 (Neh. 9:20; Psalm 143:10), and truth (John 
 14:17J;- -The works of God are ascribed to 
 tile Holy'- Spirit; creation -(Job 33:4; 26:13-; 
 
10 DISCIPLINE 
 
 Psalm 104:30), inspiration (2 Peter 1:21), 
 giving of life (1 Peter 3:18; Rom. 8:11), and 
 sanctification (1 Cor. 6:11). 
 
 The same acts which in one part of the 
 Bible are attributed to the Holy Spirit are in 
 other parts said to be performed by God (Isa. 
 6:8, 9; Acts 28:25, 26; John 3:16; Matt. 1: 
 18). The apostles assert that the Holy Spirit 
 is Lord and God (2 Cor. 3:17; Acts 5:3, 4). 
 From the foregoing the conclusion is, that 
 the Holy Spirit is in reality God, and one 
 with the Father in all Divine perfections. It 
 has also been shown that Jesus Christ is God, 
 one with the Father. Then these three, the 
 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, are one God. 
 
 The truth of this doctrine is also proved 
 from the fact that the Father, the Son, and 
 the Holy Ghost are united in the authority 
 by which believers are baptized, and in the 
 benedictions pronounced by the apostles 
 (Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2), 
 which are acts of the highest religious wor- 
 ship. 
 
 7 
 
 THE ATONEMENT AND MEDIATION 
 OF CHRIST 
 
 As sin can not be pardoned without a sac- 
 rifice, and the blood of beasts could never 
 wash away sin, Christ gave Himself a sacri- 
 fice for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2; 
 Isa. 53:5; 10:11; Rom. 4:25; Matt. 20:28; 
 
DISCIPLINE II 
 
 1 Peter 3:18; John 1:29; Heb. 9:26; Rom. 
 5:6-8), and thus made salvation possible for 
 all men (Titus 2:11; Heb. 2:9; 1 Tim. 2:6; 
 Isa. 45:22; 2 Peter 3:9; 2 Cor. 5:14, 15; 1 
 Tim. 4:10). 
 
 He died for us, suffering in our stead, to 
 make known the righteousness of God, that 
 He might be just in justifying sinners who 
 believe in His Son (Rom. 3:25, 26; 5:9, 18; 
 Matt. 26:28; Eph. 1:7; Rev. 1:9; 1 Peter 
 2:24). Through the redemption effected by 
 Christ, salvation is actually enjoyed in this 
 world, and will be enjoyed in the next, by all 
 who do not in this life refuse obedience to the 
 known requirements of God (Rom. 5:18; 8: 
 1; Mark 16:15; Rom. 2:14, 15). The atone- 
 ment for sin was necessary (Heb. 9:22; Eph. 
 1:7; Rom. 5:19). For present and future 
 obedience can no more blot out our past sins 
 than past obedience can remove the guilt of 
 present and future sins. Had God pardoned 
 the sins of men without satisfaction for the 
 violation of His law, it would follow that 
 transgression might go on with impunity, gov- 
 ernment would be abrogated, and the obliga- 
 tion of obedience to God would be, in effect, 
 removed. Our Lord not only died for our 
 sins, but He arose for our justification (Rom. 
 4:25; 1 Cor. 15:17), and ascended to heaven 
 (Acts 1:11; Mark 16:19), where as Mediator 
 between God and man He will make interces- 
 sion for men until the final judgment (Heb. 
 7:25; Rom. 8:34; Heb. 9:24; 1 Tim. 2:5; 1 
 Cor. 15:24). 
 
a DISCIPLINE 
 
 8 
 
 THE GOSPEL CALL 
 
 - The call of the Gospel is coextensive with 
 the atonement to all men (Mark 16:15; Isa. 
 45:22; Prov. 8:4; Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17), 
 both by the Word and the Striving of the 
 Spirit (Joel 2:28; John 16:18; 1:9; Isa. 55: 
 11; Luke 2:10; so that salvation is rendered 
 equally possible to all (1 Tim. 2:4; Acts 10: 
 34; Ezek. 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9), and if any 
 fail of eternal life, the fault is wholly their 
 Own (Hosea 13:9; Prov. 1:24-31; Isa. 65: 
 12; Jer. 7:13, 14; Zech. 7:11, 13; John 5: 
 40; Matt. 23:37). 
 
 REPENTANCE 
 
 The repentance which the Gospel requires 
 includes a deep conviction, a penitential sor- 
 row, an open confession, a decided hatred, 
 and an entire forsaking of all sin (2 Cor. 7: 
 10; Psalm 51:17; Prov. 28: 13; Psalm 32:3, 5, 
 Ezek. 36:31; Psalm 51:3, 4; Ezek. 18:30). 
 This repentance God has enjoined on all men: 
 and without it in this life, the sinner must per- 
 ish eternally (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:5; Acts 
 3:19). 
 
DISCIPLINE 13 
 
 ■ ;io ■ .r:^ ,. 
 
 FAITH 
 
 Saving faith is an assent of the mind to the 
 fundamental truths of revelation (Heb. 11:1, 
 6; John 5:46, 47; Rom. 10:9) ; an acceptance 
 of the Gospel through the influence of the 
 Holy Spirit (Rom. 10:10; Gal. 5:22; 1 Cor. 
 12:8, 9) ; and a firm confidence and trust in 
 Christ (Acts 16:31; John 3:16; Rom. 4:20, 
 22; Eph. 3:12). The fruit of faith is obedi- 
 ence to the Gospel (James 2:17; Gal. 5:6; 
 1 Tim. 1:5). The power to believe is the gift 
 of God (Phil. 1:29; 2 Peter 1:1; Eph. 2:8); 
 but believing is an act of the creature which 
 is, required as a condition for pardon, and 
 without which the sinner can not obtain sal- 
 vation (John 3:36; Mark 16:16; John IS : 2 1 , 
 24; Heb. 11:6). All men are required to be- 
 lieve in Christ; and those who yield obedi- 
 ence to His reqquirements become the chil- 
 dren of God by faith (John 1:7; Gal. 3:26; 
 Acts 10:43; Rom. 5:1; John 3:15). 
 
 ::■■■ ,■■;••: . . II 
 
 REGENERATION 
 
 As man is a fallen and sinful being, he must 
 be regenerated in order to obtain salvation 
 (John 3:3; Heb. 12:14; Rev. 21:27; Gal. 5: 
 19-21). This change is an instantaneous re- 
 newal of the heart by the Holy Spirit (John 
 3jjS/;-l:13i Ezek.:36:26^ IXl Titus 3:S^:Eph, 
 
14 DISCIPLINE 
 
 2:10), whereby the penitent sinner receives 
 new life, becomes a child of God (Rom. 8: 
 16; John 1:12; 5:25; James 1:18; 2 Cor, 5: 
 17), and disposed to serve Him (Ezek. 11:19, 
 20; 1 Peter 2:5). This is called in Scripture 
 being born again, born of the Spirit (John 3: 
 5, 6, 8; 1 John 4:7; 5:1), being quickened 
 (Eph. 2:1; Psalm 119:50, 93; Eph. 2:5; Col. 
 2:13), passing from death unto life (John 5: 
 24; 1 John 3:14), and a partaking of Divine 
 nature (2 Peter 1:4; Heb. 3:14). 
 
 12 
 
 JUSTIFICATION 
 
 Personal justification implies that the per- 
 son justified has been guilty before God; and 
 in consideration of the atonement of Christ, 
 accepted by faith, the sinner is pardoned and 
 absolved from the guilt of sin, and restored 
 to the Divine favor (Rom. 5:1, 16; Acts 13: 
 39; Isa. 53:11). Though Christ's atonement 
 is the foundation of the sinner's redemption, 
 yet without repentance and faith it can never 
 give him justification and peace with God 
 (Acts 13:19; Heb. 4:2; 11:6; Rom. 9:31, 32; 
 Acts 13:38, 39). 
 
 13 
 
 SANCTIFICATION 
 
 Man's Side. — A complete consecration of 
 himself and all hi^ t9 Q9Cl and His service 
 
DISCIPLINE IS 
 
 (Rom. 12:1; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; Lev. 20:7; 2 
 Cor. 7:1; 1 Cor. 10:31; Mai. 3:10; Luke 12: 
 22, 23; 14:25-33). 
 
 God's Side. — Is an intantaneous work of 
 God's grace in a believer's heart whereby the 
 heart is cleansed from all sin and made pure 
 by the blood of Christ; it is obtained by faith 
 and is subsequent to regeneration. The 
 Christian can and should abide in this state 
 unto the end of life, constantly growing in 
 grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ (1 Thes. 4:3; John 17:17; 1 Thes. 5: 
 23; Heb. 13:12; Eph. 5:26; 1 John 1:7; Lev. 
 20:8; Heb. 9:13, 14; 2 Tim. 2:20, 21; Heb. 
 2:11; 10:1-22; Luke 24:49; Acts 2:1-4; 15: 
 8, 9; 26:16-18; 1 Cor. 1:30; 1 John 4:16-18). 
 
 14 
 
 BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST 
 
 We believe that the baptism of the Holy 
 Ghost may be obtained by a definite act of 
 appropriating faith on the part of the fully 
 cleansed believer, and that the first evidence 
 of the reception of this experience is the speak- 
 ing with other tongues as the Spirit gives ut- 
 terance (Luke 11:13; Acts 1:5; 2:1-4; 8:17). 
 
 15 
 
 GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT. 
 
 We believe that it is the privilege of the 
 Spirit-baptized believer to enjoy the benefits 
 
16 . DISCIPLINE 
 
 of spiritual gifts — wisdom, knowledge, faith, 
 gifts of healing, working of miracles, proph- 
 ecy, discerning of spirits, divers kinds of 
 tongues, and the interpretation of tongues (1 
 Cor. 12:1-14), and that these gifts are sep- 
 arate and apart from the baptism. 
 
 16 
 
 PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS 
 
 . There are strong grounds to hope that the 
 truly regenerate will persevere unto the end 
 and be saved through the power of Divine 
 grace which is pledged for their support 
 (Rom. 8:38, 39; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Cor. 12:9; 
 Job 17:9; Matt. 16:18; John 10:27, 28; Phil. 
 1:6); but their future obedience and final 
 salvation are neither determined nor certain, 
 since, through infirmity and manifold temp- 
 tations, they are in danger of falling; they 
 ought therefore to watch and pray, lest they 
 make shipwreck of their faith and be lost (2 
 Chron. 15:2; 2 Peter 1:10; Ezek. 33:18; John 
 15:6; 1 Cor. 10:12; Heb. 6:6; 12:15; 1 
 Chron. 28:9; Rev. 2:4; 1 Tim. 1:19; 2 Peter 
 2:20, 21; 1 Cor. 9:27; Matt. 24:13). 
 
 17 
 
 THE SABBATH 
 
 This is one day in seven, which, from the 
 creation of the world, God has set apart for 
 sacred rest and holy service (Gen. 2:3; Mark 
 2:27j Neh. 9:14). 
 
DISCIPLINE 17 
 
 Under the former dispensation the seventh 
 day of the week, as commemorative of the 
 work of creation, was set apart for the Sab- 
 bath (Ex. 20:8-11). Under the Gospel, the 
 first day of the week, in commemoration of 
 the resurrection of Christ, and by authority 
 of the apostles, is observed as the Christian 
 Sabbath (Luke 24:1-7; 33:36; John 20:19, 
 26; Acts 2:1; 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2; Rev. 1:10; 
 Psalm 118:22-24). On this day all men are 
 required to refrain from secular labor, and 
 devote themselves to the service of God (Isa. 
 58:13, 14; 56:2; Ex. 20:8-11). 
 
 In these days when the Sabbath is being 
 desecrated by so many, we as a church feel it 
 our duty to take a stand against the practice 
 of buying and selling on Sunday, attending 
 meetings for worldly amusement, visiting 
 pleasure resorts, promiscuous and question^ 
 able joy-riding, etc., on the Sabbath. -" 
 
 18 
 
 WORLDLY AND SINFUL AMUSEMENTS 
 
 We believe that it is decidely against the 
 Christian character and influence of all people 
 to engage in dancing and card-playing, and to 
 attend fairs, shows, carnivals, etc; going to 
 swimming lakes and pools and bathing with 
 mixed crowds in the modern half-nude style 
 bathing suits, or in any suits without being 
 well chaperoned. Church members who prac^ 
 tise the things mentioned above should be ad- 
 monished and treated as in other offences. 
 
IS DISCIPLINE 
 
 19 
 
 TEMPERANCE 
 
 To be temperate is to abstain from the use 
 of all intoxicating liquors, be moderate in eat- 
 ing, avoiding immodest styles and fashions of 
 the world; leaving off those things that will 
 make us conform to the ways of the world. 
 "Abstain from all appearance of evil " is a 
 good motto. 
 
 Members of the Free-Will Baptist Church 
 who persist in the use of intoxicating liquors, 
 after they have been admonished, are to be 
 excluded. 
 
 We believe that the use of tobacco in any 
 form is in direct opposition to the principles 
 of gospel temperance, and should be discon- 
 tinued by our entire membership, and espe- 
 cially those who are ministers of the Gospel. 
 Our churches and Sunday schools should dis- 
 courage every form of intemperance, and do 
 what they can to encourage the enforcement 
 of the prohibition laws and regulations. 
 
 20 
 
 TITHING 
 
 While the individual member of the church 
 is left free to decide for himself the amount he 
 should give to God's cause, we believe that 
 one-tenth of our net income belongs to God. 
 While this was practised under the law, in- 
 stead of repealing, as some would have us be- 
 
DISCIPLINE 19 
 
 lievc, Jesus endorsed it (Matt. 23:23). For 
 other Scriptures on tithing, see Gen. 28:22; 
 Lev. 27:30; Mai. 3:8-10. 
 
 21 
 
 DIVORCE 
 
 We believe that there is only one Scrip- 
 tural reason for divorce, and that is, fornica- 
 tion, or adultery, on the part of the person 
 from whom the divorce is desired. We do not 
 believe that there is any Scripture that sets 
 either the husband or wife free to marry again 
 so long as both parties live (Matt. 5:32; 19: 
 9; Luke 16:18; Rom. 7:3; 1 Cor. 7:10). 
 
 22 
 
 THE CHURCH 
 
 The Church is an organized body of believ- 
 ers in Christ, who statedly assemble to wor- 
 ship God, and who sustain the ordinances of 
 the Gospel agreeably to His Word ( 1 Cor. 1 : 
 2; Acts 2:41, 47; 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1, 2; Rev. 
 1:4). In a more general sense it is the whole 
 body of Christians throughout the world, and 
 none but the regenerate are its real members 
 (Eph. 5:25, 27; 1:22,23; 1 Cor. 12:27, 28; 
 Col. 1:18, 24; 1 Peter 2:5; John 18:36; IS: 
 2, 6). Believers are admitted to a particular 
 Church on their giving evidence of faith, being 
 baptized and receiving the hand of felowship 
 (Acts 2:41; 8:12; Gal. 3:27). 
 
^0 DISCIPLINE 
 
 23 
 THE GOSPEL MINISTRY 
 
 Qualifications of Ministers, — ^They 
 must Dossess good natural and acquired 
 abilities (2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Tim. 4:13-16; Titus 
 1:9; 2:7, 8; 2 Tim. 1:7; 2:2; 1 Tim. 3:2-7), 
 deep and ardent piety (Psalm 50:16; 2 Tim. 
 1:8-11, 14; 2:22; 3:5;'Titus 1:5-9; 1 Cor. 
 2:12-16), be specially called of God to the 
 work (Acts 20:28; Heb. 5:4; 1 Cor. 9:16; 
 Acts 13:2), and ordained by the laying on of 
 hands (1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6; Acts 13:3). 
 
 Duties of Ministers. — ^They are to preach 
 the Word (Mark 16:15; 2 Tim. 4:2; 2 Cor. 
 4:5; Ezek. 33:7), administer the ordinances 
 of the Gospel (Matt. 28:19; Luke 22:19, 20; 
 Acts 20:11; 27:35; 1 Cor. 11:23-28; 10:16), 
 visit their people, and otherwise perform the 
 work of faithful pastors (Heb. 13:17; 1 Peter 
 5:2; Acts 20:28, 31; Jer. 3:15). 
 
 24 
 
 ORDINANCES OF THE GOSPEL 
 
 Christian Baptism. — This is the immer- 
 sion of believers in water in the name of the 
 Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost (Matt. 
 28:19; Col. 2:12; Acts 8:36-39; Matt. 3:16 
 Mark 1:5; John 3:23; Acts 16:32-34; 2:41) 
 in which are represented the burial and resur- 
 rection of Christ, the death of Christians to 
 the world, the washing of their souls from th^ 
 
DISCIPLINE 21 
 
 pollution of sin, their rising to newness of life, 
 their engagement to serve God, and their res- 
 surrection at the last day (Rom. 6:4; Col. 3: 
 3; 2:12; Titus 3:5; Gal. 3:27; 1 Cor. 15:29). 
 
 The Lord's Supper. — This is a commem- 
 oration of the death of Christ for our sins, in 
 the use of bread, which He made the emblem 
 of His broken body; and the cup, the emblem 
 of His shed blood (1 Cor. 11:23-26; Matt. 
 26:26^28; Luke 22:19, 20). And by it the 
 believer expresses his love for Christ, his faith 
 and hope in Him, and pledges to Him perpet- 
 ual fidelity (1 Cor. 10:16, 21; 11:27-29). It 
 is the privilege and duty of all who have spir- 
 itual union with Christ thus to commemorate 
 His death; and no man has a right to forbid 
 these tokens to the least of His disciples (1 
 Gor. 10:17; Matt. 26:27; Rom. 14:1, 10; 1 
 C^r, 12:12-27; Acts 2:42; 20:7). ' 
 
 Feet-Washing. — This is a sacred ordi' 
 nance of humility, instituted by our Lord 
 Jesus Christ and enjoined upon His disciples 
 as a duty to be observed by them. In this He 
 set the example (Matt. 28:19, 20; John 13: 
 1-17). • 
 
 ■ ■Laying on of Hands. — In this the be- 
 liever is taught to receive the gift of the Holy 
 Ghost (Acts 8:14-17; 19:6). 
 
 DEATH AND THE INTERMEDIATE 
 
 STATE 
 P-eath.— As the result of sin, all mankind 
 
22 DISCIPLINE 
 
 are subject to the death of the body (Rom. S: 
 12; Heb. 9:27; 1 Cor. 15:22; Psalm 89:48; 
 Eccl. 8:8). 
 
 Intermediate State. — The soul does not 
 die with the body; but immediately after 
 death, it enters into a conscious state of hap- 
 piness or misery, according to the moral char- 
 acter here possessed (Eccl. 12:7; Phil. 1:23; 
 Luke 23:43; Matt. 17:3; 22:31, 32; Acts 7: 
 59; Matt. 10:28; 2 Cor. 5:8; Luke 16:22- 
 26; Rev. 6:9). 
 
 26 
 SECOND COMING OF CHRIST 
 
 The Lord Jesus, who ascended on high and 
 sits at the right hand of God, will come again 
 to close the gospel dispensation, glorify His 
 saints, and judge the world (Acts 1:11; Matt. 
 25:31; 1 Cor. 15:24-28; 1 Thes. 4:15-17; 2 
 Thes. 1:7, 10; 2 Peter 3:3-13; Matt. 24: 
 12-14). 
 
 27 
 THE RESURRECTION 
 
 The Scriptures teach the resurrection of the 
 bodies of all men at the last day, each in its 
 own order; they that have done good will 
 come forth to the resurrection of life, and they 
 that have done evil, unto the resurrection of 
 damnation (John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15; 1 
 Cor. 15:22, 23; 2 Tim. 2:18; Phil. 3:21; 1 
 Cor. 15:35-44; Daniel 12:2). 
 
DZSaPLIKB 23 
 
 28 
 
 THE GENERAL JUDGMENT AND 
 FUTURE RETRIBUTION 
 
 There will be a general judgment, when 
 time and man's probation will close forever 
 (Acts 17:31; 1 Cor. 15:24; Rev. 10:6; 22: 
 11; 2 Peter 3:11, 12; Eccl. 9:10). Then all 
 men will be judged according to their works 
 (2 Cor. 5:10; Eccl. 12:14; Matt. 12:36; Rev. 
 20:12; Rom. 2:16). Immediately after the 
 general judgment the righteous will enter into 
 eternal life, and the wicked go into a state of 
 endless punishment (Matt. 25:40; 2 Thes. 1: 
 8-10; Rom. 6:23; 2 Peter 1:11; Mark 3:29; 
 9:43, 44; Jude 7; Rev. 14:11; 11:7, 8, 27; 
 Matt. 13:41-43; Rom. 2:6-10). 
 
 CHURCH COVENANT 
 
 Having been brought, as we believe, by Di- 
 vine grace to accept the Lord Jesus as our 
 Savior and Preserver, wo do now solemnly and 
 joyfully covenant and agree, by God's help, 
 to walk together in brotherly love. 
 
 We, therefore, enter into covenant as mem- 
 bers of this Church and as Christians, that 
 
24 DISCIPLINE 
 
 we will watch over each other in love, shar- 
 ing together each other's joys and sorrows; 
 that we will not forsake the assembling of our- 
 selves together, nor omit the great duty of 
 prayer for ourselves and others; that by. Di- 
 vine assistance we will endeavor to bring, yp 
 those under our care in the nurture and admor 
 nition of the Lord; that in all things we will 
 strive to exemplify our profession by a cor-, 
 responding practice, to abstain from all sin* 
 ful conformity to the world; to be just in our 
 dealings, faithful in our engagements, and ex- 
 emplary in all our deportment; that we will 
 abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating 
 liquors as a beverage; that we will sustain. th§ 
 worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines 
 of this Church; that we will contribute cheer- 
 fully, according to our ability, to the support 
 of the ministry, the expense of the church, the 
 relief of the poor and the general spread of 
 the Gospel. 
 
 In keeping this solemn Covenant, may we 
 ever enjoy the blessings and presence of the 
 Great Head of the Church. 
 
 PRACTICES 
 
 /THE ORGANIZATION OF THE ;"V 
 
 CHURCH ;; !': 
 
 When any number of believers desire to be 
 organized into a Free- Will Baptist Church; 
 
DISCIPLINE 25; 
 
 they are examined by one or more regular^ 
 Free-Will Baptist ministers in reference to: 
 their Christian character, doctrines, and abil- 
 ity to sustain a church. If the examination is 
 satisfactory, the applicants are organized into 
 a ichurch as follows : 
 
 'uThe Bible is presented as the only rule of 
 faith and practice. 
 
 r The Church Covenant recorded in this Dis- 
 cipline is adopted. 
 
 A prayer of consecration is offered. 
 The hand of fellowship is given. Then of- 
 ficers are elected. 
 
 OFFICERS 
 
 ■The officers of the Church are Clerk, Treas- 
 urer, Deacons, Deaconesses, Finance Commit-- 
 tee and Pastor. 
 
 ■Clerk. — It is the duty of the Clerk to 
 keep a church book, and in it record the 
 Church Covenant, the names of the members, 
 and all the proceedings of the Church, in the 
 exercise of its discipline and management of 
 its temporal affairs. He also signs all letters 
 land other communications made by authority 
 Df .the Church. 
 
 Treasurer. — It is the Treasurer's duty to 
 eceive all the money belonging to the Church, 
 and pay out the same by order of the Church. 
 He should keep a correct account of all re- 
 ceipts and expenditures, and make a full 
 statement of the same to the Church at tb© 
 
26 DISCIPLINE 
 
 end of each Conference year, or oftener, if 
 so ordered by the Church. 
 
 Deacons. — They are elected for life or dur- 
 ing good behavior. They should be men dis- 
 tinguished among their brethren for piety and 
 benevolence. Before entering upon the du- 
 ties of their office, they are ordained by the 
 pastor or other regular minister. Ordination 
 consisting of charge, laying on of hands, and 
 prayer. It is their duty to serve at the Lord's 
 table, to distribute of the bounty of the 
 Church among its needy members, to visit the 
 sick, to assist the pastor in promoting order 
 and attendance upon the means of grace, to 
 see that efficient Scriptural discipline be en- 
 forced in the Church, and to conduct religious 
 meetings in the absence of the pastor. 
 
 Finance Committee. — These have the 
 general management of the finances of the 
 Church, subject to the Church's control. 
 
 Deaconesses. — They assist the Deacons 
 and Finance Committee, in visiting the sick, 
 in collecting funds and distributing among 
 the needy members, and enforcing proper dis- 
 cipline among the female members. 
 
 Pastors. — Each Church elects its own Pas- 
 tor, upon such terms as may be agreed upon 
 between the parties themselves. It is the pas* 
 tor's duty faithfully to preach the Word, to 
 have the general superintendence of the 
 Church, to be himself an example to the flock, 
 to visit the members, especially the sick, as he 
 has opportunity, and to do all in his power 
 to promote the religious interests of the 
 
DISCIPLINE 27 
 
 Church which he serves, and to advance the 
 cause of Christ among men. 
 
 GOVERNMENT 
 
 RECEPTION OF MEMBERS 
 
 Any person who gives evidence of a change 
 of heart, profess faith in the Lord Jesus 
 Christ, and has been immersed by a proper 
 administrator, is received to membership by 
 a vote of the Church. From other churches, 
 immersed persons are received by letter. No 
 one, against whom any valid objection is 
 made, is received to membership. When any 
 member objects to the reception of an appli- 
 cant, the matter is deferred until the Church 
 can ascertain the nature of the objection. If, 
 in the opinion of the Church, the objection 
 is not a valid one, the applicant may be re- 
 ceived. Excluded members are received again 
 only when they confess their errors and give 
 evidence of repentance. Persons excluded 
 from other churches are not received, unless 
 it be made evident that they were excluded 
 upon unjustifiable grounds. The hand of fel- 
 lowship is extended to all who are received 
 into the membership of the Church. 
 
28: DISCIPLINE 
 
 •-DISMISSION OF MEMBERS £^ > 
 Only members in good standing are dis- 
 missed from the Church, and these for no 
 other reason than to unite with some other 
 Church. Such members receive letters of hon- 
 orable dismission and commendation, but are 
 under the watch-care of the same Church 
 until they are received into some other. 
 
 A withdrawal without such letter of com- 
 rnendation is equivalent to excommunication, 
 slM treated as such by the Church. 
 
 -PRINCIPLES OF DISCIPLINE 
 
 Offences that may require the exercise of 
 discipline are either private or public. Pri- 
 vate offences are such as are from their nature 
 known to very few persons; public offences 
 include all others. In the case of private, in- 
 dividual transgression, the offender is admon- 
 ished privately by the Deacon, and if satis- 
 faction is given, the case is carried no further ; 
 but if satisfaction is not given, the case is re- 
 ported to the Church for final action. In case 
 of private grievance in which two or more 
 members are concerned, the aggrieving and 
 aggrieved parties should be brought together 
 by the Deacons and the matter settled pri- 
 vately if possible. No such case is allowed 
 to come before the Church except as directed 
 in Matt. 18:15-17. 
 
 When a member is openly at variance with 
 his fellowman, whether it be a member of the 
 
msciPLiNB ^9 
 
 Church or not, he shall be required to make a 
 reasonable effort to become reconciled ax> 
 cording to Matt. 6:14, 15; Mark 11:25, 26i 
 
 When two or more members are openly at 
 variance, or when a member is walking in a 
 disorderly manner by general report, the 
 Church, through a Committee or otherwise, 
 calls the offender or offenders to account ; and 
 in the presence of such offenders — unless 
 they refuse to be present, then in their abr 
 sence — the Church examines into the nature 
 of the offence or the character of the general 
 reports; if the parties are found guilty and 
 do not give satisfactory evidence of penitence, 
 after suitable discipline, they are excluded 
 from the Church. 
 
 If a member habitually absents himself 
 from the meetings of the Church, refuses to 
 bear his proportionate part of the Church ex- 
 penses, or casts his influence against the 
 Church, he is admonished by the Deacon, and 
 if he still persist, his case is brought before 
 the Church as one for discipline. 
 
 A Minister, if found guilty of transgres- 
 sion or heresy, is brought to trial and acquit- 
 ted or convicted like any other member; only 
 in the Minister's case the Church calls a coun- 
 cil of two or more Ministers to advise with 
 her in respect to her final action. 
 
 We wish to exhort laymen and ministers to 
 guard carefully and prayerfully against con- 
 tracting debts that are liable to bring about 
 financial embarrassment. 
 
so DISCIPLXNE 
 
 It often happens that men make and prom- 
 ise to pay accounts in good faith, but they fail 
 to meet their obligations, for causes that they 
 can not control. 
 
 We do not know of many things that have 
 been more hurtful to ministers in all denomi- 
 nations than to have obligations along this 
 line that they can not or will not pay. 
 
 Ministers and lay members of our churches 
 who fail to make a reasonable eflfort to meet 
 their financial obligations should be disci- 
 plined as for other offences. 
 
 MEETINGS OF THE CHURCH 
 
 Each Church meets as often as practicable 
 for the public worship of God. 
 
 The times of celebrating the Lord's Supper, 
 Washing Feet, and of Business Meetings, are 
 arranged by each local Church to suit its own 
 convenience. Generally these meetings are 
 monthly or quarterly. Business Meetings pre- 
 ceding the Lord's Supper. 
 
 Each Church is required to observe the Or- 
 dinances. Foot-washing follows the Lord's 
 Supper. 
 
 Conference of Business Meetings are opened 
 and closed with suitable devotional exercises. 
 The Pastor acts as Moderator of the Business 
 Meetings of the Church. In the absence of 
 the Pastor, the Church may meet when it is 
 necessary and attend to ordinary Church busi- 
 ness; but no member is excluded in the ab- 
 
DISCIPLINE 
 
 U^ 
 
 Sence of the Pastor. All Business Meetings 
 are conducted according to certain Rules of 
 Order, 
 
 THE MINISTRY 
 
 When a Church has satisfactory evidence 
 that one of her members has been called of 
 God to preach the Gospel, she grants him a 
 license to preach, signed by the Pastor and 
 Clerk. This license is generally for one year, 
 but may afterwards be renewed by the 
 Church. 
 
 A Church desiring the ordination of a mem- 
 ber, who has been previously licensed, recom- 
 mends him to the Ordaining Council. 
 
 This Council examines him on the principal 
 doctrines of the Bible and the practices of the 
 Free-Will Baptist Church. 
 
 If he is found worthy, the Council furnishes 
 him with a certificate of ordination, after they 
 have ordained him by the laying on of hands, 
 prayer, a charge, the hand of fellowship and 
 a sermon. 
 
 The Council shall sign the certificate, and 
 among his brethren he bears the title of Elder. 
 
 When a minister of another denomination 
 desires to unite with the Free-Will Baptists, 
 he first becomes a member of some Free-Will 
 Baptist Church; then in his case the proceed- 
 ings are the same as those in ordaining a li- 
 centiate through the examination, and instead 
 
^2, DISCIPLINE 
 
 of a second ordination, his former certificate 
 is endorsed by the Council. 
 
 INDEPENDENCE OF THE CHURCHES, 
 ETC. 
 
 Each local Church is a distinct and inde- 
 pendent organization, with full authority to 
 manage its own internal affairs, elect its offi- 
 cers, receive, dismiss, discipline, and exclude 
 members. But this principle of the independ- 
 ence of each Church is not held as a law of 
 isolation; on the contrary. Churches conve- 
 niently situated associate and cooperate in all 
 things which tend to advance the common 
 cause. Councils are, therefore, called in the 
 organization of a Church and the settlement 
 of serious difficulties. On the same principles, 
 the Churches meet by delegation in the An- 
 nual Conferences, etc. 
 
 The Annual Conference being the highest 
 tribunal, shall have final jurisdiction over the 
 local churches. 
 
 CONSTITUTION 
 
 Article 1. This body shall be known as 
 The Cape Fear Free-Will Baptist Conference. 
 
 Akt. 2. The object of this Conference shall 
 be to promote Christ's Kingdom among men 
 
DISCIPLINE S3 
 
 by means in strict conformity to the Holy 
 Scriptures, 
 
 Art. 3. This Conference shall be composed 
 of the ministers who are members of churches 
 belonging to the body, and of delegates from 
 these churches, each church being entitled to 
 three delegates. 
 
 Art. 4. The delegates from each Church 
 shall bear to the Conference a letter certify- 
 ing their appointment, showing the condtion 
 and statistics of the Church, and giving a 
 statement of all funds raised during the year 
 for denominational or other benevolent pur^ 
 poses. 
 
 Art. S. The officers of this body shall be a 
 Moderator, a Treasurer, Corresponding and 
 Recording Secretary, who shall be elected for 
 a term of two years, and said election to take 
 place one year prior to their entering upon 
 the duties of said office. 
 
 Art. 6. This Conference may, at each reg- 
 ular meeting, elect as many Boards or Stand- 
 ing Committees as may be necessary in carry- 
 ing out its benevolent purposes. These shall 
 keep a record of their proceedings and make 
 a report at each regular meeting of this Con- 
 ference. 
 
 Art. 7. Any Church desiring to become a 
 member of this body shall present her peti- 
 tion at a regular session of Conference, 
 through delegates appointed for that purpose. 
 If she be received, the Moderator shall extend 
 to her delegates the hand of fellowship. 
 
 AsT. 8. The Conference may extend to vis< 
 
34 DISCIPLINE 
 
 iting brethren all privileges of the body, save 
 that of voting. 
 
 Art. 9. This Constitutioii may be amend- 
 ed at any regular session by vote of four-fifths 
 of the members present. 
 
 RULES OF ORDER 
 
 MOTIONS 
 
 A motion must be made by one member, 
 seconded by another, and afterwards stated 
 by the Moderator, before it is debated. A 
 motion shall be reduced to writing by the 
 mover, at the demand of any one member. 
 
 All resolutions shall be submitted in writing. 
 
 A motion or resolution may be withdrawn 
 at any time before a decision or amendment 
 by the Conference. 
 
 Any motion or resolution containing more 
 than one distinct proposition shall be divided, 
 provided the call for a division be sustained 
 by a majority. 
 
 No motion to amend shall be in order be- 
 yond a motion to amend the amendment. 
 
 No amendment relating to a different sub- 
 ject shall be in order. 
 
 A motion lost shall not be recorded except 
 so ordered at the time. 
 
 SPEAKING 
 
 When a member speaks or offers a motion, 
 he should rise and respectfully address the 
 
DISCIPLINE 35 
 
 Moderator, confine himself to the question 
 under consideration, and avoid all personality 
 or unkind and disrespectful language. 
 
 When two or more members rise to speak 
 at the same time, the Moderator shall decide 
 who is entitled to the floor. 
 
 While a member is speaking, no one shall 
 interrupt him except to call him to order, ask 
 leave to explain or make explanation. The 
 one allowed to explain shall confine himself 
 strictly to an actual misunderstandig of lan- 
 guage which may need explanation. 
 
 If the speaker yield the floor to another, he 
 can not claim it again. 
 
 No member shall speak more than twice, 
 or longer than fifteen minutes each time, on 
 any question, without leave of the Conference, 
 which leave shall be granted without debate. 
 
 All conversation, by whispering or other- 
 wise, which is calculated to disturb the speak- 
 er or hinder the transaction of business, and 
 passing between the speaker and the chair, 
 shall be out of order. 
 
 COMMITTEES 
 
 Committees shall be nominated by Confer- 
 ence (no member being allowed to nominate 
 more than one on the same Committee), and 
 the nomination then confirmed by vote; or 
 the Committee may be named by the Modera- 
 tor by request of the Conference. 
 
 The member first named on a Committee 
 shall be its chairman to call the Committee 
 together, but after it is convened, the Com- 
 
36 DISCIPLINE 
 
 mittee may elect its own chairman and sec- 
 retary. 
 
 Any subject under debate, or any matter 
 of business, may be referred to a Committee, 
 with or without instructions. 
 
 All reports of Committees shall be made in 
 writing, signed by a majority. When a ma- 
 jority report is followed by a minority report 
 from the same Committee, the former, after 
 being read, shall lie on the table until the lat- 
 ter is presented, after which it may be con- 
 sidjered. 
 
 A report of a Committee may be recommit- 
 ted, when necessary for further investigation, 
 or to present it in some more acceptable form. 
 
 All reports when read shall be considered 
 as properly before the body, without a motion 
 to accept. 
 
 VOTING 
 
 Voting shall be done by " aye " and " nay," 
 by standing up when a vote is close, or when 
 it becomes necessary to count the affirmative 
 and negative, and in special cases by ballot. 
 
 The Moderator, in case of a tie, may give 
 the casting vote. 
 
 All members should vote on one side or the 
 other, unless excused. 
 
 No motion, discussion, or other business, 
 shall be admitted while the vote is being 
 taken. 
 
DISCTPLINE 37 
 
 LAYING ON THE TABLE 
 
 Immediate action upon any question may 
 be deferred by laying on the table to special 
 time or indefinitely. In the same way ques- 
 tions may be postponed. 
 
 PRIVILEGE QUESTIONS 
 
 When a motion or resolution is before the 
 body, the only motions in order shall be: 1st, 
 to adjourn; 2nd, previous question; 3rd, to 
 lay on the table; 4th, to postpone indefinitely; 
 Sth, to postpone to a definite time; 6th, to 
 refer; 7th, to divide, if division is admissible; 
 Sth, to amend — to take precedence as here- 
 in arranged. 
 
 Motions to adjourn, when to adjourn sim- 
 ply, to take the previous question, and to lay 
 on the table, must be decided without debate. 
 
 FILLING BLANKS 
 
 Names suggested for filling blanks shall be 
 voted on in order of their nomination; when 
 different numbers and times are proposed, the 
 greatest number and longest time shall be 
 voted on first. 
 
 RECONSIDERATION 
 
 A motion to reconsider a motion previously 
 passed must be made by one who voted in the 
 affirmative when the motion passed, and if a 
 vote to reconsider is lost, it can not be re- 
 newed during the session. 
 
3.8: DISCIPLINE 
 
 ORDER OF BUSINESS FOR LOCAL 
 CHURCH QUARTERLY MEETINGS 
 
 1. Call to order for business. 
 
 2. Roll call. 
 
 3. Read minutes of last meeting. 
 
 4. Confessions. 
 
 5. Censures. 
 
 6. Unfinished business. 
 
 7. Report of deacons. 
 
 8. Report of committees. 
 
 9. Report of treasurer of finance committee. 
 
 10. New business. 
 
 11. Miscellaneous business. 
 
 12. Adjournment. 
 
 CEREMONIES 
 
 SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY 
 
 The persons to be married, standing to- 
 gether, the man on the right hand and the 
 woman on the left, the Minister shall say: 
 
 Dearly Beloved: We are gathered together 
 here in the sight of God and in the face of 
 this company to join this man and this woman 
 in holy matrimony, which is commended of 
 St. Paul to be honorable among all men; and 
 therefore is not to be entered into unadvisedly 
 or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, soberly, 
 and in the fear of God. Into this holy estate 
 these two persons present come now to be 
 joined. If any person or persons can show 
 
DISCIPLINE 39 
 
 just cause why they may not lawfully be 
 joined together, let them now speak, or else 
 forever hold their peace. 
 
 Speaking to the persons to be married he 
 shall say: 
 
 I require and charge you both, as ye will 
 answer in the day of judgment, when the se- 
 crets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if 
 either of you know any impediment why ye 
 may not be lawfully joined together in matri- 
 mony, ye do now confess it; for be well as- 
 sured that if any persons are joined together 
 otherwise than as God's Word doth allow, 
 their marriage is not lawful. 
 
 If no impediment shall be alleged or sus- 
 pected, the Minister shall say to the man: 
 
 Man, wilt thou have this woman to thy 
 wedded wife, to live together after God's or- 
 dinance, in the holy estate of matrimony? 
 Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and 
 keep her, in sickness and in health, and, for- 
 saking all others, keep thee only unto- her, so 
 long as you both shall live? 
 
 The man shall answer, I will. 
 
 Then shall the Minister say to the woman: 
 
 Woman, wilt thou have this m.an to be thy 
 wedded husband, to live together after God's 
 ordinance, in the holy estate of matrimony? 
 Wilt thou obey him and serve him; love, 
 honor, and keep him, in sickness and in health, 
 and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto 
 him, so long as you both shall live? 
 
 - The woman shall answer,. I will, 
 
40 DISCIPLINE 
 
 Then shall the Minister join their right 
 hands together, and say: 
 
 Those whom God hath joined together, let 
 no man put asunder. 
 
 Then the Minister shall speak to the com- 
 pany: 
 
 Forasmuch as this man and this woman 
 have consented together in holy wedlock, and 
 have witnessed the same before God and this 
 company, and thereto have given and pledged 
 their troth, each to the other, and have de- 
 clared the same by joining hands, I pronounce 
 that they are man and wife, in the name of 
 the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy 
 Ghost. Amen. 
 
 Then the Minister may add this blessing: 
 
 God the Father, God the Son, and God the 
 Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; 
 the Lord mercifully with His favor look upon 
 you, and fill you with all spiritual benedic- 
 tion and grace; that you may so live together 
 in this life, that in the world to come you may 
 have life everlasting. Amen. 
 
 FUNERAL SERVICES 
 
 The general order of service in a private 
 house shall be: 
 
 Reading of Scripture. 
 
 Address. 
 
 Prayer. 
 
 Benediction. 
 
 The service may be opened by singing, and 
 
DISCIPLINE 41 
 
 other songs may be sung at the discretion of 
 the Minister. 
 
 OPENING SERVICES. 
 
 I am the resurrection and the life: he that 
 believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet 
 shall he live; and whosoever liveth and be- 
 lieveth in Me shall never die. John 11 :25, 26. 
 
 I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that 
 He shall stand at the latter day upon the 
 earth: and though after my skin worms de- 
 stroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see 
 God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine 
 eyes shall behold, and not another. Job 19: 
 25-27. 
 
 The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; 
 the name of the God of Jacob defend thee. 
 Psalm 20:1. 
 
 God is our refuge and strength; a very 
 present help in trouble. Therefore will we 
 not fear, though the earth be removed, and 
 though the mountains be carried into the 
 midst of the sea; though the waters thereof 
 roar and be troubled, though the mountains 
 shake with the swelling thereof. Psalm 46: 
 1-3. 
 
 For Thou hast been a strength to the poor, 
 a strength to the needy in his distress, a ref- 
 uge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, 
 when the blast of the terrible ones is as a 
 storm against the wall. Isa. 25:4. 
 
 Verily, verily, I say unto you. The hour is 
 coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear 
 
42 DISCiPLINE 
 
 the voice of the Son of God: and they that 
 hear shall live. John 5:25. 
 
 And this is the will of Him that sent Me, 
 that every one which seeth the Son, and be- 
 heveth on Him, may have everlasting life; 
 and I will raise him up at the last day. John 
 6:40. 
 
 I am the living bread which came down 
 from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he 
 shall live forever: and the bread that I will 
 give is My flesh, which I will give for the life 
 of the world. John 6:51. 
 
 These things I have spoken unto you that 
 in Me ye might have peace. In the world 
 ye shall have tribulation: but be of good 
 cheer; I have overcome the world. John 
 16:33. 
 
 Blessed be God, even the Father of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and 
 the God of all comfort; who comforteth us 
 in all our tribulation, that we may be able to 
 comfort them which are in trouble, by the 
 comfort wherewith we ourselves are com- 
 forted. 2 Cor. 1:3, 4. 
 
 MORTALITY 
 
 Man that is born of woman is of few days 
 and full of trouble. He cometh like a flower, 
 and is cut down: he fieeth like a shadow, and 
 continueth not. And dost thou open thine 
 eyes upon such a one, and bringest me into 
 judgment with Thee? Who can bring a clean 
 thing out of an unclean? not one. Seeing his 
 days are determined, the number of his montha 
 
DISCIPLINE 43 
 
 are with Thee; Thou has appointed his bounds 
 that he can not pass; turn from him that he 
 may rest, till he shall accomplish, as an hire- 
 ling, his day. Job 14:1-6. 
 
 Job 14:7-14 may be read also. Psalm 39: 
 4:13 and Psalm 90:9-17 can be used at the 
 choice of the Minister. 
 
 confiiJence. 
 
 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is 
 within me, bless His holy name. Bless the 
 Lord, my soul, and forget not all His bene- 
 fits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who 
 healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy 
 life from destruction; who crowneth thee with 
 lovingkindness and tender mercies; who sat- 
 isfieth thy mouth with good things; so that 
 thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. The 
 Lord executeth righteousness and judgment 
 for all that are oppressed. Psalm 106: 1-6. 
 
 The Lord is my Shepherd: I shall not 
 want. He maketh me to lie down in green 
 pastures He leadeth me beside the still waters. 
 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the 
 paths of righteousness for His name's sake. 
 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the 
 shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou 
 art with me: Thy rod and Thy staff they com- 
 fort me. Thou preparest a table before me in 
 the presence of mine enemies: Thou anoint- 
 est my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 
 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all 
 tbe days of my life, and I shall dwell in the 
 
44 DISCIPLINE 
 
 house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23. Psalm 
 27 may be read also. 
 
 FUNERAL OF A LITTLE CHILD 
 
 At the same time came the disciples unto 
 Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the king- 
 dom of heaven? And Jesus called a little 
 child unto him, and set him in the midst of 
 them, and said, Verily, I say unto you, Ex- 
 cept ye be converted, and become as little chil- 
 dren, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of 
 heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble 
 himself as this little child, the same is greatest 
 in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall 
 receive one such little child in My name, re- 
 ceiveth Me. But whosoever shall offend one 
 of these little ones which believe in Me, it 
 were better for him that a millstone were 
 hanged about his neck, and that he were 
 drowned in the depth of the sea. Matt. 18: 
 1-6. 
 
 And they brought young children unto Him, 
 that He should touch them: and His disciples 
 rebuked those that brought them. But when 
 Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and 
 said unto them: Suffer the little children to 
 come unto Me, and forbid them not; for of 
 such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say 
 unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the 
 kingdom of Go.d as a little child, he shall not 
 enter therein. And He took them up in His 
 arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed 
 them. Mark 10:13-16. 
 
DISCIPLINE 45 
 
 FOR A YOUNG MAN 
 
 And it came to pass the day after, that He 
 went into a city called Nain; and many of 
 His disciples went with Him, and much peo- 
 ple. Now when He came nigh to the gate of 
 the city, behold, there was a dead man carried 
 out, the only son of his mother, and she was 
 a widow: and much people of the city was 
 with her. And when the Lord saw her, He 
 had compassion on her, and said unto her, 
 Weep not. And He came and touched the 
 bier: and they that bare him stood still. And 
 he said. Young man, I say unto thee. Arise. 
 And he that was dead sat up, and began to 
 speak. And he delivered him to his mother. 
 And there came a fear on all: and they glori- 
 fied God, saying, that a great prophet is risen 
 up among us; and, that God hath visited His 
 people. And this rumor of Him went forth 
 throughout all Judea, and throughout all the 
 region round about. Luke 7:11-17. 
 
 Eccl. 11:7-10 may be read if desired. 
 
 FOR A YOUNG WOMAN 
 
 And when Jesus was passed over again by 
 ship unto the other side, much people gath- 
 ered unto Him: and He was nigh unto the 
 sea. And behold, there cometh one of the 
 rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and 
 when he saw Him, he fell at his feet, and be- 
 sought Him greatly, saying, My little daugh- 
 ter lieth at the point of death: I pray Thee, 
 come and lay Thy hands on her, that she may 
 
46 DISCIPLINE 
 
 be healed; and she shall live. And Jesus went 
 with him ; and much people followed Him, and 
 thronged Him. 
 
 While he yet spake, there came from the 
 ruler of the synagogue's house certain which 
 said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest 
 thou the Master any further? As soon as 
 Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He 
 saith unto the ruler of the synagogue. Be not 
 afraid, only believe. And He suffered no man 
 to follow Him, save Peter, and James, and 
 John, the brother of James. And He cometh 
 to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and 
 seeth the tumult, and them that wept and 
 wailed greatly. And when He was come in. 
 He saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, 
 and weep? The damsel is not dead, but 
 sleepeth. And they laughed Him to scorn. 
 But when He had put them all out, he taketh 
 the father and mother of the damsel, and 
 them that were with Him, and entereth in 
 where the damsel was lying. And He took 
 the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, 
 Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted. 
 Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straight- 
 way the damsel arose, and walked; for she 
 was of the age of twelve years. And they 
 were astonished with a great astonishment. 
 Mark 5:21-24; 35-42. 
 
 FUNERAL OF A VIRTUOUS W^OMAN 
 
 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her 
 price is far above rubies, The heart of her 
 
DISCIPLINE 47 
 
 husband doth safely trust in her, so that he 
 shall have no need of spoil. She will do him 
 good and not evil all the days of her life. She 
 seeketh wool and flax, and worketh willinglj'^ 
 with her hands. She is like the merchants' 
 ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She 
 riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth 
 meat to her household, and a portion to her 
 maidens. Prov. 31:10-15. 
 
 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple 
 named Tabitha, which by interpretation is 
 called Dorcas: this woman was full of good 
 works and almsdeeds which she did. And it 
 came to pass in those days, that she was sick, 
 and died: whom when they had washed, they 
 laid her in an upper chamber. And foras- 
 much as Lydia was nigh to Joppa, and the dis- 
 ciples had heard that Peter was there, they 
 sent unto him two men, desiring him that he 
 would not delay to come to them. Then 
 Peter arose and went with them. When he 
 was come, they brought him into the upper 
 chamber; and all the widows stood by him 
 weeping,' and showing the coats and garments 
 which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 
 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled 
 down, and prayed; and turning him to the 
 body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened 
 her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 
 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, 
 and when he had called the saints and wid- 
 ows, presented her alive. And it was known 
 throughout all Joppa; and many believed in 
 the Lord. Acts 9:36-42. 
 
48 DISCIPLINE 
 
 FUNERAL OF AN AGED PERSON 
 
 Remember now thy Creator in the days of 
 thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor 
 the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I 
 have no pleasure in them; while the sun, or 
 the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not 
 darkened, nor the cloud return after the rain: 
 in the day when the keepers of the house shall 
 tremble, and the strong men shall bow them- 
 selves, and the grinders cease because they 
 are few, and those that look out of the win- 
 dows be darkened. And the doors shall be 
 shut in the streets, when the sound of the 
 grinding is low; and he shall rise up at the 
 voice of the bird, and all the daughters of 
 music shall be brought low; also when they 
 shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears 
 shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall 
 flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a bur- 
 den, and desire shall fail: because man goeth 
 to his long home, and the mourners go about 
 the streets: or ever the silver cord be loosed, 
 or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher 
 be broken at the fountain, or the wheel be 
 broken at the cistern. Then shall the dust 
 return to the earth as it was; and the spirit 
 shall return unto God who gave it. Eccl. 12: 
 1-7. 
 
 Job 5:17-27 may be read if preferred. 
 
 RESURRECTION. 
 
 But some man will say. How are the dead 
 raised up? and with what body dp they come? 
 
DISCIPLINE 49 
 
 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not 
 quickened, except it die: and that which thou 
 sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall 
 be, but bare grain; it may chance of wheat, 
 or some other grain: but God giveth it a body 
 as it hath pleased Him, and to every seed his 
 own body. All flesh is not the same flesh: 
 but there is one kind of flesh of men, another 
 of fishes, another of birds. There are also ce- 
 lestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the 
 glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of 
 the terrestrial is another. There is one glory 
 of the sun, and another glory of the moon, 
 and another glory of the stars; for one star 
 differeth from another star in glory. So also 
 is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown 
 in corruption, it is raised in incorruption ; it 
 is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it 
 is sown a natural body, it is raised a, spiritual 
 body. And so it is written. The first man 
 Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam 
 was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that 
 was not first which is spiritual, but that which 
 is natural; and afterwards that which is spir- 
 itual. The first man is of the earth, earthy; 
 the second man is the Lord from heaven. As 
 is the earthy, such are they also that are 
 earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they 
 also that are heavenly. And as we have borne 
 the image of the earthy, we shall also bear 
 the image of the heavenly. Now this say, 
 brethren, that flesh and blood can not inherit 
 the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption 
 inherit incorruption. 1 Cor. 15: 35-50. 
 
so DISCIPLINE 
 
 . I would not have you to be ignorant, breth- 
 ren, concerning them which are asleep, that 
 ye sorrow not, even as others, which have no 
 hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and 
 rose again, even so them also which sleep in 
 Jesus, will God bring with Him. For this we 
 say unto you by the word of the I,ord, that 
 we which are alive and remain unto the com- 
 ing of the Lord shall not prevent them which 
 are asleep. For the Lord Himself shall de- 
 scend from heaven with a shout, with the 
 voice of the archangel, and with the trump of 
 God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 
 then we which are alive and remain shallbe 
 caught up together with them in the clouds, to 
 meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever 
 be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one 
 another with these words. 1 Thes. 4:13-18. 
 
 Matt. 28:1-10 may be read if desired. 
 
 Arriving at the grave, the Minister may 
 read the following: 
 
 As for man, his days are as grass: as a 
 flower of the field, so he fiourisheth. For the 
 wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the 
 place thereof shall know it no more. But the 
 mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to ever- 
 lasting, upon them that fear Him, and His 
 righteousness unto children's children. Psalm 
 103:15-17. 
 
 Psalm 46:1-3, or John 5:28, 29, may also 
 be read. 
 
DISCIPLINE 51 
 
 COMMITTAL 
 
 And now it becometh us, in resignation to 
 the will of God our Heavenly Father, to com- 
 mit the mortal part of the one we have Ipved, 
 to the ground — earth to earth, ashes to ashes, 
 dust to dust — thankful for His adorable gift 
 of Christ our Savior, who has abolished death, 
 and brought life and immortality to light 
 through the gospel. 
 
 Then he may read or repeat Rev. 14:13. 
 
 PRAYER OR BENEDICTION 
 
 Now unto Him that is able to keep you 
 from falling, and to present you faultless be- 
 fore the presence of His glory with exceeding 
 joy, to the only wise God our Savior, he glory 
 and majesty, dominion and power, both now 
 and forever. Amen. Jude 25. 
 
 SONGS FOR FUNERAL SERVICES 
 
 What a Friend We Have in Jesus 
 
 What a Friend we have in Jesus, 
 
 All our sins and griefs to bear; 
 What a privilege to carry 
 
 Everything to God in prayer. 
 Oh, what peace we often forfeit. 
 
 Oh, what needless pain we bear' 
 All because we do not carry 
 
 Everything to God in prayer. 
 
S2 DISCIPLINE 
 
 Have we trials and temptations? 
 
 Is there trouble anjrwhere? 
 We should never be discouraged, 
 
 Take it to the Lord in prayer. 
 Can we find a friend so faithful, 
 
 Who will all our sorrows share? 
 - Jesus knows our every weakness, 
 
 Take it to the Lord in prayer. 
 
 Safe/ in the Arms of Jesus 
 
 !Safe in the arms of Jesus, 
 
 Safe on His gentle breast, 
 There by His love o'ershaded, 
 
 Sweetly my soul shall rest. 
 Hark, 'tis the voice of angels 
 
 Borne in a song to me, 
 Over the fields of glory. 
 
 Over the jasper sea. 
 
 Jesus, my heart's dear refuge, 
 
 Jesus has died for me; 
 Firm on the Rock of Ages 
 
 Ever my trust shall be. 
 Here let me wait with patience. 
 
 Wait till the night is o'er; 
 Wait till I see the morning 
 
 Break on the golden shore. 
 
DISCIPLINE S3 
 
 Asleep in Jesus '^ ' 
 
 Asleep in Jesus! blessed sleep, 
 From which none ever wakes to weep; 
 A calm and undisturbed repose, 
 Unbroken by the last of foes. 
 
 Asleep in Jesus! O how sweet 
 To be for such a slumber meet; 
 With holy confidence to sing 
 That death has lost its venomed sting. 
 
 Asleep in Jesus; peaceful rest, 
 Whose waking is supremely blest; 5 
 
 No fear, no woe, shall dim that hour 
 That manifests the Savior's power. 
 
 The Sweet By and By 
 
 There's a land that is fairer than day, 
 And by faith we can see it afar; 
 
 For the Father waits over the way, 
 To prepare us a dwelling place there. 
 
 Chorus. — In the sweet by and by 
 We shall meet on that beautiful shore. 
 
 We shall sing on that beautiful shore 
 The melodious songs of the blest, 
 
 And our spirits shall sorrow no more, 
 Not a sigh for the blesings of rest. 
 
 To our bountiful Father above 
 We will offer our tribute of praise, 
 
 For the glorious gift of His love, 
 And the blessings that hallow our days. 
 
54 DISCIPLINE 
 
 DEDICATION OF A CHURCH 
 
 Several Ministers should be invited to as- 
 sist in the exercises. 
 
 Opening song. 
 
 Either of the following Scriptures may be 
 read, at the discretion of the Minister: 
 
 Gen. 28:10-22; Heb. 10:19-25; 2 Chron. 
 6:12-21; Psalm 48; Psalm 84; Psalm 122 
 Matt 16:13-20; Eph. 2:10-22; Psalm 133 
 John iO: 17, 18; 11-26; 1 Cor. 3; Heb. 10 
 19-26. 
 
 Sermon. 
 
 The offering may be taken. 
 
 The officers of the church shall then ad- 
 dress the Minister through one of their num- 
 ber as follows: 
 
 " God has been gracious to us, and through 
 His goodness we have been enabled to build 
 this house as a place in which to worship 
 Him. We thank Him for it. It is His house, 
 not ours} therefore we present it to you to be 
 set apart from all unholy or common uses, in 
 the name of the Father, and of the Son, and 
 of the Holy Ghost." 
 
 Congregation respond: " So may it be." 
 
 The congregation standing, the Minister 
 shall say: 
 
 " We heartily thank God for putting it into 
 the hearts of His people here to biiild this 
 house for His worship. He has graciously 
 blessed them in the work, and enabled them 
 to coinplete it in His name, and for His-^lory. 
 
DISCIPLINE SS 
 
 Therefore we solemnly dedicate it to His ser- 
 vice for the reading and preaching of His bles- 
 sed Word; for the administration of His ordi- 
 nances, and for other acts of religious wor- 
 ship. 
 
 " We heartily desire that these walls may 
 continually serve to set forth His most worthy 
 praise, and trust that He may make here His 
 abiding place, and manifest His adorable maj- 
 esty and glory. 
 
 " Now that He may accept this house as 
 the work of our hands and add His approval 
 to the same, let us devoutly pray." 
 
 All join in prayer, to be led by the one se- 
 lected for that purpose. 
 
 Close by song and benediction. 
 
INDEX 
 
 Amusements, worldly 17 
 
 Atonement 10 
 
 Baptism of the Holy Ghost IS 
 
 Baptism, water 20 
 
 Ceremonies 38 
 
 Christ 7 
 
 Church covenant 23 
 
 Clerk 25 
 
 Committal Service 51 
 
 Constitution 32- 
 
 Committees 35 
 
 Creation 5 
 
 Divine government 5 
 
 Divorce 19 
 
 Deacon 26 
 
 Deaconesses 26 
 
 Death 21 
 
 Dedication of a church 54 
 
 Dismission of members 28 
 
 Faith :. 13 
 
 Finance committee 26 
 
 Filling blanks 37 
 
 Foot-washing 21 
 
 Funeral services 40 
 
 Funeral of a little child 44 
 
 Funeral of a young man 45 
 
 Funeral of a young woman 45 
 
 Funeral of a virtuous woman 46 
 
 Funeral of an aged person ..^ 48 
 
 Gifts of the Spirit IS 
 
 Government 27 
 
 Holy Scriptures 3 
 
INDEX— Continued 
 
 Independence of the churches 32 
 
 Intermediate state 22 
 
 Justification 14 
 
 Laying on of hands 21 
 
 |,§,ying on the table 37 
 
 Meetings of the church 30 
 
 Motions 34 
 
 ^cers 2 5 
 
 Order of business 38 
 
 Pastors 26 
 
 ^Perseverance of the saints 16 
 
 jPrayer or benediction at a funeral 51 
 
 primitive state of man, and the fall 5 
 
 Principles of discipline 28 
 
 Privilege question 37 
 
 jReception of members 27 
 
 Regeneration 13 
 
 Repentance 12 
 
 Reconsideration 3 7 
 
 Rules of order 34 
 
 Sanctification 14 
 
 Second coming of Christ 22 
 
 Solemnization of n^atrimony 38 
 
 Songs for funeral service 51 
 
 Speaking 34 
 
 The gospel call 12 
 
 The Holy Spirit 9 
 
 The Sabbath 16 
 
 The true God 3 
 
 T&mperance 18 
 
 The Church 19 
 
 The gospel ministry 20 
 
 The Lord's Supper 21 
 
INDEX— Continued 
 
 The general judgment and future retri- 
 bution 23 
 
 The ministry 31 
 
 The resurrection 22 
 
 The Scripture on the resurrection 48 
 
 The organization of the church 24 
 
 Tithing 18 
 
 Treasurer 25 
 
 Voting 36 
 
IM 
 
 :1P