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

XXI. Of the Marriage of Ministers

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

XXII. Of the Rites and Ceremonies of Churches

¶28. It is not necessary that rites and ceremonies should in all places be the same, or exactly alike; for they have been always different, and may be changed according to the diversity of countries, times, and men's manners, so that nothing be ordained against God's word. Whosoever, through his private judgment, willingly and purposely doth openly break the rites and ceremonies of the Church to which he belongs, which are not repugnant to the word of God, and are ordained and approved by

common authority, ought to be rebuked openly, that others may fear to do the like, as one that offendeth against the common order of the Church, and woundeth the consciences of weak brethren.

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

XXIII. Of the Rulers of the United States of America

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

XXIV. Of Christian Men's Goods

930. The riches and goods of Christians are

1The Twenty-Third Article of Religion in the Disciplines of all our Churches in foreign lands shall read:

"XXIII. Of the Duty of Christians to the Civil Authority.

"It is the duty of all Christians, and especially of all Christian ministers, to observe and obey the laws and commands of the governing or supreme authority of the country of which they are citizens or subjects, or in which they reside, and to use all laudable means to encourage and enjoin obedience to the powers that be."

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

XXV. Of a Christian Man's Oath

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

THE TEXT OF THE ARTICLES OF RELIGION

I HEREBY certify that the text of the Articles of Religion contained in this edition of the Discipline has been compared by me with the standard text, and has been found to be in agreement therewith. GILBERT T. ROWE, Book Editor.

NASHVILLE, TENN., June 15, 1926.

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CHAPTER II

THE CONFERENCES

SECTION I

OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE

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

¶32. Ans. 1. The General Conference shall be composed of one clerical member for every forty-eight members of each Annual Conference and an equal number of lay members. Of the lay members from an Annual Conference, one may be a local preacher.

¶33. Ans. 2. The clerical representatives shall be elected by the clerical members of the Annual Conference: provided, that such representatives shall have been traveling preachers at least four calendar years next preceding their election (4671), and are in full connection with an Annual Conference when elected, and also at the time of holding the General Conference. The lay representatives shall be elected by the lay members of the Annual Conference: provided, that such representatives be twenty-five years of age, and shall have been members of our

Church for at least six calendar years next preceding the time of their election, and also at the time of holding the General Conference.

¶34. Ans. 3. An Annual Conference, entitled under the second Restrictive Rule to one ministerial delegate, shall not be denied the privilege of one lay delegate, and he may be a local preacher.

¶35. Ans. 4. The ministers and lay members shall deliberate in one body; but upon a call of one-fifth of the members of the Conference, the lay and clerical members shall vote separately, and no measure shall be passed without the concurrence of a majority of both classes of representatives. (¶665.)

436. Ans. 5. The General Conference shall meet in the month of April or May, once in four years perpetually, in such place or places as shall be fixed on by the General Conference from time to time.

¶37. Ans. 6. The Bishops, or a majority of the Annual Conferences, shall have authority to call a General Conference at any time, if they judge it necessary.

¶38. Ans. 7. When a General Conference is called, it shall be constituted of the delegates elected to the preceding General Conference, except when an Annual Conference shall prefer to have a new election. The place of holding a called session of the General Conference shall