II.

RECEPTION OF MEMBERS.

FORM OF RECEIVING PERSONS INTO THE CHurch after PROBATION.

Upon the day appointed, all that are to be received shall be called forward, and the Minister, addressing the Congregation, shall say:

DEARLY BELOVed Brethren: The Scriptures teach us that the Church is the household of God, the body of which Christ is the Head, and that it is the design of the Gospel to bring together, in one, all who are in Christ. The fellowship of the Church is the communion which its members enjoy one with another. The ends of this fellowship are the maintenance of sound doctrine, and the ordinance of Christian worship, and the exercise of that power of godly admonition and discipline which Christ has committed to His Church for the promotion of holiness.

It is the duty of all men to unite in this fellowship, for it is only those that be "planted in the house of the Lord, that shall flourish in the courts of our God." Their more particular duties are to promote peace and unity; to bear one another's burdens; to prevent each other's stumbling; to seek the intimacy of friendly society among themselves; to continue steadfast in the faith and worship of the Gospel; and to pray and sympathize with each other. Among their privileges are peculiar incitements to holiness from the hearing of God's Word, and sharing in Christ's ordinances; the being placed under the watchful care of pastors, and the

enjoyment of the blessings which are promised to those only who are of the household of faith. Into this holy fellowship

the persons before you, who have already received the sacrament of baptism, and having been for three months on trial, come seeking admission. We now propose, in the fear of God, to question them as to their faith and purposes, that you may know that they are proper persons to be admitted into the Church.

Then the Minister may address the applicants in the following or similar language:

DEARLY BELOVED: You come hither seeking the great privilege of union with the Church our Saviour has purchased with His own blood. We rejoice in the grace of God vouchsafed unto you in that He has called you to be His followers, and thus far you have run well. You have heard how blessed are the privileges and how solemn are the duties of membership in Christ's Church; and before you are fully admitted thereto, it is proper that you do here publicly renew your vows, confess your faith, and declare your purposes, by answering the following questions:

Ques. Do you here, in the presence of God and of this congregation, renew the solemn consecration of yourself to God, and take upon you the sacred obligation involved and set forth in the holy ordinance of baptism, and do you purpose that in heart and life, in death and for ever, you will be a true servant of God and of Christ?

Ans. I do-such is my purpose, by God's help.

Ques. Do you believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, as the only, and all-sufficient, propitiation for the sins of mankind,

and do you look to Him for the remission of sin and eternal life?

Ans. Such is my faith and hope.

Ques. Do you believe in the inspiration and divine authority of the Holy Scriptures, and accept the same as a sufficient rule of faith and practice?

Ans. I do.

Ques. Will you cheerfully be governed by the rules of the Methodist Church, hold sacred the ordinances of God, and endeavor, as much as in you lies, to promote the welfare of your brethren, and the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom?

Ans. I will.

Ques. Will you contribute of your earthly substance, according to your ability, to the support of the Gospel and the various benevolent enterprises of the Church?

Ans. I will.

Then the Minister, addressing the Church, shall say:

BRETHREN: You have heard the responses given to our inquiries. Have any of you any reason to allege why these persons should not be received into full membership in the Church?

No objection being alleged, the Minister shall say to the Candidates.

We welcome you to the communion of the Church of God; and, in testimony of our Christian affection and the cordiality with which we receive you, I hereby extend to you the right hand of fellowship; and may God grant that you may be faithful and useful members of the Church

militant, until you are called to the fellowship of the Church triumphant, which is "without fault before the throne of God."

Then shall the Minister offer extempore prayer.

While the collection for the poor is being taken up, the Minister shall say one or more of these sentences:

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matt. v. 16.)

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. (Matt. vi. 19, 20.)

Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. (Matt. vii. 12.)

Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. (Matt. vii. 21.)

Zaccheus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken

anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. (Luke xix. 8.)

He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver. (2 Cor. ix. 6, 7.)

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Gal. vi. 10.)

Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (1 Tim. vi. 6, 7.)

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living. God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy ; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (1 Tim. vi. 17-19).

God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister (Heb. vi. 10.)

To do good and to communicate forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. (Heb. xiii. 16.)

Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (1 John iii. 17.)

He that hath pity on the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again. (Prov. xix. 17.)