BISHOP WILLIAM L. HARRIS, D. D., LL. D. REVISED EDITION. CINCINNATI: NEW YORK: PHILLIPS AND HUNT. PREFACE. THE word "Church," as used in the New Testament, in ecclesiastical history, and in general literature, has a great variety of meanings. In a limited sense, it is used to designate any particular denomination of Christian believers, professing one creed, observing the same rites, and organized under one ecclesiastical government. In order to its power, perpetuity, and usefulness as a religious institution, such a Church must maintain and set forward a system of sound doctrine and good morals, provide for and support evangelical worship in its simplicity and purity, enjoin a due observance of the holy sacraments, secure a faithful and impartial administration of godly Church discipline, and with all diligence labor to promote Scriptural holiness in all manner of conversation. The sphere of its government and discipline is purely spiritual, and in its legislation and administration the Church should seek, in all legitimate ways and to the extent of its authority, to prevent whatever would corrupt its doctrines, subvert its order, interrupt its peace, or stain its purity. Nothing scandalous or offensive should be allowed in its members; every Christian and churchly duty should be faithfully fulfilled; and all things should be done with seemliness and order, unto edification and to the glory of God. All these things are, therefore, proper subjects for the thoughtfulness, care, and authority of the Church. In the Methodist Episcopal Church, the authority to make rules and regulations for its government lies with the General Conference, a body meeting once in every four years, and composed of chosen delegates from the ministry and from the laity of the Church. This body has full powers, under certain specified restrictions, to make and en 285315 |