The Origin and Early History of the Congregational Methodist Church (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1881. Excerpt: ... CONSTITUTION--OR--SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT. 1. This Church shall be called the Congregational Methodist Church, and all the churches in her connection shall be congregational in their system of worship. 2. Christ, only, is the Head of the Church, and the Word of God is the only rule of faith and conduct. 3. A Christian Church is a society of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, and is of Divine institution. 4. No person who loves God, and obeys the Gospel of Christ, ought to be deprived of Church membership. 5. Every man has an inalienable right to private judgment In matters of religion, and all have an equal right to express their opinions in any way that will not violate the laws of God, or the rights of man. 6. Church trials shall be conducted on Gospel principles, only, and no minister or member shall be excommunicated, except for immorality, propagating unscriptural doctrine, or the neglect of duties enjoined by the Word of God. 7. The Pastoral or Ministerial office and duties are of Divine appointment, and regularly ordained ministers in the Church are equal. 8. All power necessary in the formation of rules and regulations of government and discipline is inherent in the ministers and members of the Church; but so much of that power may be delegated from time to time, by representation, as the Church may judge necessary and proper. 9. The Church has the right to make and enforce such rules and regulations only as are necessary and proper, and which shall accord with the Holy Scriptures, in the maintenance of the great system of practical Christianity. 10. It is the duty of all ministers and members to maintain godliness and to oppose all moral evil. 11. It is obligatory on ministers of the G-spel to be faithful in the discharge of their ministerial ...