Held at BALTIMORE, in the State of MARYLAND, On Monday the 27th of December, 1784: IN WHICH The Reverend THOMAS COKE, L.L. D. and Arranged under proper HEADS, and METHODIZED NEW YORK: Printed by W. ROSS, in BROAD STREET. M. DCC. LXXXVII. 11-6-57 A FORM OF DISCIPLINE, &C. SECTION I. Of the Rise of Methodism (so called) in Europe and America. Quest. 1. WHAT was the Rise of Methodism, so called, in Europe? Answ. In 1729, two young Men, reading the Bible, saw they could not be saved without Holiness, followed after it, and incited others so to do. In 1737, they saw likewise, that Men are justified before they are sanctified; but still Holiness was their Object. God then thrust them out, to raise an holy People. Quest. 2. What was the Rise of Methodism, so called, in America? Answ. During the Space of thirty Years past, certain Persons, Members of the Society, emigrated from England and Ireland, and settled in various Parts of this Country. About twenty Years ago, Philip Embury, a local Preacher from Ireland, began to preach in the City of New York, and formed a Society of his Own Countrymen and the Citizens. About the same Time, Robert Strawbridge, a local Preacher from Ireland, settled in Frederick Frederick County, in the State of Maryland, and preaching there formed some Societies. In 1769, Richard Boardman and Joseph Pilmoor, came to New York; who were the first regular Methodist Preachers on the Continent. In the latter End of the Year 1771, Francis Asbury and Richard Wright, of the same Order, came over. Quest. 3. What may we reasonably believe to be God's Design, in raising up the Preachers called Methodists? Answ. To reform the Continent, and spread scripture Holiness over these Lands. As a Proof hereof, we have seen in the Course of fifteen Years a great and glorious Work of God, from New York through the Jersies, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North and South Carolina, even to Georgia. IT SECTION II. On the Method of holding a Conference, T is desired that all Things be considered as in the immediate Presence of God. That every Person speak freely whatever is in his Heart. Quest. I. How may we best improve our Time at the Conference? Answ. While we are conversing, let us have an especial Care to set God always before us. 2. In the intermediate Hours, let us redeem all the Time we can for private Exercises. 3. Therein let us give ourselves to Prayer for one another, and for a Blessing on our Labour. Quest. Quest. 2. What is the Method wherein we usually proceed in a Conference? Answ. We enquire. I.. What Preachers are admitted? 2. 3. Who are admitted on Trial? 4. 5. Who desist from travelling? Are there any objections to any of the Preachers? Who are named one by one. 6. Howare the Preachers stationed this Year? What Numbers are in Society? 7. What is collected for the contingent 8. Expenses? 9. How is this expended? IO. What is contributed toward the Fund for the superanuated Preachers, and the Widows and Orphans of the Preachers? II. What Demands are there upon it? 12. Where and when shall our next Conference begin? Quest. 3. Is there any other Business to be done in Conference? Answ. The electing and ordaining of Bishops, Elders and Deacons. SECTION III. On the Nature and Constitution of our WE E are thoroughly convinced, that the Church of England, to which we have been united, is deficient in several of the most important parts of Christian Discipline; and that (a few Ministers and Members excepted) it has lost the Life and Power of Religion. We are not ignorant |