CHAPTER VIII. THE OFFICIAL BOARD. ¶ 102. The Quarterly Conference of any Charge may organize and continue during its pleasure an Official Board, to be composed of all the members of the Quarterly Conference. In the case of circuits the Quarterly Conference may organize, and continue during its pleasure, Official Boards for the several appointments of the Charge, such Official Boards to be composed of the members of the Quarterly Conference attached to the respective appointments. The Official Board may hold its meetings at such times as it may determine, and shall be presided over by the Pastor, or, in his absence, by a chairman elected by the meeting. When so organized the Official Board may discharge such duties as the Quarterly Conference may from time to time direct, including those of the Leaders and Stewards' Meeting. The Board shall keep a record of its proceedings, and send the same to the Fourth Quarterly Conference for approval. 74 1. QUALIFICATIONS AND WORK. II. MINISTERS AND THE ANNUAL CONFER ENCE. III. DEACONS. IV. ELDERS. V. BISHOPS. VI. MISSIONARY BISHOPS. VII. PRESIDING ELDERS. VIII. PASTORS. IX. SUPERNUMERARY AND SUPERANNUATED. MINISTERS. CHAPTER I. QUALIFICATIONS AND WORK. I. The Call to Preach. ¶ 103. In order that we may try those persons who profess to be moved by the Holy Ghost to preach, let the following questions be asked, namely: § 1. Do they know God as a pardoning God? Have they the love of God abiding in them? Do they desire nothing but God? Are they holy in all manner of conversation? § 2. Have they gifts, as well as grace, for the work? Have they, in some tolerable degree, a clear, sound understanding; a right judgment in the things of God; a just conception of salvation by faith? Has God given them any degree of utterance? Do they speak justly, readily, clearly? § 3. Have any been truly convinced of sin and converted to God, and are believers edified, by their preaching? As long as these marks concur in anyone, we believe he is called of God to preach. These we receive as sufficient proof that he is moved by the Holy Ghost. II. Rules for a Preacher's Conduct. ¶ 104. Rule 1. Be diligent. Never be unemployed. Never be triflingly employed. Never trifle away time; neither spend any more time at any place than is strictly necessary. T 105. Rule 2. Be serious. Let your motto be, "Holiness to the Lord." Avoid all lightness, jesting, and foolish talking. ¶ 106. Rule 3. Converse sparingly, and conduct yourself prudently with women (1 Tim. v, 2). ¶ 107. Rule 4. Believe evil of no one without good evidence; unless you see it done take heed how you credit it. Put the best construction on everything. You know the judge is always supposed to be on the prisoner's side. ¶ 108. Rule 5. Speak evil of no one, because your word, especially, would eat as doth a canker. Keep your thoughts within your own breast till you come to the person concerned. ¶ 109. Rule 6. Tell everyone under your care what you think wrong in his conduct and temper, and that lovingly and plainly, as soon as may be; else it will fester in your heart. Make all haste to cast the fire out of your bosom. T110. Rule 7. Avoid all affectation. A Preacher of the Gospel is the servant of all. ¶ 111. Rule 8. Be ashamed of nothing but sin. T112. Rule 9. Be punctual. Do everything exactly at the time. And do not mend our rules, but keep them; not for wrath, but for conscience' sake. ¶ 113. Rule 10. You have nothing to do but to save souls; therefore spend and be spent in this work; and go always not only to those that want you, but to those that want you most. Observe! it is not your business only to preach so many times, and to take care of this or that Society, but to save as many as you can; to bring as many sinners as |