grace of God vouchsafed unto you in that he has called you to be his followers, and that 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 purpose, by answering the following questions: 1. Do you here, in the presence of God and of this congregation, renew the solemn promise contained in the baptismal covenant, ratifying and confirming the same, and acknowledging yourselves bound faithfully to observe and keep that covenant? Answer. I do. 2. Have you saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? Answer. I trust I have. 3. Do you believe in the doctrines of the Holy Scriptures as set forth in the Articles of Religion of the Methodist Episcopal Church? Answer. I do. 4. Will you cheerfully be governed by the rules of the Methodist Episcopal 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? Answer. I will. 5. 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? Answer. I will. H FINAL CONSECRATION. "Take my life, and let it be Take my moments and my days; Take my feet, and let them be Every power as thou shalt choose. F. R. H. AVING carefully examined my heart as to my purpose and faith, and having examined the Articles of Religion and General Rules of the Methodist Episcopal Church, I am fully determined to join the Church and to consecrate my life and powers to the service of God. In the spirit of the above hymn of consecration, by the sainted Miss Havergal, I now and here affix my name to this solemn dedication of myself to God, looking unto him for strength to keep me faithful in his service so long as I shall live. Name, Date, IN PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. NEXT to the Bible Pilgrim's Progress is the most suggestive and spiritual guide for the young Christian. It only needs to be put into modern language to adapt its impressive lessons to our own daily experience. I have found the study of this book very helpful to probationers, especially when expounded and applied in a series of brief lectures. The following chapters—excepting the first, which is a sketch of Bunyan's life are intended to be studied by the probationer in connection with the reading of Pilgrim's Progress. They give a condensed synopsis of the allegory, pointing out its spiritual teachings and applying them to the reader's own case. It is as if the young convert read the book with his pastor at his side to make suggestions and emphasize its truths. |