Doctrine of Faith and Church Discipline
of the
Evangelical Mennonite Society
of East Pennsylvania
Origin of the
Evangelical Mennonite Society
Through the convincing grace of God and the direction of several converted and pious Mennonite Preachers called of God, several of their members united themselves with them in the year of our Lord 1858, in order to pray with and for one another. Their number increased; many that attended the meetings became awakened and deeply convicted of their sinful condition, found peace in the wounds of Jesus, and were transplanted into the freedom of the children of God. In order to carry on this work properly, they appointed Sabbath afternoon and evening to be spent with one another in prayer and religious exercises, and also prayer meetings to be held once during the week, and family worship to be held in every family as also public protracted meetings, where the Word for a time was preached every evening in purity and power. and the believers prayed for the deliverance of immortal souls; likewise sought to avoid all that which is evil and sinful, and to do that which is good, as far as God gave them strength and ability.
The humble of those, that desired to attend such meetings, soon increased. Such, that now received the Word, felt repentance and sorrow on account of their sins, that were inwardly renewed, born again, and baptized with the Holy Spirit of God, and became willing according to the will of God to lay down a true confession before God and men upon their true faith according to God’s ordinance, were baptized and added to the society. This was the origin of the Evangelical Mennonite Society, that spread itself in the eastern part of Pennsylvania. On the 24th of September, 1858, the first meeting of preachers or Conference was held, even in the private house of David Musselman, in Upper Milford township, Lehigh county, Pa.
Elders Present
William N. Schelly,
William Gehmann,
Deacons Present
David Gehmann,
Joseph Schneider,
Jacob Gottshall,
Preachers of the Word Present
David Henning,
Henry Diehl.
Here such articles of Faith and brief Rules, as were deemed necessary at this time for the small society, were now laid down.
The second Conference assembled itself on the first Tuesday in November, 1859, in the Evangelical Mennonite Meeting House; in Haycock township, Bucks county, Pa., where the following important resolution was adopted, viz:
“That every child of God, having proved himself such by his walk and conversation, shall have entire freedom to express himself according to the inspiration of the Holy Ghost.”
After this two Conferences were held yearly, in June and November.
It is our earnest wish, that our society in the future may be gifted with men for office, filled with the Spirit of the Lord, because the harvest is great and the faithful laborers are few. Yea, may the Lord graciously own even our weak beginning, but operated upon by his Spirit and made according to his will and even in richer measure pour out his Holy Spirit upon our society. Of course, if we only look to ourselves, or if we were obliged to undertake and carry through the important cause of our society in our own strength, we should have to despair but let us look much more to the great promises of the Lord take courage and trust to Him that He will verify His precious promises to us: Fear not little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to grant you the Kingdom. Amen.
Introduction
The need of a “Doctrine of Faith and Church Discipline” was strongly felt by our society for several years already, since we believed and still believe, that they would serve our society as a benefit and blessing in extending itself, as also in the work for the welfare and salvation of immortal souls.
Accordingly, by a Conference held in Flatland Meeting House, on the 7th of November, 1865, there was a committee appointed, namely; David Henning, William Gehman, Eusebius Hershey and Joseph L. Roming, to draw up this Doctrine of Faith and Church Discipline, and to prepare it for printing.
We are obliged to make the same confession that other societies have made, that we do not possess the ability we should to do this work, and that this Doctrine of Faith and Church Discipline has been taken by the committee of our society, employed for the purpose, partly from the Doctrines of Faith of other Christian societies, and partly directly from the Holy Scriptures simply and distinctly arranged according to the Word of God for the edification of the society, and for the benefit of all that may wish to connect themselves therewith.
Notwithstanding all the trouble of the committee, should however in the future anything, of which we have now not thought, be wanting (which we do not doubt at all) in this Doctrine of Faith and Church Discipline, we would take as a remedy God’s Word in hand; for it is our sincere wish to take the simple and secure Bible way, as Christ, the Apostles, and Menno Simon have taught, in order to serve Almighty God, and in pursuance of Christian order to cooperate with all upright Christians for the upbuilding of His glorious Kingdom upon earth, according to the grace that He will in part from time to time. A sincere thankfulness to God our Almighty Father has already often raised itself in our hearts, as a small branch of the Church of Jesus Christ, that through the Spirit and Word of God we have been convinced of our deeply fallen condition and of our departure from God, and that we can say with the Apostle Paul: “Old things have passed away, all things have become new,” as likewise that our society has hit upon such measures, that we have family worship, prayer meetings and the like, in which the brothers and sisters find opportunity to offer praise and thanksgiving for received benefits, in fellowship with the rest of the children of God, and to express their desires in regard to the condition of their own hearts as well as for the salvation of the whole congregation and the extension of God’s Kingdom generally; for while we were yet members of different societies (which societies we consider spiritually dead), and were bound by laws and constitutions made by men, as is the case with many at the present time, whose wish is that their societies might also introduce family worship, prayer meetings and the like. But the teachers, as shepherds of the flock, will not advance, and in the case of most there is little hope for this cause, inasmuch as they are rather to be considered as mockers and scorners than defenders.
The most important that we wish to express in this introduction is that which the Word of God teaches in regard to Church Ordinance, namely: that the Church shall consist only of genuine believers, whence it necessarily follows that only such shall be allowed to be received into fellowship by the rite of holy baptism, as have found the true and living faith in Jesus Christ, in order that there may be: one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all.
Jesus says: “By this all men shall see that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one for another, and he that has not love, will abide in death.” Therefore let us exercise love, in order that we may possess that glory which Jesus obtained from the Father by prayer for His disciples, that we may be one as He and the Father are one. Therefore beloved brethren, let us seek to be likeminded, unanimous and harmonious, and may none speak or think evil of another, but implore the Lord that He may give us his spirit and zeal, to conduct the affairs of Christianity rightly to the honor of His holy name and to our own eternal welfare. Amen.
Statement of the Principal Articles
of our Common Christian Faith
1. God and the Creation of all Things.
Since it is proved in the Word of God, that without faith it is impossible to please God, because he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is the rewarder of those that diligently seek Him Hebrews 11,6 we confess without lips and believe in our hearts with all the pious, according to the Holy Scriptures, that there is only one true and living God; one eternal existence and spirit without body, indivisible, infinite, mighty, wise and benevolent, the creator and preserver of all things visible and invisible. In this Godhead is a Trinity in one existence and might coeternal, namely: the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Rom. 11,36; I Cor. 12,6; I John 5,7.
2. The Fall of Man.
We believe and confess, conformably to the contents of the Holy Scriptures, that our first parents, Adam and Eve did not remain long in that glorious state in which they were created but that as they were seduced by the cunning and deceit of the serpent and the enmity of the devil, they broke the commandment of God and became disobedient to their Creator, through which disobedience, sin and through sin death has come into the world (“since we have all sinned”) which consequently has come upon all men, while all have sinned, and thereby have brought upon themselves God’s wrath and condemnation.
3. Re-instatement of Man through the Promise of the Coming Christ.
In regard to the re-instatement of our first parents and their descendants, we believe and confess, that God, notwithstanding their fall their transgression and sin, although there was no ability in them, yet did not entirely reject them and did not wish to let them be lost eternally, but that He called them again to Himself, comforted them, and proved to them that there yet remained with Him a remedy for their reconciliation, namely: the immaculate Lamb the Son of God, who was chosen for the purpose, before the foundation of the world, and while they were yet in Paradise, was promised for a reconciliation, redemption and salvation of them and all their descendants. John 1,29; I Peter 1,19.
4. Holy Ghost.
The Holy Ghost proceeds from the Father and Son as true and eternal God, in one existence, majesty and glory with the Father and Son.
5. The Coming of Christ into this World and the Reason of his Coming.
We believe and confess, that, as the time of the promise for which all the devout patriarchs so much longed and waited. had come, this previously promised Messiah, Redeemer, and Savior having proceeded from the Father, was sent; that he came into the world yea, became incarnate. that he was revealed, and that the Word became flesh. Further, we believe and confess according to the Scriptures that, when he had ended his course and had finished his work for which he was sent and for which he came into the world , according to the providence of God, be was delivered into the hands of the unrighteous that he suffered under the ruler Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died was buried, on the third day rose from the dead, ascended into Heaven, and that he sits on the right had of the Majesty of God, whence he will come again to judge the living and the dead. 1 Tim. 2,16; John 1,14; Luke 23,33.
6. Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for our Instruction in the Ways of Salvation.
We believe and confess also, that the Holy Scriptures contain the counsel of God, as far as it is necessary for us to know it for our salvation, indeed that nothing which is not contained therein and which cannot be pointed out therefrom, can be made binding on a person as an article of faith or as a doctrine which he must receive and believe necessary in order to be saved. The Holy Scriptures we understand to consist of those Canonical Books of the Old and of the New Testament which at all times have been received in the Church without any doubt as such. John 15,15.
7. Repentance and Amelioration of Life
We believe, since the meditation of the human heart from childhood is evil, and therefore inclines to all unrighteousness, sin, and wickedness, that for this reason the first lesson of the precious New Testament of the Son of God, is repentance and amelioration of life. Therefore men must bring forth fruits meet for repentance, must ameliorate their lives, must believe the Gospel; for neither Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, Church Membership nor any other outward ceremonies without faith, regeneration change or newness of life can help us to please God, or to obtain consolation or promise of salvation from Him. Gen. 8,21; Mark 1,15; Gal. 6,15.
8. Holy Baptism.
Of Holy Baptism we confess, that all repentant believers who are united to God by faith, regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost and whose names are written in Heaven, upon such scriptural confession of faith and renewal of life according to the command and teaching of Christ, and according to the example and custom of the Apostles, in the exalted name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost .must be baptized in water to the burial of their sins, and through the same must be united with the congregation of saints. Further, we believe in regard to baptism as Menno Simon teaches in his Articles of Faith, page 37, 38, and 39; Acts 2,38; Mat. 28,29,20.
9. Church of Christ.
We believe and confess that there is a visible Church of Christ, consisting of those who, in the appointed way, repent rightly, believe rightly, and who are baptized, united with God in Heaven, and rightly admitted into the Congregation of Saints here upon earth. I Cor. 12; I Peter 2,9.
10. Teachers and Ministers in the Church.
We believe and confess that the Church without office and ordinance cannot continue in its growth and culture; that for this reason Christ the Lord himself, as a father in his house, has instituted his offices and ordinances, that he has given commands and injunctions concerning them, and has ordained how each one should walk therein, and have regard to his word and calling. Further, we believe that the calling of Christian preachers and ministers happens in two ways: the godly and the ecclesiastical. Some without any interposition of man are called of God only, as was the case with the Prophets and Apostles; and some by the interposition of the pious, as maybe seen in Acts 1,14. Gal. 1,15-16.
11. Breaking of Bread or Lord’s Supper
We confess or hold, likewise, such a breaking of bread, as the Lord Jesus Christ before his suffering instituted with bread and wine, and made us of with his Apostles with whom he ate, which he commanded them to observe in remembrance of Him, his suffering and his death, and that his worthy body was broken and his precious blood was shed for us and the whole human race. Luke 22,19,20. Acts 2,46.
12. The Washing of the Feet of the Saints.
We confess feet washing of the Saints which the Lord Jesus has instituted and commanded, who also himself washed the feet of the Apostles, and who has therefore given an example that we should likewise wash one another’s feet. John 13,4, until verse 17.
13. Marriage or the Matrimonial State.
We confess in the Church of God such honorable marriage of two believing persons, as God at first in Paradise ordained, and Himself instituted between Adam and Eve. Gen. 1,27; I Cor. 7,39.
14. Secular Government
We also believe, that God has ordained and instituted power and government for the punishment of the evil and for the protection of the good; for this reason we do not despise them, violate or resist them, but we consider government as a servant of God, are subject and obedient to it, particularly in that which does not militate against the law, will, and commandments of God; we pay tribute and custom faithfully, and pray the Lord for its welfare, that we may live under its protection and lead a still and quiet life of Godliness and honesty. Rom. 13,1-7; Matt. 17,27; 1 Tim. 2,1-3.
15 Resistance.
As far as vengeance is concerned, by which an enemy is resisted with the sword, we believe and confess that the Lord Jesus has forbidden his disciples and followers to show vengeance and resistance that he has commanded them not to return evil for evil, or curse for curse; but to sheathe the sword, as the Prophets foretold, to make coulters of them. Further, we believe that war and blood shedding are not conformable to the teaching of the Gospel of Christ. Matt. 5,39-45; Rom. 12,14.
16. Oaths.
Of the oath we believe that Christ likewise has forbidden his own to swear in any manner at all, but that he has commanded them that their communications should be yea, yea , and nay , nay. Hence we understand that oaths of every kind are forbidden, and that in place of them, all our promises, word and obligations, yea, all our declarations or testimonies of anything whatsoever, should be established by our word, yea, in that which is affirmed, and nay, in that which is denied. Matt. 5,34-37; 2 Cor. 1,17.
17. Excommunication, or Separation from the Church.
We believe and confess an excommunication, a separation and Christian punishment in the Church, for amendment and not for hurt, that the pure may be separated from the impure. If anyone after he has become enlightened, has accepted the knowledge of truth and has become united in the society of the holy. falls into such unfruitful works of darkness whereby he is separated from God, and the Kingdom of God is denied him, such per on, when his deed are manifest and made known to the Church, shall not remain in the congregation of the righteous, but shall and must be separated as a bad member and open sinner, must be put out and in the presence of all must be punished and swept out as a leaven until he amend . I Cor. 5; I Tim. 5;20.
18. Shunning of the Excommunicated.
We believe and confess that when anyone, either through his evil life or perverse teaching, has so far sunken that he is separated from God, consequently also excommunicated from the Church and punished, the same. according to the teaching of Christ and his apostles, without distinction, must be avoided and shunned in his unfruitful works of darkness by all co-partners and members of the congregation, and must be considered as a Gentile and Publican; however, he must not be held as an enemy, but he must be admonished, that he may be brought in such a way to a knowledge of, sorrow for, and lamentation over his sins, in order that he may again be reconciled to his God, and His Church, and consequently may again be received into the Church. I Cor. 5,9-11; 2 Thess. 8,14.
19. Resurrection of the Dead, and the Final Judgement.
We believe, according to the Scriptures, that through the incomprehensible power of God, on the last day all persons who have fallen asleep will be again awakened, made alive, and capable of arising, and that these, together with those that then will remain in life, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, will be changed, and placed before the judgment seat of Christ; and that the good and evil will be separated from one another, and that the good or pious, as blessed, will be accepted by Christ, that they will enter upon eternal life and receive joy such as neither eye hath seen, nor ear heard nor yet entered into the heart of man; that, on the contrary, the wicked or evil, as accursed, will be cast out and banished into outer darkness, yea, into the eternal torment of hell, where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched. John 5, 28,19
General Rules
and
Appointed Duties of the Society
Admission of Members.
In this Society only such persons are allowed to be admitted as in the light of God have acknowledged themselves sinners, have brought forth fruits meet for repentance, have received forgiveness of their sins through faith in the precious merits of Jesus Christ, and have been baptized according to the eighth article of the Doctrine of Faith. Acts. 2, 38,41.
Of Marrying.
Corruption may be seen in Christian societies in reference to marriage. When believers marry unconverted persons the consequence is that in most cases they lay in their way a great obstacle to their salvation, and, it is to be feared, some for their whole life time. If, however, anyone of our fellow members, regardless of this, ventures to marry an unconverted person, the former shall be on probation for one year.
Dress.
Although we are convinced that our carriage in the plainest way possible can save no person, if he does not put on the garment of salvation and the coat of righteousness, through Christ, yet it is also undeniable that all unbecoming ornaments of clothing are not suitable for true Christians, and in order that every one of our fellow members may know it, be it proclaimed, that no one shall be allowed to make use of the following personal ornaments, to wit: Hoops, Women’s Hats, Feathers on Bonnets, Ear and Finger Rings, Powdering of the Hair, Ribbon Bows, and Moustaches, and everything that is worn for pride and conformation to the world. 1 Pet. 3,3; Rom. 12,2.
Dealing in, and Using Intoxicating Liquor.
No one of our fellow members shall be permitted to make or prepare ardent or intoxicating liquors, to deal in them, or use them as a beverage, except as a medicine. Eph. 5,18; Habakuk 3,15.
Slavery.
We have long been convinced that slavery in all its forms is a great evil and ought to be shunned by every Christian, therefore be it made known to all our fellow members that no one, under any pretence or condition, shall be allowed to hold slaves, to deal in them, or to defend slavery. Ex. 21,16; 1 Tim. 1,10.
Swearing.
Decreed: that we do not justify swearing, according to direction. Matt. 5,33- 37; James 5,12.
Government.
It is required of each fellow member of this Society to be subject to all government which has power, so long as it ordains nothing which militates against the teaching of Christ; to give custom to whom custom is due, tribute to whom tribute is due, fear and honor to whom they are due, according to the Scriptures, to pray for it and to honor it; also for protection to invoke it as a servant of God, but only when it is necessary; on the contrary, in all cases in which it can be shown that it has been misused for dishonorable and wicked purposes a punishment shall follow in the Society. Rom. 13,1-7; Titus 3,1; I Peter 2,17.
Inoffensiveness.
It is ordained that in the Evangelical Mennonite Society it is forbidden to take the sword in order to carryon war, because we believe that only the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is given to believers for defence, Matt. 26,51.
Classes: Hours of Instruction, and How Conducted.
In order that it may be better known whether the different members of our Society have an earnest to work out their soul’s salvation, the Society is divided into small companies, which we call classes. Each class consists of a number of fellow members, who shall assemble publicly at least once a week; and it is the duty of the Preachers and Deacons, as frequently as possible, to attend the classes or prayer meetings, and to conduct them according to Scriptural order; yet the same privilege shall be given to each common brother at each time.
All the members of our Society shall endeavor to lead a Godly life, be diligent in prayer-particularly in secret-and, where it is possible, to attend for their own edification all our meetings of Divine Service; to hold family devotions with their own, morning and evening, and to set a good example in all Christian virtues. Act 8,1; chap. 12,18; chap. 16,13; I Tim. 2,8; Col. 3,16.
Officers
SECTION 1
Of Offices in General
Art. I. The offices of this Society are of three kinds, viz:
First: The office of Elders.
Second: The office of ordinary Preachers, or Teachers.
Third: The office of Overseers or Deacons.
Art. 2. No one can be chosen Elder unless he is blameless, the husband of one wife, sober, temperate, well behaved, given to hospitality, apt to teach, not given to wine, no striker, not engaged in any dishonorable business.
Art. 3. No one can be chosen to conduct the ordinary service of the Word of God unless he receives good testimony of the majority of his congregation or congregations in which he shall be elected; and as the Elders must be chosen from the number of ordinary Ministers it is particularly necessary to have regard to the capability of those that shall be elected, according to 2 Tim. 2-24.
Art. 4. Decrees that as many Overseers, or Deacons, shall be in each congregation as shall be deemed necessary, who must be such men (as far as the congregation can ascertain) as are described Acts 6,3; I Tim. 3,7.
SECTION 2
Election of Ministers in General.
Art. I. From two persons who possess such abilities as have been enumerated in Section I, Article 2, an Elder shall be chosen by lot, or if no two persons, acknowledged to be able, are at hand, the congregation or congregations, by a majority of votes, may elect one of the congregation or congregations, who is acknowledged to be able, according to Acts 1,23; chap. 5,6.
Art. 2. If anyone receive an extraordinary call-that is, when anyone feels himself urged by a call from God to preach-by agreement of the congregation he shall have permission to do so, yet he shall be on probation for one year before he be ordained.
Art. 3. Decrees that the ordinary Ministers of the Word of God shall be chosen in the following way and manner, namely: When the congregation or congregations have become unanimous to elect a Minister or Preacher, then shall a Minister of the Word, before voting is entered upon, remind the congregation particularly of the importance of the Ministry and see that throughout regard may be had to the Gospel, to elect no one that is not qualified to teach, but such an one that at least possesses good faculties, such as a clear and distinct voice, natural oratory, but above all, to look upon a blameless life (2 Tim. 2,24), and then prayerfully to nominate such, after which the congregation shall hold an election of those nominated, and those two who shall have received a plurality of votes shall draw lots, and he upon whom the lot falls shall be; willingly accepted by the whole congregation as ~ Minister of the Word, ordained of God.
Art. 4. No ordinary Minister or Deacon shall be ordained or installed in office unless he answers in truth and sincerity the following two questions affirmatively:
Question 1. Are you acquainted with our Doctrine of Faith and Church Discipline?
Question 2. Will you follow and defend them? ,
Art. 5. When anyone is elected to the office of Elder, another Elder shall install him in office with the laying on of hands. 2 Tim. 2,2; John 21,17.
Art. 6. When anyone is elected to the ordinary Ministry, according to order given in Arts. 2 and 3, an Elder shall (and if an Elder be not at hand, another ordinary Minister shall) inS’tall in the office of common Ministry the newly elected one, by agreement of the congregation in which the newly elected shall serve.
Art. 7. Deacons or Almoners, can be chosen by lot or elected publicly in the congregation, as a vote of two-thirds may decide, yet in every case regard must be had to the integrity and piety of the person or persons nominated.
Art. 8. Determines that an ordinary Minister may install in office an elected Deacon by agreement of the congregation in which the newly elected shall serve.
SECTION 3
Duties of Officers.
Art. 1. The Duties of an Elder are to continue in prayer, to proclaim the Word of God in purity and sincerity, to exercise reason among those who are obedient to the faith, orderly to administer baptism and the Lord’s Supper according to the intention of Christ, to watch over the ordinary Ministers as well as the Deacons and congregation or congregations, to become acquainted with those who have trusted their souls to his guardianship in order that at the proper time he may give each one his due, and to teach and practice nothing except that which agrees strictly with the doctrine of Christ. It is his duty, in conjunction with the ordinary Ministers and Deacons, or by their consent, (as also by agreement of the congregation in many cases when its counsel is necessary) to enforce and exercise Christian order in his congregations, according to the doctrine of the Gospel. He shall be a pattern to believers, in word, in behavior, in spirit, in faith, in purity. He shall persevere in reading, in admonishing, in teaching, and shall not disregard the gift that is given him through prophecy and the laying on of hands of the Elders. He shall attend to and practice these, that in all things he may increase and that his increase may be manifest. He shall take care of himself and of the doctrine of the Gospel, and persevere in these particulars, that he may cause himself and those who hear him to be saved.
Art. 2. The duties of an ordinary Minister of the Word of God are in every case to support the Elder, so far as the Elder will discharge the duties of his office according to the doctrine of the Gospel, and as far as he is in need of his assistance. Act. 16,9.
Art. 3. No ordinary Minister, as well as no Deacon, can be employed by an Elder for service unless they are unanimous in doctrine, life and faith. 2 Cor. 6,14-16.
Art. 4. The ordinary Ministers, or the Deacons, shall be allowed to discharge all the duties of the different offices, yet only in cases of necessity shall they be permitted to administer the breaking of bread or the Lord’s Supper.
Art. 5. At all times the counsel and consent of a congregation are called for when anything of importance shall be undertaken and transacted in it.
Art. 6. An ordinary Minister in every particular shall be obliged and shall have the same right, according to his spiritual ability, to discharge the same duties of office that are made incumbent on the Elder, except the exercise of those high duties that are pointed out in the 4th Article under Section 3, that all things may always be done in order.
Art. 7. Makes it the duty of the Deacons to attend Divine Service as regularly as it is possible for them, for support and encouragement of their Ministers; to visit the sick and to encourage them in their sufferings, according to their spiritual ability, to take courage in the conflict, to infuse Christian resignation into them and to comfort them; also to make inquiry in regard to the poor and suffering members in their congregations and to care that they may receive assistance and alleviation, to such an extent as the congregation may deem necessary. Acts 6.
Art. 8. Grants the right to the Deacons to receive all the money that is given by the congregation for the poor, according to their best to give conscientiously to the needy, and in every such case to proceed as the circumstances may call for.
Art. 9. It is also the duty of the Deacon to see that there is always order in the congregation; he shall also inform his fellow ministers, or the congregation, without any delay, when he discovers anything which threatens danger to the congregation, that soon counsel may be taken in regard to it, and that a right watchful eye may be had upon the doctrine and Church of Christ, as is becoming.
Art. 10. When a Minister in an orderly way is once called to the Ministry of the Gospel and has obligated himself to defend, to support and to teach the principles, in the manner which our Society requires, according to the teaching of Christ, he is bound all his lifetime to continue in the Ministry of the sanctuary; for this reason, he cannot be allowed to devote himself to any secular calling by which he neglects the duties of his office. Therefore it is a prime duty of those who have received the benefits of his services, or his spiritual gifts, to allow him to receive something of their temporal gifts-that is, when the Minister finds himself in such circumstances that he must neglect his duties, which are manifold, in order to gain a livelihood. 1 Cor. 9,14; Gal. 6,6.
Art. 11 . Decrees that the Minister dare not, on any account, proclaim the Gospel for the sake of any worldly gain; else his reward will be in vain, since he makes Godliness a trade. He must so act as if he had not the least to expect in return, altogether out oflove to God and his neighbor. But when those who have received the benefit of his services do not in return show love towards the needy Minister, love must cease, and little can be built up or improved. The mere wish of luck and blessing cannot save the needy one from his want. James 2,16; Matt. 10,8-10.
SECTION 4
Conference.
Art. 1. The sitting of the Conference shall be held semi-annually.
Art. 2. Divine Service shall be held publicly in the forenoon of the day appointed for the sitting of the Conference.
Art. 3. There shall be a President and a Secretary. These shall be elected by a majority of the members of the Conference only for one sitting, yet by their agreement shall be eligible again.
Art. 4. It shall be the duty of the President to open the meeting with singing and prayer, and then to hold the election to choose a President and a Secretary.
Art. 5. The official and moral conduct of the Preachers and Deacons shall be examined.
Art. 6. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to enter all the transactions of the Conference in a book.
Art. 7. The members of the Conference shall only be engaged in such matters that aim at the welfare and edification of this Society, as well as of the kingdom of Jesus Christ generally.
Missionary Cause of the
Evangelical Mennonite Society
The Preachers, Deacons, and all the members shall be considered to take an active part in the Missionary cause, and, as circumstances will allow, to establish missions here and there; hence it shall be the duty of each Conference to assign each Missionary his field of labor; and every commissioned Missionary from time to time shall present to the Conference an accurate report of his work, his travels, and also of his receipts and expenditures, as the constitution of our Missionary Society prescribes.
Marriage Formula
Question 1. Are you still resolved to enter into the state of holy matrimony with this woman standing by your side? If this is still your desire, then in the presence of God and these witnesses answer, Yes.
Are you still resolved to enter into the state of holy matrimony with this man standing by your side? If this is still your desire, then in the presence of God and these witnesses answer, Yes.
Question 2. Do you confess that you are free, unmarried, and loose from all other women, as far as the state of matrimony is concerned? If you can sincerely confess this before God and us all, then answer, Yes.
Do you confess that you are free, unmarried, and loose from all other men, as far as the state of matrimony is concerned? If you can confess this before God and us all, then answer, Yes.
Question 3. Will you take this woman for your wife, to live with her in holy matrimony according to God’s ordinance; will you love, comfort, and honor her, in good as well as in evil report, rich or poor, keep and maintain her in sickness as well as in health, and forsaking all others cleave to her alone, and that so long until death shall separate you? If you will do this, then answer, Yes.
Will you take this man for your husband, to live with him in holy matrimony, according to God’s ordinance; will you render obedience to him, and be ready to serve, love, and honor him, in good as well as in evil report, rich or poor, administer to him in sickness as well as in health, and forsaking all others cleave to him alone, and that so long until death shall separate you? If you will do this, then answer, Yes.
4. Then the Preacher kneeling down will pray with the wedding couple.
5. After they have arisen from prayer, the preacher will join the right hands of both, and say: “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder,” and bless them in holy wedlock in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.-Amen.
SECTION 5
Art. I. When anyone in some way has offended against purity of doctrine or of life, and this offence is not generally known, the offender shall only be privately admonished. If the offender, who has only been once admonished by some one, shows sorrow, he shall be pardoned; ifnot, he shall again be admonished in the presence of two or three witnesses; and if yet no sorrow follows, he shall be reported to the Congregation; and if he will not heed the Congregation, such an impenitent sinner must be treated according to the precept of Jesus. Matt. 18.
Art. 2. Any member of the Congregation who defends such an impenitent and excommunicated member stands in danger of receiving the same fate, inasmuch as he is to be considered as if he took part in his evil deeds.
Art. 3. If, however, this excommunicated member return and give infallible proof of sincere sorrow and unfeigned repentance, he shall again be admitted by agreement of the Congregation.
Art. 4. If, however, the crime be so shocking that a toleration of it would bea shame and scandal to the Congregation and the religion of Jesus Christ, the officers of the Congregation shall hold a council in regard to such a member, and, immediately after his guilt be made manifest, he shall be separated from the Congregation, so that the evil may be put out from it, according to 1 Cor. 5,1-13.
Art. 5. The following crimes and vices must be excluded, viz: False doctrine, blasphemy, litigiousness, false witness, perjury, theft, fornication, adultery, lying, drunkenness, quarreling, malice, fraud, violence, unjust gain, wantonness, violation of the Sabbath, impudent mockery, cruelty to inferiors, and the like.
Art. 6. Shows that when an Elder, ordinary Minister, or Deacon has become guilty of such a crime the Congregation shall authorize some one to investigate the matter without delay; and, in case the matter be confirmed, he shall be suspended until the sitting of the next Conference; if the accused cannot free himself then, and if he will show no sincere sorrow, to the satisfaction of the Congregation, he shall be deposed from his office until he manifest sincere and unfeigned repentance.
Art. 7. The Apostolic precepts and these regulations demand that always at least two witnesses by necessary, and indeed such as command respect, to prove an officer guilty of any crime. I Tim. 5,19.
Art. 8. Decrees that no one of our Preachers shall be allowed to marry unconverted persons, and particularly no one shall be allowed to marry a couple when the one party is converted, or is a true believer, and the other is unconverted, or is a disbeliever, since it cannot be done in the Lord, as the Apostle Paul teaches it should. I Cor. 7,9.
Art. 9. Decrees that all transgressions, matters in dispute, or dissensions that arise in a Congregation, shall always be corrected in the Congregation in which they originate after they have been investigated by the Deacon of the Congregation, and the transgressor admonished. Matt. 18,15-17; I Cor. 5,13.
Art. 10. Decrees that persons wishing to be admitted into our Society as members, in the presence of God and men shall answer sincerely the following four questions namely:
Question 1. Have you obtained peace with God, through forgiveness of your sins, by faith in Jesus?
Question 2. Have you the Spirit of God that bears witness with your spirit that you are a child of God?
Question 3. Are you acquainted with our Doctrine of Faith and Church Discipline?
Question 4. Will you follow and defend them?
Art. 11. Decrees that our fellow members are not allowed to be connected with secret societies.
Art. 12. Decrees that at any time an addition may be made to these regulations, but not except by agreement of two-thirds of the members of the Conference.
Art. 13. No article, or part of it, which these regulations contain shall be altered or annulled, except by the consent of two-thirds of the members of the Conference.
Art. 14. Decrees that the officers who justify these regulations shall subscribe their own names thereto.
Elders
David Henning
William Gehman
Eusebius Hershey
William N. Schelly
Preachers
Henry Diehl
Abel Strawn
John Musselman
Abraham Kauffman
Joseph L. Romig
Deacons
David Gehman
Joseph Schneider
Aaron Unangst
Constitution
of the
Missionary Society
We, as a small branch of the Christian Church, feel in duty bound to render obedience to the precepts of our Lord and Savior, who offered up his life out of love towards us, in order to redeem us from eternal death; since he has commanded his Apostles, as well as all who love him, to go into all the world, to preach the Gospel to every creature, (Mark 16, 15,) and to preach repentance and remission of sins among all nations, (Luke 24,47,) we, as a small division of the Mennonite Society feel it also our duty to organize a Missionary Society to contribute our mite to the great work of our Lord. May the Lord grant willing hearts and open hands, besides his rich blessing.
Art. I. This society shall be called “The Home and Foreign Missionary Society of the Evangelical Mennonite Society of East Pennsylvania.” The aim of it shall be to hit upon such measures, by contributions and means of prayer, that the kingdom of Christ may be extended by Missionaries.
Art. 2. Every Congregation shall organize a Missionary Class, and the Preacher or Deacon shall hold a Missionary meeting every three months, and every member of our Society, quarterly, shall voluntarily contribute a certain sum for its support, according as the Lord has blessed him. Also, members of other confessions may join such Classes to assist in advancing the work of the Lord.
Art. 3. The society shall hold a yearly meeting, a short time before the Spring sitting of the semi-annual Conference, to elect officers for the society, and to transact other business; on which occasion a Missionary sermon shall be preached and a public collection shall be held for the benefit of the Missionary cause.
Art. 4. The officers of this society shall be a President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer, who shall all be members of the Evangelical Mennonite Society, and shall be elected annually; by its agreement, however, they shall be eligible again.
Art. 5. Every Congregation or Missionary Class shall elect a Secretary and a Treasurer for a term of three years. The duty of the Secretary shall be to keep a book in which he shall enter the names of the members opposite to their contributions. The Treasurer shall receive all contributions paid in and shall annually pay them over to the chief Treasurer of the Society.
Art. 6. It shall be the duty of the President to see that the regulations of the Constitution be observed in all respects, and to preside over the yearly meeting and all business meetings; in case, however, the President be absent, deceased or deposed from his office, the Secretary shall take his place.
Art. 7. The Secretary shall take note of all the transactions of the Society and transcribe them in a register, shall record the amounts collected which at each meeting are handed in to the Treasurer, and keep an account of other contributions to the society. In case the offices of the President and Secretary have become vacant, their duties shall devolve upon the Treasurer~ until their places be filled by an election at an annual meeting. Should the office of the Treasurer become vacant, the President shall appoint a person to fill the vacancy until an annual meeting of the Society. Should it become necessary at any time for the Secretary to take the place of the President, he may appoint himself an assistant.
Art. 8. The Treasurer of the Society shall receive all moneys of the class Treasurers, and all bequest or presents given for the society, and shall keep a book in which he shall enter punctually all the receipts of the society; both he and the Secretary, every time after a lapse of six months, shall present their books at the sitting of the semi-annual Conference, and exhibit an accurate account of their receipts and expenditures.
Art. 9. Every Preacher who has been commissioned as a Missionary by the Council shall present to the Conference an accurate report of his travels and labors, and of his receipts and expenditures, semi-annually or annually, as he shall be called upon, and the Conference shall then grant an order of the Treasurer in his favor, specifying the amount he shall pay him out of the Treasury.
Art. 10. At any time an addition or amendment may be made to this Constitution by agreement of two-thirds of the Council members.
Signed by the President and Secretary of the Conference.