XIX. Of both kinds.

The cup of the Lord is not to be denied to the lay-people: for both the parts of the Lord's Supper by Christ's ordinance and commandment, ought to be administered to all Christians alike.

XX. Of the one oblation of Christ, finished upon the Cross.

The offering of Christ once made, is that perfect redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction for all the sins of the whole world, both original and actual: and there is none other satisfaction for sin but that alone. Wherefore the sacrifice of masses, in the which it is commonly said, that the priest doth offer Christ for the quick and the dead, to have remission of pain or guilt, is a blasphemous fable, and dangerous" deceit.

XXI. Of the Marriage of Ministers.

The ministers of Christ are not commanded by God's law either to vow the estate of single life, or to abstain from marriage; therefore it is lawful for them, as for all other Christians, to marry at their own discretion, as they shall judge the same to serve best to godliness.

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XXII. Of the Rites and Ceremonies of
Churches.

It is not necessary that rites and cere monies should in all places be the same, oor exactly alike for they have been always different, and may be changed according to the diversity of countries, times, and men's manners, so that nothing be ordained against God's word.eWhosoever, through his private judgment, willingly and purposely doth openly break the rites and ceremonies of the church to which he belongs, which are not repugnant to the word of God, and are ordained and approved by common authority, ought to be rebuked openly that others may fear to do the like, as one that offendeth against the common order of the Church, and woundeth the consciences of weak brethren.

Every particular Church may ordain, change, or abolish rites and ceremonies, so that all things may be done to edification.

XXIII. Of the Rulers of the United
States of America.

The president, the congress, the general assemblies, the governors, and the councils of state, as the delegates of

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the people, are the rulers of the United States of America, according to the division of power made to them by the constitution of the United States, and by the constitutions of their respective states. And the said states are a sovereign and independent nation, and ought not to be subject to any foreign jurisdiction.*

XXIV. Of Christian Men's Goods.

The riches and goods of Christians are not common as touching the right, | title and possession of the same, as some do falsely boast. Notwithstanding, every man ought, of such things as he possesseth, liberally to give alms to the poor, according to his ability.

XXV. Of a Christian Man's Oath.

As we confess that vain and rash swearing is forbidden christian men by

*As far as it respects civil affairs, we believe it the duty of Christians, and especially all christian ministers, to be subject to the supreme authority of the country where they may reside, and to use all laudable means to enjoin obedience to the powers that be: and therefore it is expected that all our preachers and people, who may be under the British or any other government, will behave themselves as peaceable and orderly subjects.

our Lord Jesus Christ and James his apostle; so we judge that the christian religion doth not prohibit, but that a man may swear when the magistrate requireth, in a cause of faith and charity, so it be done according to the prophet's teaching, in justice, judgment, and truth.

SECTION III.

Of the General and Annual Conferences.

It is desired that all things be considered on these occasions, as in the immediate presence of God: that every person speak freely whatever is in his

heart.

Quest. 1. How may we best improve our time at the conferences?

Answ. 1. 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.

Of the General Conference.

Quest. 2. Who shall compose the General Conference, and what are the regulations and powers belonging to it?

Answ. 1. The General Conference shall be composed of one member for every seven members of each Annual Conference, to be appointed either by seniority or choice, at the discretion of such annual conference: yet so that such representatives shall have travelled at least four full calendar years from the time that they were received on trial by an annual conference, and are in full connexion at the time of holding the conference.

2. The General Conference shall meet on the first day of May, in the year of our Lord 1812, in the city of NewYork, and thence forward on the first day of May once in four years perpetually, in such place or places as shall be fixed on by the General Conference from time to time but the general Superintendents, with or by the advice of all the annual conferences, or if there be no general Superintendent, all the annual conferences respectively shall have power to call a General Conference, if they judge it necessary, at any time.