Daily Republican., 1890-04-24
the FREE METHoDIsTs.
What They Believe and Practice.
[CoMMuNIcATED. |

What they Boueve ana Prhcttco.
CoMMUNIoATED.
Please permit Us, as representatives Of
the Free Methodist Church, 70 say q few
words to the citizens Of Wilmington.
The fact that 90 many different
theories about religion, aud scots to
edvooate them, are spripeing up 10 these
days, many OF which are justly looked
upon with disfavor by sensible persons,
causes folks TO be suspicious Of all
Corners bearing new UNCONVENTIONAL
names. To state, 10 . few words, who
we are, and what 10 our mission, 10 the
purpose of this communication.
/. We are MethodIsts in doctrine, and
teach nothing whatever contrary thereto.
2. In the government Of our church
the members have an equal voice with
the mipister In all its councils. Both the
general and annual conferences arc COM
posed Of IS many lsy delegates as
preachers, who have an equal voice and
vote In all the proceedings. The General
Superintendent (Bishops) are elected
once In four years. Official members and
class leaders arc elected BY the members.
5. In practice also We are Methodists.
| We insist that our members be governed
by the discipline, and that the Baptismsl
covenant and church vows be observed.
The Free Methodists solemnly protest
against the union of the church aud the
world. They do not believe that either
God or the Bible has changed to accom-
modate the fashionable tendencies of this
age. The conditions Of salvation, as they
beach, are the same now that thoy were
eighteen hundred ye.rs ago. He who
would be Christian In reality, as we'll
as In name, must deny himself and talks
up his cross daily and follow Jesus. Hc
must come out from the world end ''be
separate and touch not the unclean
things" Their General Rules are simila,
to those OF other Methodist bodies, and
they insist on their Observance, particu
larry those relating to dress and worldly
cou iormity, believing that the Scrfptural
commandments concerning the wearing
of gold, or pearls, or costly array are ~
binding as Thou shalt not steal"
4. They hold that belonging to secre
societies which deny the Lord Jesas, o
which offer salvation without Him, O.
BY the performance Of worlfe, Is contrar!
70 the teaching OF the wtrd of God
Hence, their membership are equiret
to abstain from connection with sucf
societies.
s. They endeavor TO promote spiritu
| uuty AIN binptiStty Al WolouiIs Nou'
gregational singing is universal, ant
performances npon musical instruments
and singing By choirs In public worship
are. prohibited.
q. Netthor do they believe in resortini
to worldly policy to sustain the gospel
They give no countenance to modern ex
pedlents for promoting Christianity
such AS selling or renting pews, pcnics
festivals, lotteries, fairs and other eucl
devices. To say that the church canDo
be sustained without these contriyancet
TO beguile the world into Its support, Il
TO confess that protesting Christians sr'
showers of pleasure more than lovers o
God" 1t is to pronounce Christianity .
failure.
Z. The use OF tobacco is prohibited
Ministers aud laymen, old and young
are all held strictly TO this rule.
8. They number 10000 members, and
the church Is constantly enlarging IT.
borders.
%. BY a rule Of discipline, theil
churches muEt be free from debt before
being dedicated.
10. Our mission is 10 raise up such q
church in this city. We believe there IL
room for 1t without encroaching upoT
the rights OF others, and we sincerely re
quest the prayers and cooperation OF al
the followers of Christ, AVID also the at
tention of those who have not yet en-
listed under His banner.
We have rented room 8, on the second
floor of the Gawthrop building. corner o
Fourth and ShIpley streets, wher,
specal revival services are being held
Preaching every evening Except Satur
iday) At 1.45 O'Clock.
Rev. d. J. 6ANTMIER,
REV. J. I. LOGAN.