USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > History of the Wesley M.E. Church of Brooklyn, L.I. > Part 17
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
SEPARATED FOR A SEASON.
" FRIEND after friend departs : Who hath not lost a friend ? There is no union here of hearts That finds not here an end : Were this frail world our only rest, Living or dying, none were blest.
" Beyond the flight of time, Beyond this vale of death, There surely is some blessed clime Where life is not a breath, Nor life's affections-transient fire, Whose sparks fly upward to expire.
" There is a world above, Where parting is unknown ; A whole eternity of love, Formed for the good alone ! And faith beholds the dying here, Transplanted to that happier sphere.
" Thus star by star declines, Till all are passed away ; As morning high and higher shines, To pure and perfect day ; Nor sink those stars in empty night,- They hide themselves in Heaven's own light." -MONTGOMERY.
CHAPTER XII.
FORM OF RECEPTION OF MEMBERS.
GENERAL RULES OF THE CHURCH.
WE have frequently observed persons who, after serving out the term of their probation, and been recom- mended by the Stewards' and Leaders' meeting as eligi- ble candidates for reception into full membership, that they have failed to come forward and present them- selves, at the proper time and place, for induction into this holy and blessed privilege. The apology or excuse made for this neglect of duty is sometimes a fear that they will not be able to "pass the examination," or properly answer the questions which they anticipate will be propounded to them by the minister. Others, have been deterred from coming forward, to be re- ceived into full membership, from a conscientious mis- giving that they will not be able to comply with all the requirements which the Rules of the Church impose upon them ; hence they are tempted to procrastinate from month to month the opportunity of availing them- selves of the privilege of becoming members in full standing. Such apprehensions and fears are chiefly entertained by persons unacquainted with the discipline and usages of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and especially those who have previously been attendants upon the ministry of other evangelical denominations.
For the benefit of any who may be thus tempted to procrastinate a matter of so much importance to their
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
religious progress and spiritual well-being, we present for their instruction and edification the "Form of Re- ception " of probationers into full membership, as pre- scribed by the discipline of the Church.
FORM OF RECEPTION OF PROBATIONERS.
Upon the day appointed, all that are to be received shall be called forward, and the minister, addressing the congre- gation, shall say :-
DEARLY BELOVED BRETHREN :
The Scriptures teach us that the Church is the household of God, the body of which Christ is the Head, and that it is the design of the gospel to bring together in one all who are in Christ. The fellowship of the Church is the communion that its members enjoy one with another. The ends of this fellowship are, the maintenance of sound doctrine, and of the ordinances of Christian worship, and the exercise of that power of godly admonition and discipline which Christ has com- mitted to his Church for the promotion of holiness. It is the duty of all men to unite in this fellowship, for it is only those that "be planted in the house of the Lord, that shall flourish in the courts of our God." Its more particular duties are, to promote peace and unity ; to bear one another's burdens ; to prevent each other stumbling ; to seek the intimacy of friendly so- ciety among themselves ; to continue steadfast in the faith and worship of the gospel ; and to pray and sym- pathize with each other. Among its privileges are, pe- culiar incitements to holiness, from hearing of God's word and sharing in Christ's ordinances ; the being placed under the watchful care of pastors, and the en- joyment of the blessings which are promised only to
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FORM OF RECEPTION OF MEMBERS.
those who are of the household of faith. Into this holy fellowship the persons before you, who have already received the sacrament of baptism, and have been un- der the care of proper leaders for six months on trial, come seeking admission. We now propose, in the fear of God, to question them as to their faith and purposes, that you may know that they are proper persons to be admitted into the Church.
Then addressing the applicants for admission, the minis- ter shall say :-
Dearly beloved, you are come hither seeking the great privilege of union with the Church our Savior has purchased with his own blood. We rejoice in the 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, ยท and how solemn are the duties of membership in Christ's Church ; and before your are fully admitted thereto, it is proper that you do here publicly renew your vows, confess your faith, and declare your purposes, by an- swering the following questions :-
Do you here, in the presence of God and of this con- gregation, renew the solemn promises contained in the baptismal covenant, ratifying and confirming the same, and acknowledging yourselves bound faithfully to ob- serve and keep that covenant ?
Answer. I do.
Have you saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ ? Answer. I trust I have.
Do you believe in the doctrines of Holy Scriptures, as set forth in the Articles of Religion of the Methodist Episcopal Church ?
Answer. I do.
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
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 pro- mote the welfare of your brethren and the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom ?
Answer. I will.
Will you contribute of your earthly substance, ac- cording to your ability, to the support of the gospel, and the various benevolent enterprises of the Church ?
Answer. I will.
Then the minister, addressing the Church, shall say :-
Brethren, you have heard the responses given to our inquiries. Have any of you reason to allege why these persons should not be received into full membership of the Church ?
No objection being alleged, the minister shall say to the candidates :-
We welcome you to the communion of the Church of God ; and in testimony of our Christian affection and the cordiality with which we receive you, I hereby ex- tend to you the right hand of fellowship ; and may God grant that you may be a faithful and useful member of the Church militant till you are called to the fellowship of the Church triumphant, which is " without fault be- fore the throne of God."
Then shall the minister offer extemporary prayer.
RECEPTION OF MEMBERS BY LETTER.
It may be proper, in this connection, to say a word or two in relation to the " transfer of membership" from one Church to another. The method or rule adopted " by the M. E. Church differs very little, if any, from
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FORM OF RECEPTION OF MEMBERS.
that usually practiced by other evangelical denomina- tions. When a person or family is about to remove their residence from one city or place to another, ap- plication is made to the Pastor of the Church with which he or they hold Church relationship, for a letter of dismissal or certificate of good standing, and when there is no ground of objection, the request is granted, and a certificate furnished. This letter or certificate is designed to be presented at the earliest possible con- venience to the minister of the Church with which the parties afterward intend to unite. On presentation of * such certificate-the following is a copy of one re- cently received by Rev. Frederick Brown, from a mem- ber of the family who desired to unite with the Wesley M. E. Church :-
"BROOKLYN, E. D., November 8, 1875.
"This is to certify that Bro. Thomas Jackson and Margaret, his wife, and Matilda and Ida, his daughters, have been acceptable mem- bers of St. John's M. E. Church, North Long Island District of N. Y. East Conference.
" HENRY W. WARREN, Pastor."
The Pastor then appoints a time for the parties to appear for introduction to the Church and congrega- tion. The time for the reception of probationers and members desiring to unite by letter, is usually the first Sunday of the month, and immediately preceding the celebration of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. The ceremony of reception is always viewed with consider- able interest by the congregation. The candidates, when more than one, arrange themselves before the altar, the Pastor in the meantime reads audibly the letters to the congregation, and then addressing a few appropriate remarks of cordiality and welcome to each of the applicants, he urges the congregation to receive
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them in the bonds of Christian love and fellowship to their hearts and homes, and closes, praying that the association thus formed may prove a blessing to the Church, and the Church a blessing to them.
With regard to changing church relationship, it is to be regretted, that too frequently persons coming into new neighborhoods allow so much time to elapse be- fore presenting their letters of introduction. It also sometimes happens that persons come and go from a Church for months, selecting on such visits seats at the very remotest corner of the house, before making themselves known, or declaring their intention of unit- ing with it, by casting in their lot and becoming mem- bers. Moreover, it has been known for persons com- ing as strangers to a church for a time, and acting precisely in the manner here described, to discontinue their attendance, disappearing and going elsewhere, carrying their certificates with them ; who on being afterward discovered and talked to on the subject, have pleaded as an apology that the people had treated them with coldness and indifference ; when perhaps not a single brother officially connected with the Church was apprised of their presence, or the existence of any such persons. This is all wrong ; because in the ma- jority of such cases the new comers are far more to blame for any misunderstanding or lack of cordial recognition than any of the old members.
Whatever or wherever complaints may be made respecting want of courtesy, cordiality, and kindness in "entertaining strangers," they cannot be laid at the door of Wesley M. E. Church. The uniform practice of the members, and especially the officiary of the Church, from its earliest date up to the present, is a standing
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GENERAL RULES OF THE M. E. CHURCH.
refutation to all such charges. If any mistake has been made in the matter, it has been of an opposite character, by extending too widely its arms and em- bracing too freely, and appointing too hurriedly to positions of responsibility and trust, individuals not in every instance duly qualified for the efficient per- formance of the duties pertaining to their appoint- ment. But if there is any plea or apology necessary for this indiscriminating generosity, it will be found in the reflection, that these shortcomings, blunders, and failings have leaned to virtue's side.
In reviewing the whole matter of transferring mem- bership, we have come to the conclusion that it is as well for the persons themselves, as for the Church, that when removals take place and new relationships are to be formed, the sooner holders of letters make up their minds and join another Church the better, by present- ing them at once to the Pastor in charge where they propose to worship, and there and then unite heart, mind, and soul with the brethren in the field to which God in his providence has called them to labor.
General Rules of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
(1.) In the latter end of the year 1789, eight or ten persons came to Mr. Wesley, in London, who appeared to be deeply convinced of sin, and earnestly groaning for redemption. They desired (as did two or three more the next day) that he would spend some time with them in prayer, and advise them how to flee from the wrath to come, which they saw continually hanging over their heads. That he might have more time for this great work, he appointed a day when they might all come together ; which from thenceforward they did
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every week, namely, on Thursday, in the evening. To these, and as many more as desired to join with them (for their number increased daily), he gave those ad- vices from time to time which he judged most needful for them ; and they always concluded their meeting suited to their several necessities.
(2.) This was the rise of the United Society, first in Europe, and then in America. Such a Society is no other than "a company of men having the form and seeking the power of godliness, united in order to pray together, to receive the word of exhortation, and to watch over each other in love, that they may help each other to work out their salvation."
(3.) That it may the more easily be discerned whether they are indeed working out their own salvation, each society is divided into smaller companies, called classes, according to their respective places of abode. There are about twelve persons in a class, one of whom is styled the Leader. It is his duty,
I .- To see each person in his class once a week, at least, in order,
1. To inquire how their souls prosper.
2. To advise, reprove, comfort, or exhort, as occa- sion may require.
3. To receive what they are willing to give toward the relief of the preacher, church, and poor .*
II .- To meet the minister and the Stewards of the Society, once a week, in order,
1. To inform the minister of any that are sick, or of any that walk disorderly, and will not be reproved.
* This part refers to towns and cities, where the poor are generally numerous and church expenses considerable.
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GENERAL RULES OF THE M. E. CHURCH.
2. To pay the Stewards what they have received of their several classes in the week preceding.
(4.) There is only one condition previously required of those who desire admission into these societies, " a desire to flee from the wrath to come, and to be saved from their sins." But wherever this is really fixed in the soul, it will be shown by its fruits. It is therefore expected of all who continue therein, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,
First .- By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practiced, such as,
The taking of the name of God in vain.
The profaning the day of the Lord, either by doing ordinary work therein, or by buying or selling.
Drunkenness, buying or selling spirituous liquors, or drinking them, unless in cases of extreme necessity.
Slaveholding ; buying or selling slaves.
Fighting, quarreling, brawling, brother going to law with brother ; returning evil for evil, or railing for railing ; the using many words in buying or selling.
The buying or selling goods that have not paid the duty.
The giving or taking things on usury, that is unlaw- ful interest.
Uncharitable or unprofitable conversation ; particu- larly speaking evil of magistrates or of ministers.
Doing to others as we would not they should do unto us.
Doing what we know is not for the glory of God ; as,
The putting on of gold and costly apparel.
The taking such diversions as can not be used in the name of the Lord Jesus.
-
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
The singing those songs or reading those books which do not tend to the knowledge or love of God.
Softness and needless self-indulgence.
Laying up treasure upon earth.
Borrowing without a probability of paying ; or tak- ing up goods without a probability of paying for them.
(5.) It is expected of all who continue in these socie- ties, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,
Secondly .- By doing good ; by being in every way kind and merciful after their power and opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and as far as possi- ble, to all men.
To their bodies, of the ability which God giveth, by giving food to the hungry, by clothing the naked, by visiting or helping them that are sick or in prison.
To their souls, by instructing, reproving, or exhort- ing all we have any intercourse with ; trampling under foot that enthusiastic doctrine, that "we are not to do good unless our hearts be free to it."
By doing good, especially to them that are of the household of faith, or groaning so to be ; employing them preferably to others ; buying one of another ; help- ing each other in business ; and so much the more be- cause the world will love its own, and them only.
By all possible diligence and frugality, that the gos- pel be not blamed.
By running with patience the race which is set before them, denying themselves and taking up their cross daily ; submitting to bear the reproach of Christ, to be as the filth and offscouring of the world ; and looking that men should say all manner of evil of them falsely for the Lord's sake.
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GENERAL RULES OF THE M. E. CHURCH.
(6.) It is expected of all who desire to continue in. these societies, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,
Thirdly .- By attending upon all the ordinances of God ; such as are,
The public worship of God ;
The ministry of the word, either read or expounded ; The Supper of the Lord ;
Family and private prayer ;
Searching the Scriptures ; and
Fasting or abstinence.
(7.) These are the General Rules of our societies ; all which we are taught of God to observe, even in his written word, which is the only rule, and the sufficient rule, both of our faith and practice. And all these we know his Spirit writes on truly awakened hearts. If there be any among us who observes them not, who habitually break any of them, let it be known unto them who watch over that soul as they who must give an account. We will admonish him of the error of his ways. We will bear with him for a season. But if then he repent not, he hath no more place among us. We have delivered our own souls.
-Book of Discipline of the M. E. Church, Section III.
CHAPTER XIII.
SUMMARY RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW.
THE question has frequently been asked, sometimes to obtain information, at others simply to gratify a cynical disposition on the part of censorious interro- gators, "Why a Church so eligibly situated, and so handsomely constructed, and comfortable in all its appointments, should have made so little progress during these years, and be burdened with so large an amount of debt ?" The principal object in taking a review of the experience of the Society for the past ten years, is that it may furnish an opportunity of fairly and squarely considering the matter, and return- ing a candid reply to this pertinent and interesting in- quiry. This we propose doing by examining the ques- tion in two aspects, or from two distinct stand-points, viz. : The difficulties with which the organization has had to contend, and the good that has been accomplished through its instrumentality. With regard to the diffi- culties encountered, we notice,-
1. THE PAUCITY OF NUMBERS FORMING THE SOCIETY .- When separation from DeKalb Avenue charge was first suggested, in the fall of 1864, a considerable number of persons sympathized with the Pastor, and promised to sustain him by transferring their member- ship to Tompkins Avenue ; but as soon as the time for organizing the new Society had arrived, they backed
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SUMMARY RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW.
down, and resolved to remain, so that the number who actually left was much smaller than had been expected, -forty-two persons in all, young and old, male and female. Among these there were only a few heads of families, not one of whom could claim to be wealthy, or abundantly stocked with this world's goods. Such was the numerical and financial strength of the Society at the time of its organization.
2. UNCOUTH CONSTRUCTION OF THE TABERNACLE .- The tabernacle erected for the temporary use and occu- pancy of the new Society was very uninviting, being hurriedly built, and exceedingly rough and uncouth in appearance. As it was designed only for temporary occupation, little time, taste, or money was expended upon it, so that it could hardly be said to be wind or water-tight. It was scorchingly hot in summer, and bitter cold in winter. The Trustees labored diligently to keep it in repair, while the people bore with com- mendable patience and resignation all its discomfort and inconvenience. This proved a serious drawback to the development of the Society.
3. No AID FROM THE CENTENNIAL CHURCH EXTENSION FUND .- At length when the time for building the new church edifice had arrived,-the Centennial year of American Methodism, 1866,-an extraordinary effort was to be made throughout the United States to raise, among other objects, funds for "Church Extension " purposes. In view of the anticipated aid to be de- rived from this grand denominational fund, the enter- prise was pushed forward with vigor and dispatch. The style of the building, the plans, specifications, and contracts were all made, and predicated upon the as-
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
sumption and expectation that ten or twelve thousand dollars would be forthcoming to aid the erection of the only Centennial M. E. Church edifice in the city of Brooklyn, contracted for and commenced during that memorable year. In fact, this motive was held out by those who were expected to be posted on the matter as a great inducement to proceed at once with the work. When application was made to the Chairman of the Committee on "Church Extension," the Trustees were informed that there were no funds available, as the Committee was in debt, and the notes they had al- ready advanced were returned upon their hands pro- tested. This was a great disappointment to the Trust- ees, and intensified by the reflection that no hope of assistance could be entertained as coming from that quarter ; this accounts for so large an amount of debt upon the property.
4. DIVISION IN THE CHURCH AND SECESSION OF MANY OF ITS MEMBERS .- Just about the time when the Church was approaching completion, an unexpected and un- fortunate disagreement sprung up between several of the official brethren and the Pastor, which culmi- nated in an open rupture and subsequent secession of a number of members, and the formation of another M. E. Society in the immediate neighborhood. The step thus hurriedly and unadvisedly taken by the dis- affected brethren was soon discovered to be a sad mis- take, one which afterwards entailed upon both societies a great amount of trouble, inconvenience, and expense, without materially advancing the interests of religion, or serving to promote the extension of Methodism in this section of the city. This secession proved a great hinderance to the early growth of the Society.
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SUMMARY RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW.
5. SPARSELY POPULATED NEIGHBORHOOD .- The location selected by the Presiding Elder and the Rev. G. S. Gil- bert for planting this "Church Extension" enterprise, was at the time, and for many years afterward, sparsely populated. The land owners-that is, the original pro- prietors of the estates-had not the means or inclination to improve the property themselves or make advances to others ; consequently builders were compelled to go elsewhere and seek profitable employment. A further drawback to the speedy settlement of this neighbor- hood was the furor of excitement which raged some years ago for building lots in and around Prospect Park, diverting attention from other desirable localities of the city, which did not subside until millions on mill- ions of dollars were prematurely sunk and unprofitably invested in that popular and fashionable locality.
6. CHURCH RELATIONSHIP ALREADY FORMED BY THE PEO- PLE .- Another cause which operated against a more rapid growth of the Church was the fact, that the resi- dents generally owned the houses they occupied, and had already formed their Church connection and relig- ious affiliations. While this condition of things spoke well for the social status, and moral and religious char- acter of the people, yet it correspondingly decreased and impaired the eligibility of the neighborhood as a first-class promising harvest-field for missionary labor. Other evangelical denominations were well represented in the locality at the time, there being no less than four or five churches ; others have more recently been added to the number.
7. WANT OF UNITY AMONG OFFICIAL BRETHREN .- While the Society, with the exception of the division and
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secession already referred to, enjoyed a fair, and we might say a more than ordinary share of peace and harmony among its official members ; yet it must be confessed, that there might have been a better under- standing and closer union even in this direction. It is to be regretted that the officiary do not always see eye to eye, and stand shoulder to shoulder, and foot to foot, in solid phalanx, " as one man," ready to advance at the call of duty upon the combined forces and breast- works of the enemy. It is further a matter of regret, that so many men who, after they have been elected to office, fail to appreciate the honor, or recognize the responsibility devolving upon them. Feeling the per- formance of their duty irksome, they sometimes neglect it altogether, or attend to it irregularly, and with little regard to law or order. Men who enjoy a fair rep- utation of attending to their secular affairs with some degree of punctuality and order, it is strange that they should be found so frequently derelict with respect to their official duties connected with the church. It is scarcely possible to get men to see and think and act alike at all times on matters of secular or religious in- terest, nor should it be expected. But in reference to the management of church affairs, it is highly desirable in order to accomplish the best possible result, some- times to forego personal independence, inclinations, or prejudices, so as to secure this end. This is a useful lesson to learn, and one which every official member of a church would do well to study and conscientiously practice.
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