Nathan Bangs · 59 of 73

Book II. From the First Conference in 1773 to the First Regular General Conference in 1792. · Chapter 3 · On building Churches, and on the Order to be observed therein

Question 1. Is any thing advisable in regard to building?

Answer Let all our churches be built plain and decent; but not more expensively than is absolutely unavoidable: otherwise the necessity of raising money will make rich men necessary to us. But if so, we must be dependent on them, yea, and governed by them. And then farewell to the Methodist discipline, if not doctrine too.

N. B.

That no person shall be eligible as a trustee to any of our churches or colleges, nor act as a steward or leader, that is not in constant church-communion, and a regular leader or member of a class.

That no person that is a trustee shall be ejected while he is in joint security for money, unless such relief be given him as is demanded, or the person who makes the loan will accept.

Question 2. Is there any exception to the rule, “Let the men and women sit apart?"

Answer There is no exception. Let them sit apart in all our churches.

Question 3. But is there not a worse indecency than this, talking in the congregation before and after service? How shall this be cured?

Answer Let all the ministers and preachers join as one man, and enlarge on the impropriety of talking before or after service; and strongly exhort those that are concerned to do it no more. In three months, if we are in earnest, this vile practice will be banished out of every Methodist congregation. Let none stop till he has carried his point.