A Short History Of The Methodists... - Media Sabda Org

In the tenth section we formed a rule for settling disputes among our members, concerning debts.
"On any dispute between two or more of the members of our society, concerning the payment of
debts or otherwise, which cannot be settled by the parties concerned, the preacher who has the charge
of the circuit, shall enquire into the circumstances of the case; and having consulted the stewards and
leaders, shall, if agreeable to their advice, recommend to the contending parties a reference
consisting of one arbiter chosen by the plaintiff, and another chosen by the defendant; which two
arbiters so chosen shall nominate a third, (the three arbiters being members of our society;) and the
decision of any two of them shall be final. But if either of the parties refuse to abide by such
decision, he shall be immediately expelled.
"And if any member of our society shall refuse in cases of debt, or other disputes, to refer the
matter to arbitration, when recommended by him who has the charge of the circuit, with the
approbation of the stewards and leaders, or shall enter into a law suit with another member before
these measures are taken, he shall be expelled."
This mode of settling disputes in our society, has been of great service to many of our members,
both in saving of expense, and in the preservation of peace among contending brethren.
This rule for settling disputes has been altered, and it is so framed by the last general conference
in 1808, that the preacher having the charge of the circuit, is to recommend to the contending parties
an arbitration, when he thinks proper; and the preacher is not obliged to consult the stewards and
leaders, as directed in the former rule. There is an addition made to the rule, also which is this: "But
if one of the parties be dissatisfied with the judgment given, such party may apply to the ensuing
quarterly meeting of the circuit, for to have a second arbitration appointed; and if the quarterly
meeting see sufficient reason, they shall grant it, in which case, each party shall choose two arbiters,
and the four arbiters shall choose a fifth, the judgment of the majority of whom shall be final; and
any person refusing to abide by such judgment, shall be excluded the society."
It had been a custom for several years, to have a fast day in each circuit on the Friday after each
quarterly meeting; but we now changed the time, and gave direction to the preacher having charge
of the circuit, to "Take care that a fast be held in every society in the circuit, on the Friday preceding
every quarterly meeting, and that a memorandum of it be written on all the class papers."
In the 19th section we formed a rule for trying of traveling preachers, who might be accused of
improper conduct.
Q. "What shall be done when an elder, deacon, or preacher is under the report of being guilty of
some crime, expressly forbidden in the word of God, as an unchristian practice sufficient to exclude
a person from the kingdom of grace and glory?
A. "Let the presiding elder, in the absence of a bishop, call as many ministers as he shall think fit,
at least three; and if possible bring the accused and accuser face to face. If the person be clearly
convicted, he shall be suspended from all official services in the church, till the ensuing yearly
conference; at which his case shall be fully considered and determined. But if the accused be a