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

We also made a rule for all the preachers remaining on trial, to continue in their circuit during the
time of the sitting of the yearly conference, and for none to attend at such times, but those who were
in full connection, or to be received into full connection.
We also for the first time, drew up, and published in our general minutes a deed, for the better
securing of all our meeting-houses; and it was determined as far as it was consistent with the laws
of the different states, it should be carried into effect. We concluded to have nine, seven, or five
trustees to each house.
The deed began as follows: This indenture, made this day of in the year of our Lord, &c The deed
may be seen at full length, in the Form of Discipline, page 197.
We made the following rule, that every traveling deacon shall exercise that office for two years,
before he be eligible to the office of an elder; except in cases of missions, when the yearly
conferences shall have authority to elect for the elders' office sooner, if they judge it expedient.
We agreed also to change the name of our Armenian Magazine, and call it the Methodist
Magazine. This was done and the work was continued for two years, and then it stopped; and has
never been revived since.
At this conference we first set on foot our chartered fund in Philadelphia, which still continues,
and is profitable to our connection. It is as follows:
Q. "What further provision shall be made for the distressed traveling preachers, for the families
of traveling preachers, and for superannuated and worn out preachers, and the widows and orphans
of preachers?
A. "There shall be a chartered fund, to be supported by the voluntary contributions of our friends;
the principal stock of which shall be funded under the direction of trustees, and the interest applied
under the direction of the general conference, according to the following regulations, viz.
1st. "That no sum exceeding sixty-four dollars, shall in any one year be applied to the use of an
itinerant, superannuated, or worn-out, single preacher.
2d. "That no sum exceeding one hundred and twenty eight dollars in any one year, shall be applied
to the use of any itinerant, superannuated, or worn-out married preacher.
3d. "That no sum exceeding sixty-four dollars in any one year, shall be applied for the use of each
widow of any itinerant, superannuated, or worn-out preacher.
4th. "That no sum exceeding sixteen dollars shall be applied in any one year, for the use of each
child or orphan of an itinerant, superannuated, or worn-out preacher.
5th. "That the elders, and those that have the oversight of circuits, shall be the collectors and
receivers of subscriptions, &c for this fund.