Methodist family manual : containing the doctrines and moral government of the Methodist Church, with scripture proof, accompanied with appropriate questions. To which are added, a systematic plan for studying the Bible, rules for the government of a Chr

Front matter

METHODIST

FAMILY MANUAL:

CONTAINING THE

Preface

There are some words which possess a peculiar charm, such as husband, wife, father, mother, brother, sister, and . home. The word family includes all these, and ought to have superior attractions in the sound. All the intelligent and virtuous will admire the term, and appreciate all those tender and endearing associations connected with it. The family circle is of divine origin, and is stamped with signal holiness and beauty. There is no influence on earth which can so effectually bless the heart of man, soften his asperities, and bind him to all that is pure and lovely, as that which is exerted by an amiable wife. And there is no human influence so well calculated to strengthen woman's character, mature her faculties, and give stability to her virtue, as an affectionate and true husband. The little immortals entrusted to their care, naturally look up to their parents for protection, support, and instruction. This family group is sweetly /bound together by the three-fold cord of conjugal, •♦parental, and filial affection ; and in it we have an epitome of all rule, authority, and power. And it is well known that the course pursued, in the intellectual and moral training of children, has much to do

IV PREFACE.

with their influence in time, and their destiny in eternity. The Christian education and proper training of children, lie at the foundations of society, and constitute the hope of earth and heaven. The patriot, the statesman, the minister, and all other philanthropists must, therefore, look to the formation, instruction, and government of families, with incalculable interest; and the wise and good will hail with joyful welcome, any publication calculated to promote the religious instruction of households.

I have examined with interest and" pleasure the manuscript of The Family Manual, by Rev. C. R. Lovell, and have no hesitation in recommending the work, as furnishing many helps for the instruction of all Christian families, especially those connected with the various denominations of Wesleyan Methodism. I think it is calculated to fill an important place in Methodist Literature, which has long been a desideratum : and on this account, as well as its intrinsic worth, I anticipate for the "Family Manual" a ready sale, and wide-spread circulation.

The arrangement of the work secures great convenience to the reader, and exhibits a degree of harmony and beauty rarely surpassed. The proof-texts, wliich are numerous, are judiciously selected and admirably arranged ; and in their connected order, illustrate and sustain the doctrines of the book with great perspicuity, if not with irresistible force.

JOHN F. WRIGHT.

Cincinnati, February 18, 1852.

Introduction

THE FAMILY MANUAL.

1 have read, in manuscript, this valuable work from the pen of the Rev. C. R. Lovell ; and I am so fully persuaded of its great usefulness, that I deem it my duty to present its claims, in a brief way, to the favorable consideration of the members and friends of the Methodist Church.

The first thing in the arrangement, is an address to the family, in which four things are insisted on, viz : 1. The necessity, above all things, that the family should maintain their proper relation to the Church of God. 2. That this cannot be done intelligently without an intimate acquaintance with the doctrines, duties, and Christian privileges, as revealed in the Bible. 3. That their attachment to one branch of the church more than another should be placed upon the superior evangelical basis of one church over others. 4. That they are expected not only to be Christians, but Methodist Christians ; and as such to understand and

VI INTRODUCTION.

cherish, for conscience' sake, whatever of importance is peculiar to the church to which they belong.

The first chapter in the work contains our twentyfive articles of religion, with extensive scripture proofs, written out entire under each article. There are very appropriate questions attached to this chapter, the answers to which will call up the number, the subjects, docttines, and proof-texts of the articles.

The second chapter is a summary of our doctrines, as contained in the Apostles' Creed, and connected with the baptismal vow and service, accompanied with appropriate questions.

The third chapter contains scriptural views of seven cardinal doctrines, viz: 1. The original state of man. 2. His fall. 3. Effects of it on his posterity. 4. Redemption by Christ. 5. Religious experience. 6. Conditions on which religious experience is obtained. And 1. The grounds on which the wicked are rejected.

The fourth chapter contains the General Rules.

The fifth contains a division of these rules into five heads, with notes and scriptural references.

The sixth chapter comprises a systematic plan for studying the Bible, adapted to Bible classes, private students, and Christian families. The whole Bible is divided into periods, and on each period are instituted eight standing questions. And the questions are so adapted as to advance greatly the improvement of the student.

The seventh chapter is a collection of scripture lessons, adapted to family or public worship.

INTRODUCTION. Vll

The eighth chapter contains rules for family government, of great utility to every Christian family.

The ninth chapter is a comprehensive family catechism, upon the subject of experimental religion, in which the progress of the grace of God in the heart is divided into four parts, beginning with the first influences of grace, and closing with holiness. .

From the foregoing, it will be seen that Mr. Lovell's work comprises the great elements of the Christian religion, so as to furnish its ^leading truths without being incumbered with any irrelavent matter. And then the questions proposed, and the answers to them, will easily lead the student to a complete knowledge of these weighty truths. With this volume how easily can every head of a family instruct the members of it in all needful truth, and thus secure that family promise that God has made especially to the families that call on his name. I can scarcely find words of sufficient earnestness by which to express my great satisfaction for the production of such a work as will greatly benefit the rising generation, if heads of families will only give a moderate share of attention to the use of the Family Manual. Let every parent purchase one of these and try its utility in his family.

CHAS. ELLIOTT.

Lebanon, O., Feb. 5, 1852.

Contents

■r page.

Preface 3

iNTKODTJOTIOy, 5

Address 11

Chap. I. Articles of Religion held by the Methodist Church with scripture proof, 17

Chap. II. A Summary of the Doctrines of the Church, in the words of the Apostles' Creed, connected with the Baptismal vow, 67

Chap. III. The Doctrines of the Church in seven original articles substantially the same as the foregoing as far as they go. in a more familiar form, with scripture proof, 71

Chap. IV. The General Rules of the Church, 95

Chap. V. A Division of the foregoing General Rules, under five appropriate heads, with explanatory notes and scripture references, 103

Chap. VI. A Systematic Plan for studying the Bible, for Bible classes, private students, and Christian families, 151

Chap. VII. A Selection of Scripture Lessons, upon various subjects to be read upon appropriate occasions, in private or public devotion, 165

Chap. VIII. Rules to be observed in the Government of a

Christian family, 171

Chap. IX. A brief Family Catechism upon experimental

religion 181

As a family you are supposed to belong to the Church of God. Your connection as such cannot be too highly esteemed — too much care, therefore, cannot be exercised to sustain it. The design of this work is to. assist you in accomplishing this great object.

God has made us moral agents, and as such, he requires us to regulate our lives by appropriate rules. The word of God is of course the only rule, and sufficient rule, both of our faith and practice — nothing need be, nothing can be added ; yet in one sense, it seems to be necessary that human means be employed to call us to a consideration of what this great rule requires at our hand. We need something 11 to encourage and urge us to an intelligent and saving faith in the doctrines it contains, submission to the reproof it administers, obedience to the correction it affords, and a willingness to profit by the instruction it imparts; that we may thereby become perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim. iii.

15,16.

As a Christian family, among other things, it will be expected that you inform yourselves well in reference to the duties and privileges of a Christian life ; also, in reference to whatever of importance may be peculiar to that branch of the church to which you belong.

The principal sources upon which you are to rely for correct information, are the Bible and Discipline of the church. It is by aiding you in becoming acquainted with these, that the author hopes to assist you in maintaining an honorable and saving relation to the Church of God.

Among the principal defects in Christian life, and especially in Christian families, we may rank that irregularity in faith and practice caused by not paying sufficient regard to the rules recorded in the Bible, and substantially copied into the Discipline of the church. As members of the Methodist Church, you are not only expected to become Christians, but Methodist Christians, that is, to believe some doctrines and adopt some religious practices that do not belong to other branches of the church. It is therefore important that you consider well these peculiarities, comparing them with the word of God. When you shall have compared whatever may be peculiar to Methodism with the standard of truth, if in your judgment it is not sustained, you had better go where these peculiarities are not required. Though it is our duty to love every branch of the evangelical Church of God, it is natural, and to a certain extent necessary, that we cultivate a more peculiar fondness for that branch of the church with which we are especially connected.

That our attachment for one branch of the church more than another, may be rationally sustained, we should have good evidence that the doctrines, government, moral power and facilities for doing and getting good, taken together, are more strictly evangelical where we belong, than in ^.ny other branch of the church ; otherwise our attachment is unreasonable and unfounded.

That you may be able to determine whether this is true in reference to that branch of the church to which you belong, it is necessary that you compare, as contained in the Discipline of the church, her doctrines, government, moral or vital power, etc., with the word of God. First, it is all important that you be well informed in respect to the doctrines taught by the church. This is the more important, in view of the fact, that some branches of the church do not require applicants for membership to believe their articles of faith ; while others are not a little careful to keep out of sight all that is to them peculiar in doctrine.

In opposition to this, we contend that the doctrines of the church form the very foundation upon which it is built. So said our Savior to Peter. Math. xvi. 15, 18.

According to the importance, which in our judgment is due to the doctrines of the church, we give them the first chapter in the order of our book.

As worthy members of the Methodist Church, you will make yourselves thoroughly acquainted with that form of Christianity you have espoused. Those who are most profoundly acquainted with Methodism, value it the most; we therefore insist that you know, and thereby be able duly to value the church, and as a member of the same identify yourself with it ; for it is necessary to a saving connection with the church, that you and the church are one. Resolve to live and die in the church.

AUTHOR.

CHAPTEE I.

Articles of Faith held by the Methodist Episcopal Church, as published ir* the Discipline of the church, with scripture proof.

I. OF FAITH IN" THE HOLT TRINITY.

There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body or parts, of infinite power, wisdom and goodness : the maker and preserver of all things, visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead, there are three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity — the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

Proof. — John iv. 24: God is a Spirit. Eph. iii. 9 : And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ. John i. 14 : And the Word was made flesh 17 1* and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John viii. 54: Jesus answered, if I honor myself, my honor is nothing, it is my Father that honoreth me, of whom ye say, that he is your God. John x. 29: My Father which gave them me, is greater than all, and none is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. John i. 1 : In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Isa. ix. 6 : For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder ; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. John xx. 28 : And Thomas answered and said unto him, my Lord and my God. Acts xx. 28: Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Rom. ix. 5: Whose are the

Father's, and of whom, as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. Phil. ii. 6 : Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. Tit. ii. 13 :* Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ. JJeb. ii. 13: And again, I will put my trust in him ; and again, behold, I and the children which God hath given me. 1 John v. 20 : And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. John xiv. 26 : But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. xv. 26: But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testily of me. xvi. 8 : And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. 1 John, v. 7 : For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost : and these three are one. Math, xxviii. 19 : Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Luke iii. 22: And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape, like a dove, upon him ; and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son : in thee I am well pleased. 2 Cor. xiii. 14: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

II. OF THE WORD, OR SON OF GOD, WHO WAS MADE VERY MAN.

The Son, who is the Word of the Father, the very and eternal God, of one substance with the Father, took man's nature in the womb of the blessed virgin, so that or THE METHODIST CHURCH. 21

two whole and perfect natures, that is to say, the Godhead and manhood, were joined together in one person, never to be divided, whereof is one Christ, very God and very man, who truly suffered, was crucified, deal! and buried, to reconcile his Father to us, and to be a sacrifice not only for original guilt, but also for actual sins of men. A , „

Proof. — John i. 14: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Phil. ii. 6, 7, 8 : Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God ; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men : and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 1 Tim. iii. 16: And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness : God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, believed on in the world, received up into glory. Col. i. 15-19: Who is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every creature: for by him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions, principalities or powers; all things were created by him, and for him ; and he is before all things, and by him all things consist; and he is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; that in all things he might have tha pre-eminence : for it pleased the Father, that in him should all fullness dwell. 1 Tim. ii. 5, 6 : For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus ; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

HI. OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST.

Christ did truly rise again from the dead, and took again his body, with all things appertaining to the perfection of man's nature, wherewith he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth until he return to judge all men at the last day.

Proof. — Math, xxviii. 6-7: And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here : for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay : And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead ; and behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him : lo, I have told you. Luke xxiv. 33_46 : And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way, and how He was known of them in breaking of bread. And as they thus spoke, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And He said unto them, why are ye troubled ? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is myself: handle me, and see : for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as you see me have. And when He had thus spoken, He showed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, have ye here any meat ? And they gave him a piece of broiled fish, and of an honey-comb. And he took it, and did eat before them. And he said unto them, these are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. And he said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day. Mark xvi. 1-14: And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and

Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment, and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted : ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified : he is risen, he is not here : behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee : there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed : neither said they any thing to any man ; for they were afraid. Now when Jesus was risen early, the first day of the week, he 2 appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive and had been seen of her, believed not. After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. And they went and told it unto the residue ; neither believed they them. Afterward he appeared unto the eleven, as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 1 Cor. xv. 3-8 ; For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures : And that he was seen of Cephus, then of the twelve. After that he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain, unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James, then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

IV. OF THE HOLY GHOST.

The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is of one substance, majesty, and glory, with the Father and the Son, very and eternal God.

Proof. — John xiv. 16, 17, 26: And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever ; even the Spirit of truth ; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him : but ye know him ; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Rom. viii. 9 : But ye are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, if so be the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his. Gal. iv. 6 : And because ye are sons, God sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Acts ii. 4, 16, 17, 33: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel : And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Therefore, being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. Acts x. 44 : While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. Acts xi. 15: And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said,

I

John indeed baptized with water : but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Acts viii. 16, 16: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost. (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them, only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

V. THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES FOR SALVATION.

The Holy Scriptures contain all things necessary to salvation : so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of the Holy Scriptures, we do understand those canonical books of the Old and New Testament, of whose authority was never any doubt in the church.

The names of the Canonical Books.

Genesis, Exodus,

Leviticus, Numbers,

Deuteronomy, Joshua,

Judges, Ruth,

The First Book of Samuel, The Second Book of Samuel, The First Book of Kings, The Second Book of Kings, The First Book of Chronicles, The Second book of Chronicles,

Ezra,

Nehemiah, Esther,

Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes or the Preacher, Canticles or the Songs of Solomon, Four Prophets the greater.

Twelve Prophets the less.

All the books of the New Testament, as commonly received, we do receive and account canonical.

Proof. — 2 Tim. iii. 15-17: And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Peter, i. 19-21 : We have also a more sure word of prophecy ; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scriptures is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time, by the will of men ; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Isa. viii. 20 : To the law and to the testimony : if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. 1 Pet. iv. 11 : If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God ; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth : that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Psalm cxix. 72 : The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. John v. 39 : Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me..

VI. OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.

The Old Testament is not contrary to the New; for both in the Old and New Testament everlasting life is offered to mankind by Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and man, being both God and man. Wherefore they are not to be heard who feign that the old fathers did look only for transitory promises. Although the law given from God by Moses, as touching ceremonies and rites, doth not bind Christians, nor ought the civil precepts thereof of necessity be received in any commonwealth ; yet, notwithstanding, no Christian whatsoever is free from the obedience of the commandments which are called moral.

Proof. — Luke xxiv. 25-27: Then he said unto them, Oh fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and entered into his glory? And beginning at Moses, and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. John v. 39: Search the scriptures: for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me. Math. xxii. 35-40 : Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him and saying, Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment; and the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as. thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.