and ceremonies, so that all things may be done to edification.

"23. The president, the congress, the general assemblies, the
governors, and the councils of state, _as the delegates of the
people_, are the rulers of the United States of America according
to the division of power made to them by the Constitution of the
United States, and by the constitutions of their respective
states. And the said states are a sovereign and independent
nation, and ought not to be subject to any foreign
jurisdiction.(2)

"24. The riches and goods of Christians are not common, as
touching the right, title, and possession, of the same, as some do
falsely boast. Notwithstanding every man ought, of such things as
he possesseth, liberally to give alms to the poor, according to
his ability.

"25. As we confess that vain and rash swearing is forbidden
Christian men by our Lord Jesus Christ and James his apostle, so
we judge that the Christian religion doth not prohibit but that a
man may swear when the magistrate requireth, in a cause of faith
and charity, so it be done according to the prophet's teaching, in
justice, judgment, and truth."

METHODISTS, OR THE METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH.

The Protestant Methodists adhere to the Wesleyan Methodist doctrines, but
discard certain parts of the discipline, particularly those concerning
episcopacy and the manner of constituting the general conference. They
seceded from the _Methodist Episcopal Church_ in 1830, and formed a
constitution and discipline of their own.

The following preamble and articles precede the constitution:--

"We, the representatives of the associated Methodist churches, in
general convention assembled, acknowledging the Lord Jesus Christ
as the only HEAD of the church, and the word of God as the
sufficient rule of faith and practice, in all things pertaining to
godliness, and being fully persuaded that the representative form
of church government is the most scriptural, best suited to our
condition, and most congenial with our views and feelings as
fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and
whereas, a written constitution, establishing the form of
government, and securing to the ministers and members of the
church their rights and privileges, is the best safeguard of
Christian liberty. We, therefore, trusting in the