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ARTICLE II (Cont.)
Immigration increased significantly. New inventions and technology promised a more productive and prosperous life for a larger number of people.
There was a frontier to explore and settle.
The Second Great Awakening was the most dominant religious development in the first half of the nineteenth century.
Through revivals and camp meetings, its aim was to bring sinners to an experience of conversion.
This style of Christianity was very agreeable to Methodists, united Brethren and Evangelicals.
They supported the objectives of the Awakening and drew strength from it. Their memberships rose dramatically during the years 1817 through 1843. The number of preachers serving them multiplied as well.
It was expected that both members and preachers would be seriously committed to the faith. Preachers were not only to possess a sound conversion and divine calling but they were also to demonstrate the gifts and skills requisite to an effective ministry.
Their work was urgent and demanding. The financial benefits were meager. But, as they often reminded each other, there was no more important work than theirs.
The deep committment of the general membership was exhibited in their willingness to adhere to the strict spiritual disciplines and standards of conduct outlined by their churches.
Methodists, for example, were to be strictly guided by a set of General Rules adopted at the General Conference of 1784.
These are still printed in the United Methodism's Book of Discipline and include a series of prohibitions from doing evil as well as exhortations to do good.
Membership in the church was serious business. There was no place for the "almost Christian."
The structure of the Methodists, United Brethren and Evangelical Association churches allowed them to function in ways to support, consolidate and expand their ministries.
General Conference meetings every four years, proved sufficient to set the main course for the church.
Annual conferences under Episcopal leadership, provided the mechanism for admitting and ordaining clergy, making appointments and supplying preachers with mutual support.
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