Other formats

    Adobe Portable Document Format file (facsimile images)   TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 1

[subsection]

The opinions of Mr. Bell and Mr. Atherley are both to the same effect. On that account, and because they are given at very considerable length, it is thought not necessary to insert them.

Fortified by these concurring authorities, the Committee no longer felt any hesitation to proceed, and, accordingly, forthwith directed Counsel to prepare the Draft of a Deed which might serve as a Model to be referred to by subsequent Deeds in pursuance of the Plan detailed in the Case.

This Draft, together with the Case, and all the Opinions, was submitted to the Conference held in Leeds in the year 1830; when the Conference unanimously adopted the Plan, and re-appointed the Committee with power to complete and carry it into execution.

That the Draft might receive the attention due to so important a measure, the Committee directed it to be printed, and about fifty copies to be sent to various persons, with a request that they would carefully examine and then return them to the Committee, with such remarks and suggestions as in their opinion might tend to render it more perfect.

The observations thus obtained led to several verbal alterations, as well as to the introduction of some new matter; and the Draft having been again considered by the Committee, about the same number of corrected copies were again distributed, and the attention of the persons to whom they were sent, was particularly directed to those points and clauses respecting which, any doubt was still entertained. On the receipt of these second observations, the Draft was again carefully examined, and a few further verbal alterations and an improved arrangement of some of the clauses adopted.

The Committee then directed two fair copies to be made, and laid separately before Mr. Brodie and Mr. Atherley for final settlement; and which, having been revised and finally approved by those gentlemen respectively, corrected printed copies with a letter signifying that approval were again circulated; and the Committee, having waited beyond the time specified for their return, considered themselves fully warranted in adopting the Draft, so settled, without further delay.

page 12
In the year one thousand seven hundred and thirty-eight, a few persons in London agreed to meet with the Rev. John Wesley, (formerly of Lincoln College, Oxford, and afterwards of the City Road, London,) Clerk, for the purpose of religious conversation, singing, and prayer; which Society as it was called had increased by the early part of the year one thousand seven hundred and thirty-nine, to about sixty persons, and in April of the same year the said John Wesley being in Bristol, a few persons in that city also agreed to meet weekly, with the same intentions as those who met in London under the advice and religious direction of the said John Wesley, and of his brother the Rev. Charles Wesley; similar meetings were also commenced at Kingswood and Bath; but in the year one thousand seven hundred and forty, a part of the Society in London placing themselves more immediately under the pastoral charge and ministerial direction of the said John Wesley, agreed to meet together in a building called the Foundery, in Moorfields; which he had purchased and converted into a place of religious worship; and the same disposition to place themselves under the pastoral charge and ministerial direction of the said John Wesley, (and his said brother Charles Wesley,) appearing in the Societies before mentioned, at Bristol and other places which the said John Wesley regularly visited for the purposes of preaching the

Rules of the Societies.

Gospel, and giving spiritual advice; a body of Rules was drawn up in the year one thousand seven hundred and forty-three, for the Government of the said Societies, and entitled, "The nature, design, and General Rules of the United Societies, in London, Bristol, Kingswood, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, &c.;" and which Rules were signed by the said John Wesley, and Charles Wesley, and became then, (and continue to be,) the Rules by which all persons united in the said Societies were (and are) required to conduct themselves; and in default of which, they were to be excluded from the said Societies: And in the manner above mentioned was instituted and established, first in London, and then in other places as aforesaid, the Religious body now generally known by the appellation of, "The people

Society Stewards and Poor Stewards.

called Methodists:" And whereas, in order that the pecuniary contributions made by the said Societies for religious and charitable purposes might be managed with regularity, one or more of the members of each of the said Societies, was or were from time to time appointed to be a "Steward," or "Stewards," of the Society of which he or they were for the time being a Member or Members; and which Steward or Stewards at first managed all the temporal concerns of the said Societies, but afterwards Stewards for the Society, and page 13 Stewards for the poor of the Society; or as they are now commonly called "Society Stewards," and "Poor Stewards," were respectively

Classes and Class-Leaders.

appointed: And that the objects of the said Societies might be better effectuated, the said John Wesley formed or divided them into small companies, called "Classes," of about twelve persons in each Class; over each of which Classes, one of the members of the said Societies was

Appointment of Preachers by Mr. Wesley.

appointed and called, "The Class-Leader:" And whereas, the said people called Methodists having rapidly increased in number, and new Societies having been formed as aforesaid in many and various places, the said John Wesley appointed certain persons (some of whom were Clergymen of the Established Church of England, and others of whom were ordained or set apart to the Ministry by himself and other Presbyters of the Church of England) to preach and expound God's Holy Word unto the said Societies, and to form new Societies under his guidance and direction: And the

Formation of Circuits.

more effectually to promote order and good discipline among the Societies so formed, the said John Wesley from time to time, as occasion required, collected or associated together such of the said Societies as existed in places contiguous or of most convenient access to each other, and which collections or associations of Societies were called "Circuits;" And the said John

Assistants or Superintendants.

Wesley annually appointed one or more of the said Preachers, to Itinerate or travel from place to place in each of the said Circuits, to which he or they were respectively appointed, to visit the various Societies therein, to form new Societies, and to preach, and otherwise exercise his and their office, as Ministers of the Gospel; but under the direction and guidance of him the said John Wesley: And in each of the said Circuits one of the said Preachers so appointed was directed specially to superintend the others or other of them, and to take the chief charge and care of the Societies in the Circuit over which he was so appointed, and who was at first, and during the life-time of the said John Wesley, called, "the Assistant;" but is now generally known amongst the said people called Methodists, by the appellation of "the Superintendant," or "the Superintendant Preacher," of the Circuit to which he is for the time being

Circuit Stewards.

appointed; and in every Circuit there was, or were, from time to time appointed, from among the members of the Societies in each respective Circuit, a Steward, or Stewards, called "the Circuit Steward," or "Circuit Stewards;" whose business it was, to take charge of and to apply to their intended purposes, the various collections of monies made to meet the expenses of such Circuit.
page 16

had been any yearly Conference of the said people called Methodists in any of the said places, had always theretofore consisted of, the Preachers and Expounders of God's holy word, commonly called Methodist Preachers, in connexion with, and under the care of, the said John Wesley, whom he had thought expedient, year after year, to summon to meet him in one or other of the said places of London, Bristol, or Leeds, to advise with them for the promotion of the Gospel of Christ, to appoint the said persons so summoned, and the other Preachers and Expounders of God's holy word, also in connexion with, and under the care of, the said John Wesley, not summoned to the said yearly Conference, to the use and enjoyment of the said chapels and premises so given and conveyed upon trust for the said John Wesley, and such other person and persons as he should appoint during his life, as aforesaid; and for the expulsion of unworthy, and admission of new, persons under his care and into his Connexion, to be Preachers and Expounders, as aforesaid; and also of other persons upon trial for the like purposes; the names of all which persons so summoned, by the said John Wesley, the persons appointed, with the chapels and premises to which they were so appointed, together with the duration of such appointments, and of those expelled or admitted into connexion, or upon trial, with all other matters transacted and done at the said yearly Conference, had, year by year, been printed and published under the title of, "Minutes of Conference:"

Further Testatum naming the then yearly Conference.

And by the Said Deed Poll Now in Recital it is Further Witnessed, that the said John Wesley did thereby avouch and further declare, that the several persons thereinafter named, (that is to say, one hundred persons therein named and described,) then being Preachers and Expounders of God's holy word, under the care of, and in connexion with, the said John Wesley, had been, then were, and did on the day of the date thereof, constitute the members of the said Conference, according to the true intent and meaning of the said several gifts and conveyances wherein the words, "Conference of the people called Methodists," are mentioned and contained; And that the said several persons therein-

Rules for the said yearly Conference.

before named, and their successors for ever, to be chosen as thereafter mentioned, (and as is hereinafter recited,) were, and should for ever be construed, taken, and be, the Conference of the people called Methodists: Nevertheless, upon the terms, and subject to the regulations thereinafter prescribed; that is to say,
First. That the members of the said Conference, and their succes- page 17

First Time and place of the yearly assembly.

sors, for the time being for ever, should assemble once in every year, at London, Bristol, or Leeds, (except as after-mentioned,) for the purposes aforesaid; and the time and place of holding every subsequent Conference should be appointed at the preceding one, save that the next Conference, after the date thereof, should be holden at Leeds in Yorkshire, the last Tuesday in July then next:

Second. Act of the majority binding.

Second. The Act of the majority in number of the Conference assembled as aforesaid, should be had, taken, and be, the Act of the whole Conference to all intents, purposes, and constructions whatsoever:

Third. Vacancies to be tilled up.

Third. That after the Conference should be assembled, as aforesaid, they should first proceed to fill up all the vacancies occasioned by death, or absence, as after-mentioned:

Fourth. Forty members, a quorum, except in the case mentioned.

Fourth. No Act of the Conference assembled as aforesaid, should be had, taken, or be, the Act of the Conference, until forty of the members thereof were assembled, unless reduced under that number by death since the prior Conference, or absence, as after-mentioned; nor until all the vacancies occasioned by death or absence, should be filled up by the election of new members of the Conference, so as to make up the number one hundred, unless there were not a sufficient number of persons, objects of such election and during the assembly of the Conference, there should always be forty members present at the doing of any Act, save as aforesaid, or otherwise such Act should be void:

Fifth. Duration of the yearly assembly.

Fifth. The duration of the yearly assembly of the Conference, should not be less than five days, nor more than three weeks, and be concluded by the appointment of the Conference, if under twenty-one days; or otherwise, the conclusion thereof should follow of course at the end of the said twenty-one days; the whole of which said time of the assembly of the Conference, should be had, taken, considered, and be, the yearly Conference of the people called Methodists; And all Acts of the Conference, during such yearly assembly thereof, should be the Acts of the Conference, and none others:

Sixth. Immediately after all the vacancies, occasioned by death or absence, were filled up, by the election of new members, as

page 18

Sixth. A President and Secretary to be elected.

aforesaid, the Conference should choose a President and Secretary of their assembly, out of themselves, who should continue such until the election of another President or Secretary, in the next or other subsequent Conference; and the said President should have the privilege

Powers of the President.

and power of two members, in all Acts of the Conference, during his presidency, and such other powers, privileges, and authorities, as the Conference should, from time to time, see fit to intrust into his hands:

Seventh. Members absenting themselves without consent.

Seventh. Any member of the Conference, absenting himself from the yearly assembly thereof for two years successively, without the consent or dispensation of the Conference, and being not present on the first day of the third yearly assembly thereof at the time and place appointed for the holding of the same, should cease to be a member of the Conference, from and after the said first day of the said third yearly assembly thereof, to all intents and purposes, as though he were naturally dead; But the Conference should and might dispense with, or consent to, the absence, of any member from any of the said yearly assemblies, for any cause which the Conference might see fit or necessary; and such member, whose absence should be so dispensed with, or consented to, by the Conference, should not by such absence cease to be a member thereof:

Eighth. Power to expel members, &c.

Eighth. The Conference should and might expel, and put out from being a member thereof, or from being in connexion therewith, or from being upon trial, any person, member of the Conference, or admitted into connexion, or upon trial, for any cause which to the Conference might seem fit and necessary; and every member of the Conference so expelled and put out, should cease to be a member thereof, to all intents and purposes, as though he were naturally dead: And the Conference, immediately after the expulsion of any member thereof as aforesaid, should elect another person to be a member of the Conference, in the stead of such member so expelled:

Ninth. Power to admit persons.

Ninth. The Conference should and might admit into connexion with them, or upon trial, any person or persons whom they should approve, to be Preachers and Expounders of God's holy word, under the care and direction of the Conference; the name of every such person or persons so admitted into connexion, or upon trial, as aforesaid, page 19 with the time and degrees of the admission, being entered in the Journals or Minutes of the Conference:

Tenth. The time of probation.

Tenth. No person should be elected a member of the Conference, who had not been admitted into connexion with the Conference, as a Preacher and Expounder of God's holy word, as aforesaid, for twelve months:

Eleventh. What persons the Conference might appoint to the chapels, and for what time to the same place.

Eleventh. The Conference should not, nor might, nominate or appoint any person to the use and enjoyment of, or to preach and expound God's holy word in, any of the chapels and premises so given or conveyed, or which might be given or conveyed upon the trusts aforesaid, who was not either a member of the Conference, or admitted into connexion with the same, or upon trial, as aforesaid; nor appoint any person for more than three years successively, to the use and enjoyment of any chapel and premises already given, or to be given or conveyed, upon the trusts aforesaid, except ordained Ministers of the Church of England:

Twelfth. Power to hold the Conference at any place.

Twelfth. That the Conference should and might appoint the place of holding the yearly assembly thereof, at any other city, town, or place, than London, Bristol or Leeds, when it should seem expedient so to do:

Thirteenth. Provision respecting chapels and Conference in Ireland.

Thirteenth. And, for the convenience of the chapels and premises then already, or which might thereafter be given or conveyed upon the trusts aforesaid, situate in Ireland, or other parts out of the kingdom of Great Britain, the Conference should and might, when, and as often as it should seem expedient, but not otherwise, appoint and delegate any member or members of the Conference, with all or any of the powers, privileges, and advantages, thereinbefore contained or vested in the Conference; and all and every the acts, admissions, expulsions, and appointments whatsoever, of such member or members of the Conference, so appointed and delegated as aforesaid, the same being put into writing, and signed by such delegate or delegates, and entered in the Journals or Minutes of the Conference, and subscribed, as after mentioned, should be deemed, taken, and be, the acts, admissions, expulsions, and appointments, of the Conference, to all intents, constructions, and purposes, whatsoever, from the respective times when the same should be done by such delegate or delegates; notwithstanding any thing therein contained to the contrary:
page 20

Fourteenth. Resolutions, &c., to be entered in the journals, and signed.

Fourteenth. All resolutions and orders touching elections, admissions, expulsions, consents, dispensations, delegations, or appointments, and acts whatsoever, of the Conference, should be entered and written in the Journals or Minutes of the Conference, which should be kept for that purpose, publicly read, and then subscribed by the President and Secretary thereof for the time being, during the time such Conference should be assembled; and, when so entered and subscribed, should be had, taken, received, and be, the acts of the Conference, and such entry and subscription as aforesaid, should be had, taken, received, and be, evidence of all and every such acts of the said Conference, and of their said delegates, without the aid of any other proof; and whatever should not be so entered and subscribed as aforesaid, should not be had, taken, received, or be, the act of the Conference; and the said President and Secretary were thereby required and obliged to enter and subscribe as aforesaid, every act whatever of the Conference:

Provision respecting the extinction of the Conference, and appropriation of the chapels, &c., in that case.

Lastly. Whenever the said Conference should be reduced under the number of forty members, and continue so reduced for three yearly assemblies thereof successively; or, whenever the members thereof should decline or neglect to meet together annually for the purposes aforesaid, during the space of three years; that then, and in either of the said events, the Conference of the people called Methodists should be extinguished, and all the aforesaid powers, privileges, and advantages, should cease; and the said chapels and premises, and all other chapels and premises which then were, or thereafter might be, settled, given, or conveyed, upon the trusts aforesaid, should vest in the Trustees for the time being of the said chapels and premises respectively, and their successors for ever, upon trust that they, and the survivors of them, and the Trustees for the time being, did, should, and might, appoint such person and persons to preach and expound God's holy word therein, and to have the use and enjoyment thereof, for such time and in such manner as to them should seem proper:

Recital of the deaths of Charles Wesley and John Wesley.

And Whereas, the said Charles Wesley departed this life in the life-time of the said John Wesley, and the said John Wesley departed this life in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety–one:

Of the formation of Districts.

And Whereas, in or about the said year one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one, the said Conference, for the better maintenance of the eco- page 21 nomy of the said people called Methodists, united into "Districts," the Circuits which had been formed by the said John Wesley, in the kingdoms of Great Britain and Ireland; of which Districts, nineteen were formed in England, two in Scotland, and six in Ireland; and each of which Districts, consisted of several adjoining Circuits; and the said Conference have since, from time to time, increased the said Districts in number, and subdivided or otherwise altered the same, as they deemed necessary or expedient: And

Chairman of the District.

in order that the business and affairs of the said Districts might be properly and regularly conducted, the said Conference have annually appointed for

District Committee or Meeting.

each respective District one of the Preachers stationed for the time being in a Circuit within such District, to be "The Chairman of the District;" and a meeting of the Preachers within each respective District, is called, and generally known among the said people called Methodists, by the name of "the District Committee," or, "the District Meeting:"

Recital of Contract for purchase.

And Whereas, the said parties, hereto of the first part, and Joseph Walker, since deceased, having been possessed of certain sums of money, intended to be laid out in the purchase of a piece of ground and hereditaments, and in erecting and building thereon a Chapel, or Place of Religious Worship, with such appurtenances as might be thought proper for the use of the said people called Methodists, to be settled to the use, upon the trusts, and in manner hereinafter declared, and contained, or referred to of and concerning the same, in pursuance of the said intention; contracted and agreed with John Swallow, and Thomas Sladen, hereinafter mentioned, for the absolute purchase of the ground and hereditaments hereinafter particularly described, for the price or sum of eight hundred pounds.

Recital of Conveyance in pursuance of the said Contract.

And Whereas, by Indentures of Lease, and of Release, and Appointment, (attested by two credible witnesses, and duly enrolled in His Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months from the making thereof,) the Lease, bearing date the day next before the day of the date of the Release and Appointment; and the Release and Appointment bearing date on or about the twenty-fifth day of November, one thousand eight hundred and thirty; and made, or expressed to be made, between William Nicholson, (therein described,) of the first part, John Swallow, (therein de page 22 scribed,) of the second part, Thomas Sladen, (therein described,) of the third part, John Sutcliffe, Benjamin Garside, Francis Farnell, Joseph Walker, Robert Turner, and James Murgatroyd, (therein respectively described,) of the fourth part; and the said parties, hereto of the first part, and the said Joseph Walker, of the fifth part, in consideration of the said sum of eight hundred pounds, paid in manner therein mentioned, as and for the full and bona fide value of, and in full, for the purchase of the said ground and hereditaments hereinafter described; the same ground and hereditaments, with their and every of their appurtenances, were conveyed and assured, in possession immediately from the making of the same Indenture of Release and Appointment, and without any power of revocation, reservation, trust, condition, limitation, clause, or agreement whatsoever, for the benefit of the Grantors, or either of them, in the said Indenture named; or of any person, or persons, claiming under them, or either of them, unto and to the use of the said parties, hereto of the first part, and the said Joseph Walker, their heirs and assigns for ever, in order that the said ground and hereditaments might be further conveyed and assured by the said parties, hereto of the first part, and the said Joseph Walker, or the survivors of them; to the use, upon the trusts, and in manner, hereinafter expressed, declared and contained, or referred to, of and concerning the same:

Testatum.

Now this Indenture Witnesseth, that in further pursuance of the said intention, and purpose, and in consideration of the sum of ten shillings of lawful English money, by the said James Brown, to the said parties hereto of the first part, in hand paid at or before the sealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, they the said parties hereto of the first part, (with the approbation of the said George Marsden President for the time being of the yearly Conference of the said people called Methodists, testified by his being a party to and executing these presents,) Have, and each and every of them Hath, granted, bargained, sold, aliened, released, and confirmed, and by these Presents do, and each and every of them Doth, grant, bargain, sell, alien, release, and confirm, unto the said James Brown, (in his actual possession, now being by virtue of a bargain and sale to him thereof, made by the said parties hereto of the first part,) in consideration of five shillings, by Indenture, bearing date the day next before the day of the date of these presents, for the term of one whole year, commencing from the day next before the date of the same Indenture of Bargain and Sale; and by force of the statute made for trans- page 23 ferring uses into possession, and his heirs and assigns; All that

Parcels.

piece or parcel of ground, formerly part of a close of Ground called the Dye-house Bank, heretofore in the occupation of one Nathaniel Wainhouse; and also parcel of the Lands and Ground belonging to a Messuage called Mearclough Bottom, situate in Skircoat aforesaid, and formerly the Estate and Inheritance of Edward Wainhouse, of Skircoat, aforesaid, Gentleman, deceased; which said piece or parcel of ground, intended to be hereby released and assured, is bounded on or towards the North by the Halifax and Rochdale Turnpike Road, on or towards the South by the Calder and Hebble Canal, on or towards the East in part by a parcel of Land secondly in the said Indenture of Release and Appointment particularly mentioned, and in other parts by Lands and Hereditaments belonging to the Company of Proprietors of the said Calder and Hebble Navigation, and on or towards the West wholly by other Lands and Hereditaments of the said Company, and measures, (as nearly as the shape of the Land will permit the same to be ascertained,) in length from East to West, on the North side thereof, two hundred and fourteen feet and six inches, and on the South side thereof, two hundred and three feet four inches, and in breadth from North to South, at the East end thereof, one hundred and thirty-seven feet five inches, and at the West end one hundred and forty-four feet six inches, and contains in the whole, by admeasurement, three thousand two hundred and twenty-five superficial square yards, or thereabouts, be the same more or less, and the said parcel of Land includes a slip of land towards the North side thereof, which formerly comprised part of the old Turnpike Road from Halifax to Rochdale; Together with all and singular houses, out-houses, edifices, buildings, barns,

General words.

yards, gardens, trees, woods, underwoods, mounds, mines, delfs, quarries, fences, hedges, ditches, sewers, drains, paths, passages, ways, waters, water-courses, lights, liberties, privileges, easements, profits, commodities, emoluments, and appurtenances whatsoever, to the said piece or parcel of ground, messuage, or tenement, and hereditaments hereby granted and released, or intended so to be, belonging, or in anywise appertaining, or with the same or any part thereof respectively, now, or at any time heretofore, held, used, occupied or enjoyed, or intended so to be, or accepted, reputed, deemed, taken, or known, as part, parcel, or member thereof, or of any part thereof, with their, and every of their appurtenances, and the reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders, yearly and other rents, issues, and profits thereof; and all the estate, right, title, interest, inheritance, use, trust, property, profits, possession, claim, and demand page 24 whatsoever, both at law and in equity of them the said parties hereto of the first part in, to, out of, and upon, the same premises? and in, to, and out of,

Habendum.

every part and parcel thereof, with their, and every of, their appurtenances: To Have and to Hold the said piece or parcel of ground, messuage, or tenement, hereditaments, and all and singular other, the premises by these presents granted and released, or otherwise assured, or intended so to be, with their, and every of their appurtenances, in possession, immediately from the making thereof, and without any power of revocation, reservation, trust, condition, limitation, clause, or agreement whatsoever, for the benefit of the said parties hereto of the first part, or of any person or persons claiming under them, or any of them unto the said James Brown, and his heirs, To the Use of the said parties hereto of the first part, their heirs and assigns for ever; but, upon the trusts, and to and for the intents and purposes, and with, under, and subject to, the powers, provisoes, declarations, and agreements, in these presents expressed, declared, and contained, or referred to, of and concerning the same, (that is to say,)

Upon trusts following. Viz., To build chapel with appurtenances.

Upon Trust, that they the said Parties hereto of the first part, and the survivors and survivor of them, and the heirs and assigns of such survivor, or the Trustees, or Trustee, for the time being, acting in the trusts of these presents, shall and do, with and out of the monies now or which may hereafter be possessed by them or him for that purpose, and as soon after the execution of these Presents as conveniently may be, erect and build upon the said piece or parcel of ground, or upon some part thereof, and from time to time, and at all times hereafter, whenever it shall be necessary for the due accomplishment of the trusts of these presents, or of any of them, repair, alter, enlarge, and rebuild, a Chapel or place of Religious Worship, and a dwelling-house, or dwelling-houses, vestry-room, or vestry-rooms, school-room, or school-rooms, and other offices, conveniences, and appurtenances, or with or without any of them respectively as, and in such manner as, the Trustees for the time being of these presents, shall from time to time, deem necessary or expedient:

To permit Preachers appointed by the Conference, (and such other persons as are designated,) to preach, &c., therein.

And upon Further Trust, from time to time, and at all times after the erection thereof, to permit and suffer the said Chapel or place of Religious Worship with the appurtenances, to be used, occupied and enjoyed, as and for a place of Religious Worship, by a congregation of Protestants, of the said people? page 25 called Methodists, in the connexion established by the said late John Wesley as aforesaid, and for public, and other meetings, and services, held according to the general rules and usage of the said people called Methodists; and do and shall, from time to time and at all times hereafter, permit and suffer such person and persons as are hereinafter mentioned or designated, and such person and persons only, to preach, and expound God's holy word, and to perform the usual acts of religious worship therein; that is to say, such person and persons, as shall be from time to time approved, and for that purpose duly appointed, by the said Conference of the said people called Methodists, from time to time held under the orders and regulations of the said in part recited Deed Poll; and also such other person and persons as shall be thereunto from time to time duly permitted or appointed, (according to the general rules and usage of the said people called Methodists,) by the Superintendant Preacher for the time being, of the Circuit in which the said chapel or place of religious worship, shall, for the time being be situated; and also such other person and persons, as shall be thereunto from time to time duly appointed, by any authority lawfully constituted by the said Conference, or under or by virtue of these presents, to fill up any vacancy or vacancies, at any time occasioned by the death, removal, or suspension, of a Preacher or Preachers, in or during any interval, between the sittings of the said Conference; but only until the then next Conference, and in no case any other person or persons whomsoever:

Times and manner of the services. Who to conduct the same.

And it is hereby declared, that, the Times and Manner of the various services and ordinances of religious worship, to be observed and performed in the said chapel or place of religious worship, shall be regulated according to the general rules and usage of the said people called Methodists; and that the officiating Preacher for the time being, whether appointed by the said Conference, or permitted or appointed by the said Superintendant Preacher for the time being, or otherwise permitted or appointed as in these presents is mentioned, shall have the direction and conducting of the same worship, in conformity nevertheless to the said general rules and usage of the said people called Methodists:

Proviso respecting Preachers immoral, erroneous in doctrine, or deficient in ability.

Provided always, and it is hereby declared, that, if at any time or times hereafter, the Trustees for the time being of these presents or a majority of them; or if the Stewards and Leaders of Classes for the time being of the Socicty of the said people called Methodists, page 28 worship of Almighty God therein; and in all cases, whether in the said Chapel or place of religious worship or not, under such government, orders, and regulations, as the said Conference have directed or appointed, or shall hereafter from time to time direct or appoint; and also, subject always, to the proviso hereinbefore contained respecting doctrines:

Power to demolish buildings to enlarge the Chapel, &c.

Provided always, that, it shall be lawful for the Trustees for the time being of these presents or the major part of them, when and so often as they shall deem the same necessary or expedient, to take down and remove the said chapel, vestry-room, or vestry-rooms, school-room, or school-rooms, dwelling-house, or dwelling-houses, offices, conveniences, or appurtenances to the said Chapel or place of religious worship and premises belonging, or appertaining, or all, or any of them, or any part or parts thereof respectively, for the purpose of rebuilding the said chapel or place of religious worship, or for the purpose of building, or rebuilding, any other vestry-room, or vestry-rooms, school-room, or school-rooms, dwelling-house, or dwelling-houses, offices, conveniences, and appurtenances, or enlarging, or altering the same respectively, or all, or any of them, so as to render the premises the better adapted to, and for, the due accomplishment of the trusts, intents, and purposes, of these presents:

Power to Mortgage.

And it is hereby declared, that, from time to time and at all times hereafter, it shall and may be lawful to and for the Trustees for the time being of these presents, or the major part of them, to mortgage, and for that purpose to appoint, convey, and assure, in fee, or for any term, or terms of years, the said piece of ground chapel or place of religions worship hereditaments and premises, or any part or parts thereof, respectively, to any person, or persons whomsoever, for securing such sum or sums of money, as may be requisite, or necessary, in, or for, the due execution, and accomplishment, of the trusts and purposes of these presents, or any of them, according to the true

Mortgages to be for the whole debt or debts.

intent and meaning thereof; Nevertheless it is hereby declared, that, no mortgage, or mortgages, nor any disposition whatsoever by way of mortgage, shall at any time hereafter be made, of the said Trust premises, or of any part or parts thereof, under or by virtue of these presents, unless such mortgage, or mortgages, shall in the aggregate amount to, and cover, the whole debt, or the aggregate amount of the whole of the debts, which at the time of the execution of such mortgage, or mort- page 29 gages, shall be due and owing, either legally, or equitably, in respect, or on account of, or in relation to, the said Trust premises, or some part, or parts thereof, respectively, or from the said Trustees for the time being, or any of them, for, or on account, or in respect of, the said Trust premises, or some part, or parts thereof, respectively, excepting only, such debt and debts, as may then be accruing due, for, or on account of, the ordinary current expences, of the said chapel or place of religious worship and premises; But it is

Mortgagees not bound to inquire into the necessity, &c., of the Mortgage.

hereby declared, that, it shall not be incumbent upon any mortgagee, or mortgagees, or upon any intended mortgagee, or mortgagees, of the said Trust premises, or any part, or parts thereof, to inquire into the necessity, expediency, or propriety, of any mortgage, or mortgages, which shall be made, or be proposed to be made, under or by virtue of these presents, or whether the same is, or are, made, or intended to be made, for the whole amount of the debt, or of the aggregate amount of the debts, which shall be so due and owing as

Mortgage not to prevent Trustees from altering, &c., the Trust-premises except in the cases mentioned.

aforesaid; Nor shall any thing in these presents contained, or which may be contained in any such mortgage, or mortgages, extend, or be construed to extend, unless where the contrary shall, with the full knowledge and consent of the said Trustees for the time being or the major part of them, be therein actually expressed, to hinder, prevent, or make unlawful, the taking down, removing, enlarging, or altering, the said buildings and premises, or any of them, respectively, as is in these presents before mentioned and provided for, in that behalf, nor in any manner to hinder, prevent, or interfere with, the due execution of the Trusts or purposes of these presents, or any of them, so long as such mortgagee, or mortgagees, his, her, and their, heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, shall not be in the actual possession, as such mortgagee, or mortgagees, of the hereditaments comprised, or to be comprised, in such mortgage, or mortgages; any thing in these presents contained to the contrary, in any wise notwithstanding:

Trusts to let Pews, Houses, School-rooms, &c. To sell Graves and Tombs.

And upon Further Trust, from time to time, and at all times hereafter, to Let the pews, and seats, in the said chapel or place of religious worship, at a reasonable rent, or reasonable rents, (reserving as many free seats for the poor, where, and as may be thought, necessary or expedient,) and, if there shall be any such dwelling-house, or dwelling-houses, school-room, or school-rooms, or any of them, erected and built as aforesaid, then to let the same, or any of them, at a reasonable rent, or reasonable rents, and also, if there shall be page 32 to be a Steward, or Stewards, of the said chapel or place of religious worship, and at their will and pleasure, to remove and to dismiss such Steward, or Stewards, or any of them; and the duty of the Steward, and Stewards, of the said chapel or place of religious worship, shall be, to see and attend to, the orderly conducting of the secular business and affairs, of the said chapel or place of religious worship, under the direction and superintendance, of the Trustees for the time being of these presents, or the major part of them; And also in like manner to appoint any proper person, or persons, to be a Treasurer, or Treasurers, of the funds of the said chapel or place of religious worship and premises, and at their will and pleasure, to remove and to dismiss such Treasurer or Treasurers, or any of them:

Account-Books to be kept.

And it is hereby declared, that the Trustees and Trustee for the time being of these presents, shall, themselves, or by their Steward, or Stewards, Treasurer or Treasurers, keep a Book, or Books, of Accounts, in which from time to time shall be plainly, legibly, and regularly entered, an account of every receipt and disbursement, by them, him, or any of them, received, or made, and also, of all debts and credits, due to, and owing from or in respect of, the said trust-premises, or any part or parts thereof, and also, of all other documents, articles, matters, and things, necessary for the due and full explanation and understanding, of the same Book and Books of Accounts; and shall also in like manner, keep a Book or Books of Minutes, in which from time to time shall be plainly, legibly, and regularly entered, Minutes of all Trustee meetings from time to time held under or by virtue of these presents, and of the resolutions passed, and of all proceedings acts and business had taken and done thereat, and also of all documents, articles matters and things necessary for the due and full explanation and understanding of the same Minutes, and all other things, done in and about the execution of the trusts of these presents; and shall and will, from time to time, and at all seasonable times hereafter, upon the request of the Superintendant Preacher for the time being, of the Circuit in which the

Books, &c., to be shown to the Superintendant on request.

said chapel or place of religious worship shall for the time being be situated, produce and show forth, to him, and to every person whom he shall desire to see the same, all and every such Book and Books of Accounts and Minutes, documents, articles, matters, and things, and permit and suffer copies, or abstracts of, or extracts from them, or any of them, to be made and taken, by the said Superintendant Preacher, or by any person or per- page 33 sons whom he shall from time to time desire to make and take the same:

Accounts to be audited yearly. Notice of meeting therefore.

And the said Book and Books of Accounts and Minutes, and all documents, articles, matters, and things, relating in anywise to the said trust-premises, shall, at least once in the year, and oftener if the said Superintendant shall at any time desire, and shall give notice thereof, in manner hereinafter mentioned, be regularly, upon a day to be appointed by the said Superintendant for the time being, or with his concurrence, Examined and Audited, by the Superintendant, and the Circuit Steward, or Circuit Stewards, if more than one, for the time being, of the Circuit in which the said chapel or place of religious worship shall for the time being be situated, at a meeting convened for that purpose; And of every such meeting, Fourteen days' Notice in writing, specifying the time, place, and purpose, of such meeting, shall and may be given under the direction of the said Superintendant for the time being, by any one or more of them, the said Trustees and Trustee for the time being, to each and every the other and others of them the said Trustees and Trustee, Circuit Stewards and Circuit Steward for the time being, and either personally served upon him and them respectively, or left for, or sent by the post to, him and them at his and their most usual place and places of abode or business.

Auditors may appoint deputies.

And in order to facilitate the Auditing of the said accounts, minutes, documents, articles, matters and things, it shall be lawful for the said Superintendant, Circuit Steward, and Circuit Stewards, for the time being as aforesaid, or either, or any of them, to appoint in writing a Deputy or Deputies, to act therein for them, and him respectively as aforesaid, and for that purpose, any one or more of them, may be the Deputy, or Deputies, of the other or others of them, the said Superintendant, Circuit Steward, and Circuit Stewards; And it

Auditors to sign the Accounts.

is hereby declared, that the Signatures of all of them, the said Auditors, Deputies, and Deputy, or of the aggregate majority of them, written in the said Book and Books of Accounts and Minutes respectively, shall be sufficient evidence, that all the matters and things relating to the said trust-premises which were, up to that time included in the said Books, Accounts, Minutes, and Documents, matters, and things, were duly examined, audited, and approved of unless and except so far as, the contrary shall be therein by them or by the aggregate majority of them, in writing expressed:
page 34

Trustee Meetings for special business, notice of.

And it is hereby declared, that every Meeting, for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of making any alteration of, or any addition to, or Mortgage or sale of, the said chapel or place of religious worship, and premises, or any part or parts thereof, or for contracting any debt, upon, for, or on account thereof, (other than for the ordinary current expenses thereof,) or for letting any such house or houses, school-room or school-rooms as aforesaid, or for fixing the rents or prices, or making or altering rules to ascertain the rents or prices, of such graves, tombs, pews, and seats as aforesaid, or for appropriating the funds or any part of the funds of the said chapel, or place of religious worship, (otherwise than for the due payment of the ordinary current expenses thereof,) or, for bringing or defending any action or actions, suit or suits, respecting the said Trust Estates and Premises, or any parts thereof, or any matter relating thereto, or for any one or more of the above purposes, shall be, and shall be deemed and taken to be, a Special Meeting; and of every such Meeting, Fourteen days' Notice in writing, specifying the time, place, and purpose or purposes of such meeting, and signed by at least either two of the Trustees for the time being of these presents, or by the Superintendant Preacher for the time being, shall be given to the other, and others, of them and him, the said Trustees, and Superintendant Preacher, (unless where he himself is the person giving such notice,) and either personally served, upon him and them, or left for, or sent by the Post to, him and them, respectively, at his and their most usual place and places of abode or business.

Trustee Meetings for ordinary business, and in cases of urgent necessity, notice of.

And, for the purpose of transacting the Ordinary Business relating to the said chapel or place of religious worship and premises, or for any other purpose relating to these presents or the trusts thereof, (except where fourteen days' notice is expressed or required as hereinbefore is mentioned,) a meeting of the Trustees for the time being of these presents, may be held, with the said Superintendant for the time being, as aforesaid, so soon as the same can be conveniently convened, by notice in writing, specifying the time and place of such meeting, given and signed by at least either two of the said Trustees for the time being, or by the said Superintendant for the time being, and either Personally served upon, or left for, or sent by the Post as aforesaid to, the other and others of them respectively at his and their most usual place and places of abode or business:
page 35

Meetings valid, though notice does not reach Trustees beyond seas, or who cannot be found.

Provided Always, and it is hereby declared, that, no meeting held under or by virtue of these presents, shall be invalid, or the resolutions thereof void or impeached, by reason that any such notice or notices as aforesaid, may not, or shall not, have reached any Trustee or Trustees for the time being of these presents, who, at the time of any such meeting, happens to be beyond seas, or who, or whose place or places of abode or business, shall not be known to, and cannot reasonably be found or discovered by, the person or persons who is or are respectively as aforesaid authorized, to give any such notice or notices as aforesaid:

Who entitled to vote at Meetings for business, &c.

And it is hereby declared, that, at any meeting held under or by virtue of these presents, or of the trusts hereof, or any of them, the votes of the persons present and entitled to vote, or the votes of a majority of

Vote of the Majority binding.

them, shall decide any question or matter proposed at such meeting, and respecting which such Votes shall be given; And in case the Votes

Casting Vote.

shall be equally divided, then the Chairman of such meeting shall give the casting Vote, and which casting Vote he shall have, in addition to the Vote which he shall be intitled to, in his character of Trustee, Superintendant Preacher, or otherwise:

Who shall judge of what is "necessary or expedient"

And it is hereby declared, that, whenever it shall be thought necessary, or expedient, to do anything in and by these presents directed, authorized, or made lawful to be done, the necessity, or expediency, of doing the same, shall, in like manner be decided by, the persons present, and entitled to vote upon the question to be determined, or by the majority of them, and if there shall be an even division, then by such casting Vote as aforesaid; and all acts and deeds, done and executed in pursuance of any such decision as aforesaid, at any such meeting as aforesaid, shall be good, valid, and binding, on all persons entitled to vote at the meeting, who may be absent, or being present, may be in the minority, and on all other persons claiming, under or in pursuance of these presents; but no person, (unless where the contrary is hereinbefore expressly mentioned,) shall be allowed to vote in more than one capacity, at the same time, or on the same question, although holding more than one office at the same time, in the Society of the said people called Methodists, or in the same meeting:
page 36

General Rules and Usage.

And it is hereby declared, that, the "General Rules and Usage of the said people called Methodists," in these presents mentioned or referred to, are the General Rules Usage and Practice of the whole body of the said people called Methodists throughout Great Britain, as the same General Rules Usage and Practice respectively appear, in and by the Annual Minutes of the said Conference, from time to time printed and published by them, under the authority of the said in part recited Deed Poll, but subject at all times, to the Proviso respecting Doctrines in these Presents contained:

Who shall be the Chairman at Meetings.

Provided always, and it is hereby declared, that, excepting where the contrary is in these presents expressly declared or provided for, the Superintendant Preacher for the time being of the Circuit in which the said chapel or place of religious worship shall for the time being be situated, or his Deputy thereunto from time to time by him nominated and appointed in writing under his hand, shall be the Chairman of, and shall preside at, and shall have a Vote as such Superintendant Preacher or Deputy in, all meetings held under or by virtue of these presents; but in case the said Superintendant Preacher for the time being or his deputy to be so appointed as aforesaid, shall at any time neglect to attend at any such meeting as aforesaid, or if the said Superintendant Preacher or his Deputy appointed as aforesaid, shall attend, but shall refuse to act as the Chairman at any such meeting as aforesaid, or if the said Superintendant Preacher shall not attend at any such meeting, and shall neglect to appoint a Deputy as aforesaid, then, and in every and any of the said cases, it shall be lawful for the persons for the time being composing such meeting, and entitled to vote thereat, or for a majority of them, to elect and choose from among themselves, a Chairman to preside for the time being at any such meeting as aforesaid, and every meeting so held upon any such neglect or refusal of the said Superintendant Preacher or his Deputy as aforesaid, shall be as valid and effectual, as if the said Superintendant or his Deputy as aforesaid had been the Chairman thereof, and had presided thereat:

Power for Trustees with the consent of the Conference, to sell and convey.

Provided always, and it is hereby declared, that it shall and may be lawful to and for the Trustees for the time being of these presents, with the consent of the said Conference, such consent to be testified in writing under the hand of the President for the time being of the said Conference, at any time or times hereafter, absolutely to page 37 Sell and dispose of the said piece of ground, chapel, or place of religious worship, hereditaments, and premises, or of such part or parts of the same, respecting which such consent in writing as aforesaid shall be given, either by public sale, or private contract, and together, or in parcels, and either at one and the same time, or at different times, for the best price or prices, in money, that can be reasonably obtained for the same, and well and effectually to convey and assure the hereditaments and premises so sold, to the purchaser or purchasers thereof, his, her, or their heirs and assigns, or as he, she, or they, shall direct or appoint; and the hereditaments and premises so sold, and conveyed, and assured as aforesaid, shall thenceforth be held and enjoyed by the purchaser or purchasers thereof, his, her, and their heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, freed, and absolutely discharged from these presents, and from the trusts hereby declared, and every of them; And the

Appropriation of the purchase money.

Trustees and Trustee for the time being, acting in the trusts of these presents, shall Apply the Money which shall arise from every such sale as aforesaid, so far as the same money will extend, to the discharge of all the incumbrances, liabilities, and responsibilities, whether personal or otherwise, lawfully contracted or occasioned by virtue of these presents, or in the due execution of the trusts thereof, or of any of them; and subject thereto, either for or toward promoting the preaching of the gospel amongst the said people called Methodists, in the Circuit in which the said chapel or place of religious worship, shall, for the time being, be situated, or, for the purpose of procuring a larger, or more conveniently or eligibly situated piece of ground, and chapel, or place of religious worship, and premises, in the place or stead of the said piece of ground, chapel, or place of religious worship, hereditaments, and premises so sold and disposed of, to be settled upon the same trusts, and to and for the same ends, intents, and purposes, and with, under, and subject to the same powers, provisoes, and declarations, as are in and by these presents expressed and contained, or such of them as shall be then subsisting, or capable of taking effect:

Further power to sell (in the case mentioned) without consent of the Conference.

Provided always, that, if at any time hereafter, the Income arising from the said piece of ground, chapel, or place of religious worship, hereditaments, and premises, shall be inadequate to meet and discharge the interest of all monies borrowed, and then due, and owing upon, or on account of, the said trust-premises, and the various current expenses attending the due execution of the trusts of these presents, and, if the Trustees and Trustee for the time being page 38 of these presents, shall desire to retire and be discharged from the burden and execution of the said trusts, and, if no such proper persons as are hereinafter mentioned or described, can be found to take upon themselves the burden and execution of the said trusts, with the responsibility and liability to be thereby incurred, then, and in that case, it shall be lawful for the Trustees for the time being as aforesaid, or the major part of them, of their own proper authority, and without any such consent by the said Conference as aforesaid, to sell and dispose of the said piece of ground, chapel, or place of religious worship, hereditaments, and premises, or of any part or parts of the same respectively, either by public sale, or private contract, and either together, or in parcels, and either at one and the same time, or at different times, for the best price or prices in money, that can be reasonably obtained for the same; and well and effectually to convey and assure the hereditaments and premises so sold, with the appurtenances, to the purchaser or purchasers thereof, his, her, or their heirs and assigns, or as he, she, or they shall direct or appoint, and the hereditaments and premises so sold, and conveyed and assured, as last aforesaid, shall thenceforth be held and enjoyed by the purchaser and purchasers thereof, his, her, and their heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, freed, and absolutely discharged, from these presents, and the trusts hereby declared,

Appropriation of the purchase money.

and every of them; And all the money arising from every such last-mentioned sale, shall be applied, disposed of, and appropriated, as far as the same money will extend, to the purposes, and in the manner hereinbefore directed, with respect to any sale made in pursuance, or in consequence of, such consent, of or by the said Conference, as aforesaid; But it is hereby declared, that no sale shall be made by virtue of this present power or authority, unless the Trustees for the time being as aforesaid, or a majority of them, shall give notice in writing to the said Conference or to the President for the time being of the said Conference, on or before the first day of the then next annual meeting of the said Conference, of their intention to make such sale, and the reasons for the same; nor unless the said Conference shall, for the space of six calendar months next after the said first day of their said annual meeting, refuse or neglect, either to give, grant, or provide, the said Trustees and Trustee for the time being, with such pecuniary or other aid, assistance, and relief as shall enable them and him, to bear, and continue the burden of the execution of the trusts of these presents, or, (as the case may be,) to find and provide other Trustees, who will take upon themselves the burden of the execution of the said Trusts:
page 39

Receipts of Trustees to be good discharges.

And it is hereby declared, that, the Receipt and Receipts of a majority of the Trustees for the time being of these presents, shall, in all cases of payment made to them, or any of them, as such Trustees or Trustee as aforesaid, be a full discharge to the person or persons entitled to such receipt or receipts, his, her, and their, heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, for all mortgage-monies, purchase-monies, or other monies, therein respectively expressed and acknowledged to have been received, by any such Trustees or Trustee, as aforesaid; And in all cases, except for money paid and received in respect of any mortgage or sale of the said hereditaments and premises, or any part or parts thereof, as aforesaid, the receipt and receipts of any one or more of the Trustees for the time being of these presents, or of any one or more of the Stewards or Treasurers for the time being, by the said Trustees for the time being, or the major part of them, duly authorized to sign and give receipts, shall be a full discharge to the person and persons entitled to such receipt or receipts, his, her, and their, heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, for all monies, (except as aforesaid,) therein respectively expressed, and acknowledged to have been received by any such Trustee, Steward, or Treasurer, as aforesaid:

Purchasers or Mortgagees not bound to inquire into the premises, nor be answerable for the application of purchase or mortgage monies.

And it is hereby declared, that, it shall not be incumbent upon any mortgagee, or mortgagees, purchaser, or purchasers, of the said piece or parcel of ground, chapel, or place of religious worship, hereditaments, and premises, or of any part or parts thereof, respectively, to inquire into the necessity, expediency, or propriety, of any mortgage, sale, or disposition, of the said piece of ground, chapel, or place of religious worship, hereditaments, and premises, or of any part or parts thereof, made, or proposed to be made, by the said Trustees or Trustee for the time being, or the major part of them, as aforesaid, or whether any such notice, or notices as aforesaid, was or were duly given, or was or were valid, or sufficient, or whether any Steward or Stewards, Treasurer or Treasurers, was or were duly authorized to sign, and give receipts as aforesaid; Nor shall it be incumbent upon any such mortgagee, or mortgagees, purchaser, or purchasers, or any of them, or for any other person or persons, his, her, or their, heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, paying money to such Trustees or Trustee, or to their Steward or Stewards, Treasurer or Treasurers for the time being, as aforesaid, to see to the application, or to be answerable or accountable for the loss, misapplication, or non-application, of such purchase, or other money, or any part thereof, for which a receipt, or receipts, shall be so respectively given, as aforesaid:?
page 40

Trustees not chargeable nor accountable; when.

And it is hereby declared, that, the Trustees or Trustee for the time being of these presents, shall not, nor shall any of them, their, or any of their, heirs, executors, or administrators, or any of them, be chargeable or accountable for any involuntary loss suffered, by him, them, or any of them, nor any one or more of them for any other or others of them, nor for more money than shall come to their respective hands, nor for injury done by others to the said trust-premises, or to any part or parts thereof:

Trustees with-drawing, or duly excluded, from the Methodist Society for six months, shall cease to act, and, on being indemnified, shall convey the trust estate to the other Trustees.

Provided always, and it is hereby declared, that, from time to time, and at all times hereafter, in case any Trustee or Trustees for the time being of these presents, shall voluntarily withdraw, or be duly excluded, from being a member, or members, of the said Methodist Society, and shall continue out of the said Methodist Society, for more than six calendar months then next following, then, and in every such case, upon the request in writing, of the other, and others, of the said Trustee or Trustees for the time being, or a majority of them, but not otherwise, he, and they, the Trustee and Trustees so withdrawing, or excluded from being a member or members of the said Methodist Society, and continuing out of the said Society for the time aforesaid, shall, at the expense of the said trust-fund or estate and premises, and upon receiving such indemnity as is hereinafter mentioned, well and effectually release and relinquish, the trusts by these presents created and declared, and well and effectually convey and assure the said piece of ground chapel or place of religious worship and premises, either unto, or to the use of, the other and others of the Trustees for the time being of these presents, or otherwise, as shall or may be directed or appointed, under or by virtue of any power or authority hereinafter contained, for appointing new Trustees of these presents, or for increasing the number of such Trustees; and shall not, nor will, thenceforth, act in, intermeddle, or in anywise interfere, in, or about, the execution of the trusts of these presents, or of any of them, but shall, and will, thenceforth, permit and allow, all powers and authorities, given or created, in or by these presents, and all and every the act and acts, done, or to be done, under or by virtue thereof, to be exercised, done, and performed, by the other and others of the Trustees for the time being of these presents, or a majority of them; nevertheless, it is hereby expressly declared, that, in every such case, the Trustees or Trustee, so withdrawing or excluded from being a member or members, and continuing out of the said Methodist Society as aforesaid, shall not be required to execute any release, page 41 conveyance, or assurance, as last mentioned, unless and until the other Trustees or Trustee for the time being as aforesaid, or the major part of them, shall have tendered to the Trustees or Trustee so withdrawing, or excluded, from being a member or members, and continuing out, of the said Methodist Society as aforesaid, a Bond, in a sufficient penalty, under the hands and seals of such other Trustees or Trustee, or the major part of them, for indemnifying the Trustees or Trustee so withdrawing or excluded from being a member or members, and continuing out, of the said Methodist Society as aforesaid, and every of them, their, and every of their, heirs, executors, and administrators, of, and from, and against the payment of all and every sum and sums of money, costs, charges, and expences, which he, they, or any of them, his, their, or any of their, heirs, executors, or administrators, either separately, or jointly, with any other Trustees or Trustee of the said trust-premises, may be bound, engaged, or liable to pay, in respect of the said piece of ground chapel or place of religious worship and premises, or in, or about the due execution of, the trusts of these presents; or in place of such bond or obligation, shall procure the Trustees or Trustee so withdrawing, or so excluded, from being a member or members, and continuing out, of the said Methodist Society, for the time aforesaid, to be effectually released and discharged, of, and from, and against the payment of, all such sum and sums of money, costs, charges, and expences, as last aforesaid, and from all liability on account or in respect thereof, or in anywise relating thereto; And after the tender of such bond of indemnity or of such release as last aforesaid, all meetings held, and all acts, deeds, matters and things, done, performed, and executed by the other Trustees or Trustee for the time being of these presents, or a majority of them, shall be as valid and effectual to all intents and purposes whatsoever, as if the Trustee or Trustees so withdrawing, or excluded from being a member or members, and continuing out, of the said Methodist Society, as aforesaid, had actually released and relinquished the trusts of these presents, and every of them, and had actually conveyed and assured the said trust-premises, as last aforesaid, anything in these presents contained to the contrary thereof, in anywise notwithstanding:

Not to prevent his future election, if in other respects eligible.

Provided always, that nothing hereinbefore contained, shall be construed to prevent, or disqualify, any person or persons so withdrawing, or excluded as aforesaid, from being at any future time, nominated, appointed, and chosen (if then duly qualified) to be, a Trustee or
page 44

Trustees may be appointed, although above, or reduced below the specified number.

Provided always, and it is hereby declared, that, from time to time, and at all times hereafter, although the Trustees for the time being of these presents shall not be reduced to the number of five, or if, (through accident, neglect, or otherwise, the appointment of new Trustees shall not be made upon their being reduced to that number and,) they shall be reduced to any less number than five, then, and in either of the said cases, it shall be lawful for the said Superintendant Preacher, and the then surviving Trustees or Trustee, or the major part of them present at any meeting convened in manner as is hereinbefore mentioned and directed respecting Special meetings, to exercise, and execute, the power hereinbefore contained for the nomination, choice, and appointment of new Trustees, and for the then surviving Trustees and Trustee of these presents, to convey, and assure, the said trust-premises as last aforesaid, although the said surviving Trustees shall then either exceed, or shall be reduced to any number below, the said number of five:

Power to increase the number of Trustees.

Provided always, and it is hereby declared, that, if at any time or times hereafter, the Trustees, or a majority of them, for the time being of these presents, shall judge it necessary or expedient, to increase the number of the Trustees of these presents, beyond the original number of Trustees, then, and in every such case, it shall be lawful for the said Superintendant Preacher for the time being to nominate, as aforesaid, and for the Trustees for the time being of these presents, or the major part of them, present at such meeting convened as is hereinbefore mentioned and directed respecting Special meetings, to choose, elect, and appoint, in the same manner, as is hereinbefore mentioned and directed for the appointment and filling up of the original number of Trustees, any number of such proper persons as aforesaid, to be Trustees of the said piece of ground chapel or place of religious worship and premises, but so as the Trustees so to be elected and appointed as last aforesaid, together with such of the surviving Trustees as shall continue in the trusts of these presents, shall not in the whole exceed the number of Thirty persons; And the said piece of ground chapel or place of religious worship hereditaments and premises, and every part and parcel thereof, with the appurtenances, (excepting only such part and parts thereof as shall have been sold and conveyed under or by virtue of the said powers of sale in these presents contained, or either of them,) shall thereupon forthwith, be legally and effectually conveyed and assured to, and vested in, such continuing and new Trustees jointly, or to and in such new Trustees wholly, as the case may be, upon such page 45 and the same trusts, and to and for such and the same ends, intents, and purposes, and with, under, and subject to, such and the same powers, provisoes, declarations, clauses, and agreements, as are in these presents expressed, declared, contained, or referred to, concerning the same piece of ground chapel or place of religious worship, hereditaments and premises, or such of them as shall be then subsisting, or capable of taking effect; and to, for, or upon, no other use, trust, end, intent, or purpose, whatsoever, anything in these presents contained to the contrary in anywise notwith-standing:

Power to bring actions and to refer disputes to arbitration.

Provided lastly, and it is hereby declared, that, from time to time and at all times hereafter, it shall in all cases be lawful for the Trustees for the time being of these presents, in Special meeting assembled as aforesaid, or the majority of them, to bring, or defend, any action or actions, suit or suits, respecting the said trust estate and premises, in the names or name of the Trustees or Trustee for the time being of these presents; And also, that, if any Difference, Disagreement, or Dispute, shall at any time or times hereafter, happen to arise between the Trustees or Trustee for the time being acting in the trusts of these presents, and any other person or persons whomsoever, touching or relating to any boundary, right, privilege, light, way, drain, easement, or any other matter or thing whatsoever, belonging, or relating, or appertaining, or supposed, believed, or claimed to belong, relate, or appertain, to the said piece of ground chapel or place of religious worship hereditaments and premises, or to any part or parts thereof, and claimed or disputed by the party or parties in difference, disagreement, or dispute, then, and in every such case, it shall be lawful for, but not imperative upon, the Trustees for the time being of these presents, or a majority of them, in Special meeting assembled as aforesaid, to refer every or any such matter, or difference, disagreement, or dispute, to the arbitration and decision, of two indifferent persons, one to be chosen by the said Trustees for the time being, or a majority of them, and the other by the other party or parties in difference, or disagreement, and the award to be made by the said arbitrators, under their hands, or hands and seals, under such restrictions and conditions, as to time, and other circumstances, as shall have been previously agreed upon in writing, by the said Trustees, for the time being, or a majority of them, and the other party or parties in difference or disagreement, or the award of their umpire to be appointed by the said arbitrators, (subject to such restrictions and conditions as aforesaid,) under his hand, or hand and seal, shall be binding and conclusive, upon all parties, and the same may, if