The following text is from the Sixth Lecture (“Review, and Practical”) of the “Probationer’s Hand-book: Religious, Historical, Doctrinal, Disciplinary and Practical” by Rev. S. Olin Garrison, M.A. The handbook, also known as the Probationer’s Catechism, is a series of lectures in catechetical form, intended to prepare probationary members for full membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. These outlines could be adapted for a church membership class.
61. Give the title and an outline of the First Lecture?
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62. Give the title and an outline of the Second Lecture?
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63. Give the title and an outline of the Third Lecture?
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64. Give the title and an outline of the Fourth Lecture?
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65. Give the title and an outline of the Fifth Lecture?
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66. Have you ever read or studied the Church Catechism?
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67. Can you recite the Apostles’ Creed? or have you read it? (See Appendix H.)
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68. Can you recite the Baptismal Covenants or have you read it? (See Appendix I.)
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69. Can you recite the General Confession? or have you read it? (See Appendix K.)
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70. Can you recite the Ten Commandments ( See Appendix L.)
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71. Are you willing, as God prospers you, to give toward the support of the Gospel and the general benevolent enterprises of the Church?
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72. Have you thought prayerfully of the peculiar “duties” and “privileges” of Church membership until you are impressed with the serious import of the step you are about to take?
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73. Have you carefully read the Twenty-five Articles of Religion and the General Rules of the Church, and do you accept them?
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74. Have you read the form for receiving probationers into full membership, and are you fully prepared to answer the questions therein asked? (See Appendix N.)
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75. Do you know any reason whatever why you should not at the proper time, if your brethren should deem you worthy, be received into full membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church?
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In conclusion, now that you have accepted the Doctrines and Discipline of our Church, we beg of you to be a loyal, consistent, earnest, working member of the Church of your choice. can no longer accept the Church honorably, withdraw from her communion. May the God of all grace keep you faithful to the end!