Published in 1817, The Doctrines and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was the first of its kind published by the A.M.E. Church. It is a small but definitive guide to the beliefs, history and practices of the early Church. It begins with a history of the denomination and then presents the "Articles of Religion," which include Church doctrine, theology, sacraments, ceremonies, and church government. Following the "Doctrine" is an extended catechism. The rest of the document is concerned with practical matters of denominational organization, gives guidelines for conferences, specifies the qualifications and duties of preachers and officers, and advises about how teaching, public worship and church music should be practiced. Advice and warnings about difficult situations are offered. Sacramental services are laid out and the volume concludes with "Temporal Economy, " providing guidelines for preachers' salaries, fundraising, home missions, the Book Concern and dealing with slaveholders.