*227.* _United States, Rules._—In the United States courts, the rule prevails that such confidential communications to a priest shall not be divulged.(406) *228.* _Presumptions, Usage._—The usage of a church or the laws of its organization as a religious society, if they are to be considered in deciding legal controversies, must be proved as facts.(407) In the absence of proof, it will be presumed that subordinate bodies, as congregations, can not dissolve their connection with the principal organization without permission.(408) *229.* _Funeral Expenses._—Witnesses’ opinions as to the reasonable amount for burial or as to the cost of a funeral being reasonable, are not binding on a court or jury. The station of a man, the property that he leaves, the life that he has followed, all should be considered by the court. The whims and notions of societies and others are of minor consideration. Those who make funeral expenses that are not allowed by the court must pay them.(409) CHAPTER XIX. CONTRACTS *230.* _Business, Religious Service._—A church organization has the legal right to make any contract concerning its own affairs that is not prohibited by its by-laws or its charter, subject to all laws of legal contracts in the business world. When the consideration is a religious service duly performed, there seems to be no objection to it. Therefore, a minister may collect for preaching a sermon, attending the sick, or saying prayers, or performing any other religious service. But an incorporated church has no authority to enter into a contract for an ulterior purpose, such as the employment of a vessel for the purpose of an excursion.(410) *231.* _Incorporated Body._—The only way a religious society that is incorporated can make a contract is by a vote of the aggregate body or of the board of trustees, or through an agent authorized by a vote of one body or the other.(411) *232.* _Mortgage, Deficiency Judgment._—Where a mortgage had been foreclosed against church property before the congregation was incorporated, a deficiency judgment can not be rendered against such church corporation.(412) But where a congregation was incorporated after a debt had been incurred and took charge of the property, it assumed the debt.(413) *233.* _Building Contracts._—The taking part in a meeting by voting and appointing committees to make contracts will bind those taking part in all contracts made in accordance with the directions of such meeting. In some States the individuals are held only to the amount that each subscribes, but in other States each individual is liable for the entire debt.(414)