CHAPTER II. GENERAL RULES, AND RECEPTION AND EXPULSION OF MEMBERS. SECTION I. THE NATURE, DESIGN, AND GENERAL RULES OF OUR "(1.) IN the latter end of the year 1739, eight or ten persons came to Mr. Wesley in London, who appeared to be deeply convinced of sin, and earnestly groaning for redemption. They desired, as did two or three more the next day, that he would spend some time with them in prayer, and advise them how to flee from the wrath to come, which they saw continually hanging over their heads. That he might have more time for this great work, he appointed a day when they might all come together, which from thenceforward they did every week, namely, on Thursday, in the evening. To these, and as many more as desired to join with them (for their number increased daily), he gave those advices, from time to time, which he judged most needful for them, and they always concluded their meeting with prayer, suited to their several necessities. แ (2.) This was the rise of the UNITED SOCIETY, first in Erope, and then in America. Such a Society is no other than a company of men having the form, and seeking the power of godliness, united in order to pray together, to receive the word of exhortation, and to watch over each other in love, that they may help each other to work out their salvation.” (3.) That it may the more easily be discerned whether they are indeed working out their own salvation, each Society is divided into smaller companies, called classes, according to their respective places of abode. There are about twelve persons in a class, one of whom is styled the Leader. It is his duty, I. To see each person in his class once a week, at least, in order, 1. To inquire how their souls prosper. 2. To advise, reprove, comfort, or exhort, as occasion may require. 3. To receive what they are willing to give toward the relief of the preachers, church, and poor.* II. To meet the ministers and the stewards of the Society once a week, in order, 1. To inform the minister of any that are sick, walk disorderly, and will not be reproved. or of any that 2. To pay the stewards what they have received of their several classes during the week preceding. (4.) There is only one condition previously required of those who desire admission into these Societies" a desire to flee from the wrath to come, and be saved from their sins." But wherever this is really fixed in the soul, it will be shown by its fruits. It is therefore expected of all who continue therein, that they should continue to evidence their desires for salvation, First. By doing no harm; by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practised; such as, The taking of the name of God in vain ; The profaning the day of the Lord, either by doing ordinary work therein, or by buying or selling; Drunkenness, buying or selling spirituous liquors, or drinking them, unless in cases of extreme necessity; The buying and selling of men, women, and children, with an intention to enslave them ; * This part refers to towns and cities; where the poor are generally numerous, and church expenses considerable. GENERAL RULES OF THE UNITED SOCIETIES. 279 Fighting, quarrelling, brawling, brother going to law with brother, returning evil for evil, or railing for railing, the using many words in buying or selling; The buying or selling goods that have not paid the duty; The giving or taking things on usury-i. e. unlawful interest; Uncharitable or unprofitable conversation, particularly speaking evil of magistrates or of ministers; Doing to others as we would not they should do unto us; Doing what we know is not for the glory of God; as: The putting on of gold, and costly apparel; The taking such diversions as cannot be used in the name of the Lord Jesus; The singing those songs, or reading those books which do not tend to the knowledge or love of God; Softness, and needless self-indulgence; Borrowing, without a probability of paying, or taking up goods, without a probability of paying for them. (5.) It is expected of all who continue in these Societies, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation, Secondly. By doing good, by being in every kind merciful after their power, as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and as far as possible, to all men. To their bodies, of the ability which God giveth, by giving food to the hungry, by clothing the naked, by visiting or helping them that are sick or in prison; To their souls, by instructing, reproving, or exhorting, all we have any intercourse with; trampling under foot that enthusi astic doctrine, that “ we are not to do good, unless our hearts be free to it." By doing good, especially to them who are of the household of faith, or groaning so to be; employing them preferably to others, buying one of another, helping each other in business; and so much the more, as the world will love its own, and them only; By all possible diligence and frugality, that the gospel be not blamed; By running with patience the race which is set before them, denying themselves, and taking up their crosses daily; submitting to bear the reproach of Christ, to be as the filth and offscouring of the world; and looking that men should say all manner of evil of them, falsely, for the Lord's sake. (6.) It is expected of all who desire to continue in these Societies, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation, are, Thirdly. By attending upon all the ordinances of God: such The public worship of God; The ministry of the word, either read or expounded; The Supper of the Lord; Family and private prayer; Searching the Scriptures; and Fasting, or abstinence. (7.) These are the general rules of our Societies: all of which we are taught of God to observe, even in his written word, which is the only rule, and the sufficient rule, both of our faith and practice. And all these we know his Spirit writes on truly awakened hearts. If there be any among us who observe them not, who habitually break any of them, let it be known unto them who watch over that soul as they who must give an account. We will admonish him of the error of his ways. We will bear with him for a season. But then, if he repent not, he hath no more place among us. delivered our own souls." We have We have thus quoted at length the general rules, that the uninformed reader may see at a glance the requirements which the Discipline of the Methodist Church makes of all its ministers and members; and we think that every candid reader will admit that a more scriptural code of morality and religious practice could not well be drawn up by man. Such as they RECEPTION OF MEMBERS-EXPULSION. 281 are, we commend them to the prayerful attention of all, and especially of the members of the church. SECTION II. OF RECEIVING MEMBERS INTO THE CHURCH. 1. How shall we prevent improper persons from insinuating themselves into the church? ANS. 1. Let none be received into the church, until they are recommended by a leader with whom they have met six months on trial, and have been baptized; and shall on examination by the minister in charge, give satisfactory assurances, both of the correctness of their faith, and their willingness to observe and keep the rules of the church. Nevertheless, if a member in good standing in any orthodox church shall desire to unite with us, such applicant may, by giving satisfactory answers to the usual inquiries, be received at once into full fellowship. 2. Let none be admitted on trial except they are well recommended by one you know, or until they have met twice or thrice in class. 3. Read the rules to them the first time they meet. 4. The official minister or preacher shall, at every quarterly meeting, read the names of those that are received into the church, and also those that are excluded therefrom. SECTION III. ON THE TRIAL AND EXPULSION OF MEMBERS. 1. Probationers in the church may, for neglect of duty, or disorderly conduct, be discontinued at any time, without the usual forms of trial and expulsion. Six months' probation are granted, that every candidate for membership may become. |