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 D. B. Weldon Library 
 Univerr'ty of Western Ontario 
 (Regional History Room) 
 
 Lee imagea suivantea ont 6ti reproduites avec ie 
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THE METHODIST CHURCH. 
 
 THE 
 
 dDrtgin, '§tsx%n, mi"b general | 
 
 OF OUR 
 
 UNITED SOCIETIES. 
 
 Extracted from the Rules op our Church. 
 
 (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 si. , 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 Thurs- 
 day, in the evening. To these, and as many more as desired 
 to join with them (for their numbers increased daily), he 
 gave those advices from time to time which he judged 
 most needful for them ; and they always concluded their 
 meetings with prayer suited to their several necessities. 
 
 (2) This was the rise of the United Society, first in 
 Europe and then in America. Such a Society is no other 
 than "a company of men^ having the form, and seeking the 
 power of godlinesSj united in order to pray together^ to re- 
 ceive the word of exhortation^ and to watch over one another 
 in love, that they may help each other to work out their 
 salvation." 
 
( 2 ) 
 
 (3) That it may the more easily b^ uiscerned 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 — 
 
 First. 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 towards the 
 support of the Ministers, Church, and Poor. 
 
 Second. To meet the Ministers and Stewards of the So- 
 ciety once a week, in order — 
 
 1. To inform the Minister of any that are sick, or of 
 any that walk disorderly and will not be reproved. 
 
 2. To pay the Stewards what they have received of the 
 several classes in 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. 
 
 (5) Tfc i? therefore expected of all who continue therein, 
 that they ..lould continue to evidence their desire of salva- 
 tion — 
 
 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 of the day of the Lord, either by doing 
 ordinary work t^ierein, or by buying or selling. 
 
 Drunkenness, buying or selling spirituous liquors, or 
 drinking them, unless in case of extreme necessity. 
 
 The buying or selling of men, women, and children, with 
 the intention to enslave them. 
 
( 3 ) 
 
 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 on usury, that is, 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 or 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. 
 
 Laying up treasure upon earth. 
 
 Borrowing without a probability of paying; or taking 
 up goods without a probability of paying for them. 
 
 (6) It is expected of all who continue in these Societies 
 that they should continue to evidence their desire of salva- 
 tion, 
 
 Secondly, By doing good ; by being in every kind merci- 
 ful 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 visit- 
 ing 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 
 enthusiastic doctrine, that *' we are not to do good, unless 
 our hearts are free to it" 
 
 By doing good, especially to them who are of the house- 
 hold of faith, or groaning so to be ; employing them prefer- 
 ably to others, buying one of another, helping each other 
 
( * ) 
 
 in business ; and bo much the more beceuse the wo. Id 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 tlieir cross daily ; 
 submitting to bear the reproach of Ohrist, 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. 
 
 (7) It is expected of all who desire to continue in these 
 Societies that they should continue to evidence their desire 
 of salvation, 
 
 Thirdly, By attending upon all the ordinances of God, 
 such as — 
 
 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 ; 
 
 Fasting or abstinence. 
 
 (8) 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 ide, 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 observes them not, who habitually breaks 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 if then he repent not, he hath no more 
 place among us. We have delivered our own souls. 
 
 TORONTO: 
 
 WILLIAM BRIGGS, 78 & 80 KING STREET EAST. 
 
 0. W. COATES, MoNTRBAL, QuB. I S. F. HUESTIS, Halifax, N.S. 
 
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