ces from time to time, which I judged most needful for them and we always concluded our meetings with prayer suited to their several necessi

ties.

2. This was the rise of the UNITED SOCIETY, first in London, and then in other places. 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 one another 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 every class: one of whom is stiled The Leader-It is his business,

I. To see each person in his class once a week at least, in order

1. To enquire 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 relief of the 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, or of any that walk disorderly, and will not be reproved.

2. To pay to the stewards what they have received of the several classes in the week preced

ing.

4. There is one only condition previously required of those who desire admission into these societies, a desire to flee from the wrath to come, i. e. a desire to be saved from their sins. But where

ever this is really fixed in the soul, it will be shewn by it's fruits. It is therefore expected of all who continue therein, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,

First-By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind; especially that which is most generally practised: such as

The taking the name of God in vain ;

The prophaning the day of the Lord, either by doing ordinary work thereon, or by buying or selling.

Drunkenness, buying or selling spirituous liquors; or drinking them, unless in cases of necessity.

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 of 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 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.

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 is possible, to all men:

To their bodies, of the ability which God giv. cth, by giving food to the hungry, by cloathing 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 enthusiastic doctrine, that 66 we are not to do good, unless our hearts be free to it."

By doing good, especially to them that are of the household of faith, or groaning so to be; em ploying them preferably to others, buying one of another, helping each other in business; and so much the more, because the world will love it's own and them only.

By all possible diligence and frugality, that the gospel be not blamed.

By running with patience the race that is set before them, denying themselves, and taking up their cross daily; submitting to bear the reproach of Christ, to be as the filth and off-scouring 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 continue in these societies, that they should continue to eyidence their desire of salvation :

Thirdly, By attending upon all the ordinances of God: such are

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 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 every truly awakened heart. If there be any among us who observe them not, who habitually break any of them, let it be made known unto them who watch over that soul, as they that 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. We have delivered our own souls.

JOHN WESLEY. CHARLES WESLEY.

These are the general rules which were first introduced among us, and which have continued among us from the beginning; and they have been admired, not only by the Methodists themselves, but also by most religious people of other denominations.

It will be necessary to insert here the rules of the Band societies.

Three, four, or five true believers, who have confidence in each other, form a Band. Only it is to be observed, that in each of the se bands all must be men, or all women; and all married or all single.

Rules of the Band Societies, Drawn up De. cember 25, 1738.

"The design of our meeting is to obey that command of GOD, Confess your faults one to ano

D

ther, and pray one for another, that you may be healed.

To this end we agree,

1. To meet once a week, at the least.

2. To come punctually at the hour appointed, without some extraordinary reason.

3. To begin (those of us who are present) exactly at the hour with singing or prayer.

4. To speak, each of us in order, freely and plainly the true state of our souls, with the faults we have committed in thought, word, or deed, and the temptations we have felt since our last meeting.

5. To end every meeting with prayer, suited to the state of each person present.

6. To desire some person among us to speak HIS own state first, and then to ask the rest in order, as many and as searching questions as may be, concerning their state, sins, and temptations. Some of the questions proposed to every one before He is admitted among us, may be to this effect :

1. Have you the forgiveness of your sins?

2. Have you peace with God, through our LORD JESUS CHRIST?

3. Have you the witness of God's Spirit with your Spirit, that you are a child of God?

4. Is the love of GoD shed abroad in your heart?

5. Has no sin, inward or outward, dominion over you ?

6. Do you desire to be told of your faults? 7. Do you desire to be told of all your faults, and that plain and home?

8. Do you desire, that every one of us should tell you, from time to time, whatsoever is in HIS heart concerning you?

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9. Consider! Do you desire we should tell you