RULES OF THE SOCIETY OF THE PEOPLE CALLED METHODISTS. 1. In the latter end of the year 1739, eight or ten persons came to me 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 I 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 we might have more time for this great work, I 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,) I gave those advices from time to time which I judged most needful for them; and we always concluded our meetings with prayer suited to their several necessities. 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 styled the leader. It is his business, I. To see each person in his class once a week at least, in order To inquire how their souls prosper; To advise, reprove, comfort, or exhort, as occasion may require ; To receive what they are willing to give toward the support of the gospel; II. To meet the ministers and stewards of the society once a week, in order To inform the minister of any that are sick, or of any that walk disorderly, and will not be reproved; To pay to the stewards what they have received of their several classes in the week preceding; and To show their account of what each person has contributed. 4. There is only one condition previously required of those who desire admission into these societies, namely, "a desire to flee from the wrath to come, to 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 desire of salvation, First, by doing no harm, by avoiding evil in every kind: especially that which is most generally practised, such as The taking the name of God in vain : The profaning 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 extreme 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 uncustomed goods: The giving or taking things on usury; that is, unlawful interest: Uncharitable or unprofitable conversation; particularly speaking evil of magistrates or ministers: Doing to others as we would not they should do unto us: 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 the 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 that God giveth, by giving food to |