Page images
PDF
EPUB

CHAPTER V.

The Methodist doctrines, discipline, and economy; with a view of the progress and present state of Metho dism in Great-Britain.

THE regulations of the primitive Methodists, were printed under the title of, Orders of a religious Society, meeting in Fetter Lane, in obedience to the command of God by St. James, and by the advice of Peter Bohler. It was determined,

:

"That they would meet together once a week, to confess their faults one to another, and to pray one for another that they might be healed that others, of whose sincerity they were well assured, might, if they desired it, meet with them for that purpose: that the persons desirous of meeting together should be divided into several bands, or little companies, none of which should consist of fewer than five, or more than ten persons: that some person in each band, should be desired to speak to the rest in order, who might be called the leader of that band that each band should meet twice in a week; once on Monday evening, and the second time when it was most convenient for each band ; every meeting to be begun and ended with singing and prayer: that every one in order, should speak as freely, plainly, and concisely as he could, the state of his heart, with his several temptations and deliverances since the last time of meeting: that all the bands should have a conference at eight every Wednesday evening, begun and ended with singing and prayer: that any who desired to be admitted into this society, should be asked, What are your reasons for desiring this? Will you be entirely open, using no kind of reserve? Have you any objection to any of our orders? That when

[ocr errors]

:

any new member was proposed, "every one present should speak clearly and freely whatever objection he had against him that those against whom no reasonable objection appeared, should be, in order for their trial, formed into one or more distinct bands, and some person agreed on to assist them that after two months trial, if no objection then appeared, they might be admitted into the society that every fourth Saturday should be observed as a day of general intercession, which might continue from twelve to two, from three to five, and from six to eight: that on the Sunday seven-night following, there should be a general lovefeast, from seven till ten in the evening: that no particular person should be allowed to act in any thing, contrary to any order of this society; but that every one without distinction should submit to the determination of his brethren; and that if any person or persons did not, after being thrice admonished, conform to the society, they should no longer be esteemed as members that any person whom the whole society should approve, might be accounted a corresponding member, and as such be admitted to the general meetings, provided he corresponded with the society, at least once a month."

In the year 1743, when a considerable number of societies had been formed, Mr. Wesley and his brother to preserve order and regularity throughout the whole connection, published The nature, design and general rules of the United Societies, in London, Bristol, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, &c.

"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 salzation.

[ocr errors]

"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, 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 occasions require to receive what they are willing to give toward the relief of the poor. To meet the minister, and the 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, the week preceding; and, to shew their account of what each person has contributed.

"There is one only condition previously required of those who desire admission into these societies, 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 shewn by its fruits. It is therefore expected of all who continue therein, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation "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 ; 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 ; uncharitable or unprofitable conversation; particularly speaking evil of magistrates or 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 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 the love of God: softness, or needless self-indulgence: laying up, treasures upon earth borrowing without a probability of paying; or taking up goods without a probability of paying for them. It is expected from all who continue in these societies, that they should continue to evince their desire of salvation: by doing good, by being in every kind merciful after their power; as they have opportunity, doing good of every posssible sort, and as far as is 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 they have intercourse with; trampling under foot that enthusiastic doctrine of devils, that, 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; employing them preferably to others; buying one of another; helping each other in business; and so much the more, because the world will love its own, and them only 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. It is expected of all who desire to continue in these societies, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation by attending upon all the ordinances of God. Such are, the publick 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 and abstinence.

"These are the general rules of our societies; all which we are taught of God to observe, even in his written word, 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. repent not, he hath no more place with us. delivered our own soul.

But if he

We have

JOHN WESLEY,

CHARLES WESLEY."

Every member of the society was obliged to meet in class. But those, who had peace with God, were divided into smaller companies, called bands. Each band had a person called the leader, who met the company weekly, and received a small contribution for the poor. At the quarterly visitation, when the tickets were changed, those persons received a ticket with a B. These were called band-tickets, and admitted those who held them into the meetings where the bands alone were assembled.

DIRECTIONS to the BAND SOCIETIES.

"You are supposed to have the faith that overcometh the world. To you, therefore, it is not grievous: carefully to abstain from doing evil: in particular; neither to buy or sell any thing at all on the Lord's day to be at a word both in buying and selling to pawn nothing, no not to save life: not to mention the fault of any behind his back to wear no needless ornaments, such as rings, ear-rings, necklaces, lace, rufs zealously to maintain good works in particular :

« PreviousContinue »