to refer the matter to arbitration, when recommended by him who has the charge of the circuit, or shall enter into a lawsuit with another member before these measures are taken, he shall be expelled, unless the case be of such a nature as to require and justify a process at law.

The preachers who have the oversight of circuits are required to execute all our rules fully and strenuously against all frauds, and particularly against dishonest insolvencies; suffering none to remain in our church on any account, who are found guilty of any fraud.

To prevent scandal, when any of our members fail in business, or contract debts which they are not able to pay, let two or three judicious members of the church inspect the accounts of the supposed delinquent; and if he have behaved dishonestly, or borrowed money without a probability of paying, let him be expelled.

Whenever a complaint is made against any member of our church, for non-payment of debt; when the accounts are adjusted, and the amount ascertained, the preacher having the charge shall call the debtor before a committee of at least three, to shew cause why he does not

make payment. The committee shall de termine what further time shall be grant ed him for payment, and what security, if any, shall be given for payment; and in case the debtor refuses to comply, he shall be expelled; but in such case he may appeal to the quarterly meeting conference, and their decision shall be final, And in case the creditor complains that justice is not done him, he may lay his grievance before the quarterly meeting conference, and their decision shall be final; and if the creditor refuse to comply, he shall be expelled.

11. The preacher who has the charge of a circuit shall appoint prayer-meetings wherever he can in his circuit.

12. He shall take care that a fast be held in every society in his circuit, on the Friday preceding every quarterly meeting and that a memorandum of it be written on all the class papers.

13. To license such persons as he may judge proper to officiate as exhorters in the church, provided no person shall be so licensed without the consent of the leaders' meeting, or of the class of which he is a member, where no leaders' meeting is held; and the exhorters so authorized shall be subject to the

annual examination of character in the quarterly meeting conference, and have their license annually renewed by the presiding elder, or the preacher having the charge, if approved by the quarterly meeting conference.

SECTION X.

Of the trial of those who think they are moved by the Holy Ghost to preach.

Quest. How shall we try those who profess to be moved by the Holy Ghost to preach?

Answ. 1. Let the following questions be asked, viz. Do they know God as a pardoning God? Have they the love of God abiding in them? Do they desire nothing but God? And are they holy in all manner of conversation?

2. Have they gifts (as well as grace) for the work? Have they (in some tolerble degree) a clear, sound understanding, a right judgment in the things of God, a just conception of salvation by faith? And has God given them any degree of utterance? Do they speak justly, readily, clearly?

3. Have they fruit; Are any truly convinced of sin, and converted to God, by their preaching?

As long as these three marks concur in any one, we believe he is called of God to preach. These we receive as sufficient proof that he is moved by the Holy Ghost.

SECTION XI.

Of the matter and manner of preaching, and of other public exercises.

Quest. 1. What is the best general method of preaching?

Answ. 1. To convince: 2. To offer Christ 3. To invite: 4. To build up: And to do this in some measure in every

sermon.

Quest. 2. What is the most effectual way of preaching Christ?

Answ. The most effectual way of preaching Christ, is to preach him in all his offices; and to declare his law, as well as his gospel, both to believers and unbelievers. Let us strongly and closely insist upon inward and outward holiness in all its branches.

Quest. 3. Are there any smaller advices, which might be of use to us? Answ. Perhaps these: 1. Be sure never to disappoint a congregation. 2. Begin at the time appointed.-3. Let your whole deportment be serious, weighty,

and solemn. 4. Always suit your subject to your audience. 5. Choose the plainest text you can. 6. Take care not to ramble, but keep to your text, and make out what you take in hand. 7. Take care of any thing aukward or affected, either in your gesture, phrase, or pronunciation. 8. Do not usually pray extempore, above eight or ten minutes (at most) without intermission. 9. Frequently read and enlarge upon a portion of Scripture ; and let young preachers often exhort without taking a text. 10. Always avail yourself of the great festivals, by preaching on the occasion.

SECTION XII.

Of the Duty of Preachers to God, themselves, and one another.

Quest. 1. How shall a preacher be qualified for his charge?

Answ. By walking closely with God, and having his work greatly at heart: and by understanding, and loving discipline, ours in particular.

Quest. 2. Do we sufficiently watch over each other?

Answ. We do not.

Should we not fre

quently ask each other, Do you walk closely with God? Have you now fellow.