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and sings the bass as it is composed in the tune book.

8. Introduce no new tune till they are perfect in the old.

And

9. Recommend our tune-book. if you cannot sing yourself, choose a person or two at each place to pitch the tune for you.

10. Exhort every person in the congregation to sing; not one in ten only. 11. Sing no hymns of your own composing.

12. If a preacher be present, let him alone give out the words.

13. When the singers would teach a tune to the congregation, they must sing only the tenor.

14. Let it be recommended to our people, not to attend the singing-schools which are not under our direction.

15. The preachers are desired not to encourage the singing of fuge tunes in our congregations.

16. We do not think that fuge-tunes are sinful, or improper to be used in private companies: but we do not approve of their being used in our public congregations, because public singing is a part of divine worship, in which all the congregation ought to join.

CHAPTER II.

SECTION I.

The Nature, Design, and General
Rules of our United Societies.

(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 sin, 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 thence forward 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) he gave those advices from time to time which he judged most needful for them; and they always concluded their meeting, 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 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 a class; one of whom is styled The Leader,-It is his duty,

1. 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 relief of the preachers, church and poor.*

**This part refers to towns and cities, where the poor are generally numerous, and church expences considerable.

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 the stewards what they have received of their 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 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,

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 the day of the Lord, either by doing ordinary work therein, or by buying or selling.

:

Drunkenness or drinking spirituous liquors, unless in cases of necessity.

The buying and selling of men, women,

and children, with an intention to enslave them.

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 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.

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Doing what we know is not for the glory of God: As

The putting on of gold and 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.

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