(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 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 we have any intercourse with; trampling under foot that enthusiastic doctrine, 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.

:

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

By running with patience the race which 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 offscouring 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 desire to continue in these societies that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,

Thirdly, by attending upon all the or dinances 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 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 truly awakened hearts. If there be any among us who observe them not, who habitually break any of them, let it be known unto them who watch over that soul, as they who must give an We will admonish him of the error of his ways. We will bear with him for a season. But, if then, he repent not,

account.

he hath no more place among us. have delivered our own souls.

SECTION IT.

Of Class Meetings.

We

Quest. 1. How may the leaders of classes be rendered more useful?

Answ. 1. Let each of them be diligently examined concerning his method of meeting a class. Let this be done with all possible exactness, at least once a quarter. In order to this, take sufficient time.

2. Let each leader carefully inquire how every soul in his class prospers : not only how each person observes the outward rules, but how he grows in the knowledge and love of God.

3. Let the leaders converse with those who have the charge of their circuits, frequently and freely.

Quest. 2. Can any thing more be done in order to make the class meetings lively and profitable?

Answ. 1. Change improper leaders. 2. Let the leaders frequently meet each other's classes.

3. Let us observe which leaders are the most useful: And let these meet the other classes as often as possible.

4. See that all the leaders be not only men of sound judgment, but men truly devoted to God.

Quest. 3. How shall we prevent improper persons from insinuating themselves into the church?

Answ. 1. Give tickets to none until they are recommended by a leader, with whom they have met at least six months on trial.

2. Give notes to none but those who are recommended by one you know, or until they have met three or four times in a class.

3. Read the rules to them the first time they meet.

Quest. 4. How shall we be more exact in receiving and excluding members?

Answ. The official minister or preacher shall, at every quarterly meeting, read the names of those that are received and excluded.

Quest. 5. What shall we do with those members of our church, who wilfully and repeatedly neglect to meet their class?.,

Answ. 1. Let the elder, deacon, or one of the preachers, visit them, whenever it is practicable, and explain to them

the consequence if they continue to neglect, viz. Exclusion.

2. If they do not amend, let him who has the charge of the circuit, exclude them, (in the church) shewing that they are laid aside for a breach of our rules of discipline, and not for immoral conduct.

SECTION III.

Of the Band Societies.

Two, three, or four, true believers, who have confidence in each other, form a Band. -Only it is to be observed, that in one of these bands all must be men, or all women; and all married, or all unmarried.

[Rules of the Band Societies, drawn up Dec. 25, 1738.]

THE design of our meeting is to obey that command of God, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another that ye may be healed: Jam. v. 16. To this end we agree,

1. To meet once a week, at least. 2. To come punctually at the hour appointed; without some extraordinary reason prevents.

3. To begin exactly at the hour with singing or prayer.

4. To speak, each of us in order,