Wesley Corpus

This evening our little society began, which afterward met in Fetter lane. Our fundamental rules were as follow :-- In obedience to the command of God by St. James, and by the advice of Peter Boéhler, it is agreed by us, 1. That we will meet together once a week to “ confess our faults one to another, and pray one for another, that we may be healed.” 2. That the persons so meeting be divided into several bands, or little companies, none of them consisting of fewer than five, or more than te1 persons. 3. That every one in order speak as freely, plainly, and concisely as he can, the real state of his heart, with his several temptations and deliver ances, since the last time of meeting. ’ May, 1738. ] REV. J. WESLEY’S JOURNAL. 67 4. That all the bands have a conference at eight every Wednesdav evening, begun and ended with singing and prayer. ; 5. That any who desire to be admitted into this society 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?” (which may then be read.) 6. That when any new member is proposed, every one present speak clearly and freely whatever objection he has to him. 7. That those against whom no reasonable objection appears, be in order for their trial, formed into one or more distinct bands, and some person agreed on to assist them. 8. That after two months’ trial, if no objection then appear, they may be admitted into the society. 9. That every fourth Saturday be observed as a day of general intercession. 10. That on the Sunday seven-night following be a general love-feast, from seven till ten in the evening. 11. That no particular member be allowed to act in any thing contrary to any order of the society: and that if any persons, after being thrice admonished, do not conform thereto, they be not any longer esteemed as members. Wed. 3.--My brother had a long aud particular conversation with Peter Béhler. And it now pleased God to open his eyes ; so that he also saw clearly what was the nature of that one true living faith, whereby alone, “ through grace, we are saved.”