Wesley Corpus

By no means. We have made the trial in various places; and that for a considerable time. But all the seed has fallen as by the highway side. There is scarce any fruit remaining. Q. 6. Where should we endeavour to preach most? A. (1.) Where there is the greatest number of quiet and willing hearers. (2.) Where there is most fruit. Q. 7. Is field-preaching unlawful? A. We conceive not. We do not know that it is contrary to any law either of God or man. Q. 8. Have we not used it too sparingly? A. It seems we have; (1.) Because our call is, to save that which is lost. Now, we cannot expect them to seek us. Therefore we should go and seek them. (2.) Because we are particularly called, by “going into the highways and hedges,” which none else will do, “to compel them to come in.” (3.) Because that reason against it is not good, “The house will hold all that come.” The house may hold all that come to the house; but not all that would come to the field. The greatest hinderance to this you are to expect from rich, or cowardly, or lazy Methodists. But regard them not, neither Stewards, Leaders, nor people. Whenever the weather will permit, go out in God’s name into the most public places, and call all to repent and believe the gospel; every Sunday, in particular; especially were there are old societies, lest they settle upon their lees. The Stewards will frequently oppose this, lest they lose their usual collection. But this is not a sufficient reason against it. Shall we barter souls for money? Q. 9. Ought we not diligently to observe in what places God is pleased at any time to pour out his Spirit more abundantly? A. We ought; and at that time to send more labourers than usual into that part of the harvest. But whence shall we have them? (1.) So far as we can afford it, we will keep a reserve of Preachers at Kingswood. (2.) Let an exact list be kept of those who are proposed for trial, but not accepted. Q. 10. How often shall we permit strangers to be present at the meeting of the society? Sr.~< A. At every other meeting of the society in every place let no stranger be admitted.