Wesley Corpus

With these you are to deal exceeding tenderly, lest they be discouraged. (6.) If you perceive them troubled, that they cannot answer, step in yourself, and take the burden off them; answering the question yourself. And do it thoroughly and plainly, making a full explication of the whole business to them. (7.) When you have tried their knowledge, proceed to in struct them, according to their several capacities. If a man understand the fundamentals, speak what you perceive he most needs, either explaining farther some doctrines, or some duty, or showing him the necessity of something which he neglects. If he still understands not, go over it again till he does. (8.) Next inquire into his state, whether convinced or uncon vinced, converted or unconverted. Tell him, if need be, what conversion is; and then renew and enforce the inquiry. (9.) If unconverted, labour with all your power to bring his heart to a sense of his condition. Set this home with a more earnest voice than you spoke before. Get to the heart, or you do nothing. (10.) Conclude all with a strong exhortation, which should enforce, (1.) The duty of the heart, in order to receive Christ. (2.) The avoiding former sins, and constantly using the out ward means. And be sure, if you can, to get their promise, to forsake sin, change their company, and use the means. And do this solemnly, reminding them of the presence of God, who hears their promises, and expects the performance. (11.) Before you leave them, engage the head of each family to call all his family together every Sunday before they go to bed, and hear what they can repeat, and so continue, till they have learned the “Instructions” perfectly; and afterwards let him take care that they do not forget what they have learned. Do this in earnest, and you will soon find what a work you take in hand, in undertaking to be a Travelling Preacher! Q. 14. How shall we prevent improper persons from insinuating into the society? A. (1.) Give tickets to none till they are recommended by a Leader, with whom they have met at least two months on trial. (2.) Give notes to none but those who are recommended by one you know, or till they have met three or four times in a class.