Wesley Corpus

23. What is the office of a Christian Minister? A. To watch over souls, as he that must give account. Q. 24. In what view may we and our Helpers be considered? A. Perhaps as extraordinary messengers, (that is, out of the ordinary way,) designed, (1.) To provoke the regular Ministers to jealousy. (2.) To supply their lack of service toward those who are perishing for want of knowledge. But how hard is it to abide here ! Who does not wish to be a little higher? suppose, to be ordained ! Q. 25. What is the office of a Helper? A. In the absence of a Minister, to feed and guide the flock; in particular, (1.) To preach morning and evening. (But he is never to begin later in the evening than seven o’clock, unless in par ticular cases.) (2.) To meet the society and the Bands weekly. (3.) To meet the Leaders weekly. Let every preacher be particularly exact in this, and in the morning preaching. If he has twenty hearers, let him preach. If not, let him sing and pray. N. B. We are fully determined never to drop the morning preaching, and to continue preaching at five, wherever it is practicable, particularly in London and Bristol. Q. 26. What are the rules of a Helper? A. (1.) Be diligent. Never be unemployed a moment. Never be triflingly employed. Never while away time; neither spend any more time at any place than is strictly necessary. (2.) Be serious. Let your motto be, “Holiness to the Lord.” Avoid all lightness, jesting, and foolish talking. (3.) Converse sparingly and cautiously with women; par ticularly, with young women. (4.) Take no step toward marriage, without first consulting with your brethren. (5.) Believe evil of no one; unless you see it done, take heed how you credit it. Put the best construction on every - thing. You know the Judge is always supposed to be on the prisoner's side. (6.) Speak evil of no one; else your word cspecially would eat as doth a canker. Keep your thoughts within your own breast, till you come to the person concerned. (7.) Tell every one what you think wrong in him, and that plainly, as soon as may be; else it will fester in your heart. Make all haste to cast the fire out of your bosom. (8.) Do not affect the gentleman.