Wesley Corpus

50. How shall we try those who think they are moved by the Holy Ghost to preach P A. Inquire, (1.) Do they know God as a pardoning God? Have they the love of God abiding in them? Do they desire and seek nothing but God? And are they holy in all manner of conversation? (2.) Have they gifts (as well as grace) for the work? Have they (in some tolerable degree) a clear, sound understanding? Have they a right judgment in the things of God? Have they a just conception of salvation by faith? And has God given them any degree of utterance? Do they speak justly, readily, clearly? (3.) Have they fruit? Are any truly convinced of sin, and converted to God, by their preaching? As long as these three marks concur in any one, we believe he is called of God to preach. These we receive as sufficient proof that he is “moved thereto by the Holy Ghost.” Q. 51. What method may we use in receiving a new Helper? A. A proper time for doing this is at a Conference after solemn fasting and prayer. Every person proposed is then to be present; and each of them may be asked,--Have you faith in Christ? Are you “going on to perfection?” Do you expect to be “perfected in love” in this life? Are you groaning after it? Are you resolved to devote yourself wholly to God and to his work? Do you know the Methodist plan? Have you read the “Plain Account?” the “Appeals?” Do you know the Rules of the Society? of the Bands? Do you keep them? Do you take no snuff, tobacco, drams? Do you constantly attend the church and sacrament? Have you read the “Min utes of the Conference?” Are you willing to conform to them? Have you considered the Rules of a Helper; especially the First, Tenth, and Twelfth? Will you keep them for conscience sake? Are you determined to employall your time in the work of God? Will you preach every morning and evening; endeavouring not to speak too long, or too loud 7 Will you diligently in struct the children in every place? Will you visit from house to house? Will you recommend fasting, both by precept and example? Are you in debt? Are you engaged to marry? (N.B.