Wesley Corpus

These, therefore, wanted some means of closer union; they wanted to pour out their hearts without reserve, particu larly with regard to the sin which did still easily beset them, and the temptations which were most apt to prevail over them. And they were the more desirous of this, when they observed it was the express advice of an inspired writer: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” 3. In compliance with their desire, I divided them into smaller companies; putting the married or single men, and married or single women, together. The chief rules of these bands (that is, little companies; so that old English word signifies) run thus: “In order to ‘confess our faults one to another,’ and pray one for another that we may be healed, we intend, (1.) To meet once a week, at the least. (2.) To come punctually at the hour appointed. (3.) To begin with singing or prayer. (4.) To speak each of us in order, freely and plainly, the true state of our soul, with the faults we have committed in thought, word, or deed, and the temptations we have felt since our last meeting. (5.) To desire some person among us (thence called a Leader) to speak his own state first, and then to ask the rest, in order, as many and as searching questions as may be, concerning their state, sins, and temptations.” 4. That their design in meeting might be the more effec tually answered, I desired all the men-bands to meet me to gether every Wednesday evening, and the women on Sunday, that they might receive such particular instructions and ex hortations as, from time to time, might appear to be most need ful for them; that such prayers might be offered up to God, as their necessities should require; and praise returned to the Giver of every good gift, for whatever mercies they had received. 5.