Wesley Corpus

2. In the third part of the “Appeal,” I have mentioned how we were led to accept of Lay-Assistants. Their office is, in the absence of the Minister, (1.) To expound every morning and evening. (2.) To meet the united society, the bands, the select society, and the peni tents, once a week. (3.) To visit the classes once a quarter. (4.) To hear and decide all differences. (5.) To put the disor derly back on trial, and to receive on trial for the bands or society. (6.) To see that the Stewards, the Leaders, and the Schoolmasters faithfully discharge their several offices. (7.) To meet the Leaders of the bands and classes weekly, and the Stewards, and to overlook their accounts. X. 1. But, long before this, I felt the weight of a far dif ferent care, namely, care of temporal things. The quarterly subscriptions amounted, at a mean computation, to above three hundred pounds a year. This was to be laid out, partly in repairs, partly in other necessary expenses, and partly in paying debts. The weekly contributions fell little short of eight pounds a week; which was to be distributed as every one had need. And I was expected to take thought for all these things: But it was a burden I was not able to bear; so I chose out first. one, then four, and after a time, seven, as prudent men as I knew, and desired them to take charge of these things upon themselves, that I might have no incumbrance of this kind. 2. The business of these Stewards is, To manage the temporal things of the society. To receive the subscriptions and contributions. To expend what is need ful from time to time. To send relief to the poor. To keep an exact account of all receipts and expenses. To inform the Minister if any of the rules of the society are not punctually observed. To tell the Preachers in love, if they think anything amiss, either in their doctrine or life. 3. The rules of the Stewards are, (1.) Be frugal. Save everything that can be saved honestly. (2.) Spend no more than you receive. Contract no debts. (3.) Have no long accounts. Pay everything within the week. (4) Give none that asks relief, either an ill word or an ill look. Do not hurt them, if you cannot help.