Wesley Corpus

Therefore we should go and seek them. (2.) Because we are particularly called, by “going into the highways and hedges,” which none else will do, “to compel them to come in.” (3.) Because that reason against it is not good, “The house will hold all that come.” The house may hold all that come to the house; but not all that would come to the field. The greatest hinderance to this you are to expect from rich, or cowardly, or lazy Methodists. But regard them not, neither Stewards, Leaders, nor people. Whenever the weather will permit, go out in God’s name into the most public places, and call all to repent and believe the gospel; every Sunday, in particular; especially were there are old societies, lest they settle upon their lees. The Stewards will frequently oppose this, lest they lose their usual collection. But this is not a sufficient reason against it. Shall we barter souls for money? Q. 9. Ought we not diligently to observe in what places God is pleased at any time to pour out his Spirit more abundantly? A. We ought; and at that time to send more labourers than usual into that part of the harvest. But whence shall we have them? (1.) So far as we can afford it, we will keep a reserve of Preachers at Kingswood. (2.) Let an exact list be kept of those who are proposed for trial, but not accepted. Q. 10. How often shall we permit strangers to be present at the meeting of the society? Sr.~< A. At every other meeting of the society in every place let no stranger be admitted. At other times, they may; but c ~ * -- ".the same person not above twice or thrice. In order to this, see that all in every place show their tickets before they come in. If the Stewards and Leaders are not exact herein, employ others that have more resolution. Q. 11. How may the Leaders of classes be made more useful P A. (1.) Let each of them be diligently examined concern ing his method of meeting a class. Let this be done with all possible exactness at the next quarterly visitation. And in order to this, allow sufficient time for the visiting of each society.