Wesley Corpus

(3.) Let the Leaders closely examine and exhort every person to put away the accursed thing. (4.) Let the Preacher warn every society, that none who is guilty herein can remain with us. (5.) Extirpate smuggling, buying or selling uncustomed goods, out of every society. Let none remain with us, who will not totally abstain from every kind and degree of it. Speak tenderly, but earnestly, and frequently of it, in every society near the coasts; and read to them, and diligently disperse among them, the “Word to a Smuggler.” (6.) Extirpate bribery, receiving any thing, directly or indirectly, for voting in any election. Show no respect of persons herein, but expel all that touch the ac cursed thing. Largely show, both in public and private, the wickedness of thus selling our country. And every where read the “Word to a Freeholder,” and disperse it with both hands. Q. 22. What shall we do to prevent scandal, when any of our members become bankrupt? A. Let the Assistant talk with him at large; and if he has not kept fair accounts, or has been concerned in that base practice of raising money by coining notes, (commonly called the bill-trade,) let him be expelled immediately. Q. 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.