Wesley Corpus

(N.B. A Preacher who marries while on trial, is thereby set aside.) We may then receive him as a probationer, by giving him the “Minutes of the Conference,” inscribed thus: “You think it your duty to call sinners to repentance. Make full proof hereof, and we shall rejoice to receive you as a fellow-labourer.” Let him then read and carefully weigh what is contained therein, that if he has any doubt it may be removed. Observe: Taking on trial is entirely different from admitting a Preacher. One on trial may be either admitted or rejected, without doing him any wrong; otherwise it would be no trial at all. Let every Assistant explain this to them that are on trial When he has been on trial four years, if recommended by the Assistant, he may be received into full connexion, by giving him. the “Minutes,” inscribed thus: “As long as you freely consent to, and earnestly endeavour to walk by, these Rules, we shall rejoice to acknowledge you as a fellow-labourer.” Meantime, let none exhort in any of our societies, without a note of per mission from the Assistant. Let every Exhorter take care to have this renewed yearly; and let every Assistant insist upon it. Q. 52. What is the method wherein we usually procced in our Conferences P A. We inquire, (1.) What Preachers are admitted? Who remain on trial? Who are admitted on trial P Who desist from travelling P (2.) Are there any objections to any of the Preachers? who are named one by one. (3.) How are the Preachers stationed this year? (4.) What numbers are in the society? (5.) What is the Kingswood collection? (6.) What boys are received this year? (7.) What girls are assisted? (8.) What is contributed for the contingent expenses? (9.) How was this expended ? (10.) What is contributed toward the fund for super annuated and supernumerary Preachers? (11.) What demands are there upon it? (12.) How many Preachers' wives are to be provided for? By what societies? (13.) Where and when may our next Conference begin? Q. 53. How can we provide for superannuated and super numerary Preachers? A. Those who can preach four or five times a week are supernumerary Preachers. As for those who cannot, (1.) Let every Travelling Preacher contribute half-a-guinea yearly at the Conference.