THE _Nature_, _Design_, and _General Rules_, OF THE UNITED SOCIETIES,
In LONDON, BRISTOL, KINGSWOOD, ♦NEWCASTLE upon TYNE, &c.
♦ deleted “and” per Errata
1. IN the latter end of the year 1739, eight or ten persons came to me in _London_, who appeared to be deeply convinced of sin, and earnestly groaning for redemption. They desired (as did two or three more the next day) that I would spend some time with them in prayer, and advise them how to flee from the wrath to come; which they saw continually hanging over their heads. That we might have more time for this great work, I appointed a day when they might all come together, which from thenceforward they did every week, namely on _Thursday_, in the evening. To these, and as many more as desired to join with them (for their number increased daily) I gave those advices from time to time which I judged most needful for them; and we always concluded our meeting with prayer suited to their several necessities.
2. This was the rise of the UNITED SOCIETY, first in _London_, and then in other places. Such a society is no other than “_A company of men_ having the form and seeking the power _of godliness, united in order to pray together, to receive the word of exhortation, and to watch over one another in love, that they may help each other to work out their salvation_.”
3. That it may the more easily be discerned, whether they are indeed working out their own salvation, each society is divided into smaller companies, called classes, according to their respective places of abode. There are about twelve persons in every class; one of whom is stiled _The Leader_. It is his business,
1. To see each person in his class, once a week at least; in order
To enquire how their souls prosper.
To advise, reprove, comfort or exhort, as occasion ♦may require;
♦ insert “may” per Errata
To receive what they are willing to give, toward the relief of the poor.
2. To meet the minister and the stewards of the society once a week; in order
To inform the minister of any that are sick, or of any that walk disorderly, and will not be reproved:
To pay to the stewards what they have received of their several classes in the week preceding; And
To shew their account of what each person has contributed.
4. There is one only condition previously required in those who desire admission into these societies, _A desire to flee from the wrath to come, to be saved from their sins_: But, wherever this is really fixed in the soul, it will be shewn by its fruits. It is therefore expected of all who continue therein, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,
First, By doing no harm, by avoiding evil in every kind; especially, that which is most generally practised. Such is
The taking the name of God in vain;
The profaning the day of the Lord, either by doing ordinary work thereon, or by buying or selling:
Drunkenness, _buying or selling spirituous liquors_; or _drinking them_ (unless in cases of extreme necessity:)
_Fighting_, quarreling, brawling; brother _going to law_ with brother; returning evil for evil, or railing for railing: the _using many words_ in buying or selling:
The _buying or selling uncustomed goods_:
The _giving or taking things on usury_: i. e. unlawful interest:
_Uncharitable_ or _unprofitable_ conversation; particularly speaking evil of magistrates or of ministers:
Doing to others as we would not they should do unto us:
Doing what we know is not for the glory of God: As
The _putting on gold and costly apparel_:
The _taking such diversions_ as cannot be used in the name of the Lord Jesus:
The _singing_ those _songs_, or _reading_ those _books_, which do not tend to the knowledge or love of God:
Softness, and needless self-indulgence:
Laying up treasures upon earth:
Borrowing without a probability of paying; or taking up goods without a probability of paying for them.
5. It is expected of all who continue in these societies, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,
Secondly, By doing good, by being in every kind, merciful after their power; as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and as far as is possible to all men;
To their bodies, of the ability which God giveth, by giving food to the hungry, by cloathing the naked, by visiting or helping them that are sick, or in prison.
To their souls, by instructing, _reproving_ or exhorting all they have any intercourse with: trampling under foot that enthusiastick doctrine of devils, that “we are not to do good, unless _our heart be free to it_.”
By doing good especially to them that are of the houshold of faith, or groaning so to be; employing them preferably to others, buying one of another; helping each other in business; and so much the more, because the world will love its own, and them only.
By all possible _diligence and frugality_, that the gospel be not blamed.