_A._ We conceive not. We do not know that it is contrary to any law either of God or man.
_Q._ 10. Have we not used it too sparingly?
_A._ It seems we have: 1. Because our call is, To save that which is lost. Now we cannot expect such to seek _us_. Therefore we should go and seek _them_. 2. Because we are particularly called, by _going into the highways and hedges_ (which none else will) _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 hindrances to this you are to expect from the 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 in the old societies, least they settle upon their lees.
_Q._ 11. 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.
_Q._ 12. What is a sufficient call to a new place?
_A._ 1. An invitation from a serious man, fearing God, who has an house to receive us: 2. A probability of doing more good by going thither, than by staying longer where we are.
_Q._ 13. How often shall we permit strangers to be present, at the meeting of the society?
_A._ Let every other meeting of the society, in every place, be strictly private; no one stranger being admitted, on any account or pretence whatsoever. On the other nights we may admit them with caution; but not the same persons above twice or thrice. In order to this, see that all in every place shew their tickets before they come in. If the stewards and leaders are not exact and impartial herein, employ others who have more resolution.
_Q._ 14. May a relapser into gross sin, confessing his fault, be re-admitted into the society?
_A._ Not as a member, till after three months: but he may be permitted to stay as a stranger.
_Q._ 15. How may the leaders of classes be made more useful?
_A._ 1. Let each of them be diligently examined concerning his method of meeting a class.
2. Let us recommend to all the following directions;
1. Let each leader carefully inquire, how every soul in his class prospers? Not only, how each person observes the outward rules, but how he grows in the knowledge and love of God.
2. Let the leaders converse with all the preachers, as frequently and as freely as possible.
3. Let every leader come into the room on _Tuesday_, as soon as the service is ended, and then sit down, and commune with God in his heart till the preacher comes in.
4. Let no leaders go out till the preacher goes.
5. Let every leader bring a note of every sick person in his class.
_Q._ 16. Can any thing farther be done, in order to make the meeting of the classes lively and profitable?
_A._ 1. Let the leaders frequently meet each other’s classes.
2. Let us observe, which leaders are most useful to those under their care. And let these meet the other classes as often as possible.
3. Frequently making new leaders.
_Q._ 17. How can we farther assist those under our care?
_A._ 1. By closely examining them at each visitation:
2. By meeting the married men and women together, on the first _Sunday_, after the visitation; the single men and women apart, on the two following.
3. By instructing them at their own houses.
What unspeakable need is there of this? The world say, “The Methodists are no better than other people.” This is not true. Yet it is nearer the truth, than we are willing to imagine.
For, 1. Personal-religion, either toward God or man, is amazingly superficial among us.
I can but just touch on a few generals. How little faith is there among us? How little communion with God? How little living in heaven, walking in eternity, deadness to every creature? How much love of the word, desire of pleasure, of ease, of praise, of getting money?
How little brotherly love? What continual judging one another? What gossipping, evil-speaking, tale-bearing? What want of moral honesty? To instance only in a few particulars:
What servants, journeymen, labourers, carpenters, bricklayers, do as they would be done by? Which of them does as much work as he can? Set him down for a knave that does not.
Who does as he would be done by, in buying and selling, particularly in selling horses? Write him knave that does not. And the methodist-knave is the worst of all knaves.
2. Family religion is shamefully wanting, and almost in every branch.
And the Methodists in general will be little better, till we take quite another course with them. For what avails public _preaching alone_, though we could preach like angels?