The Nature, Design, and General Rules
of the
United Societies (1743)
John
Wesley
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.
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.
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 styled the leader. It is his business, (1.) To see
each person in his class once a week at least, in order to inquire how their
souls prosper; to advise, reprove, comfort, or exhort, as occasion may require;
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 show their account of what each
person has contributed.
4.
4.
There is only one condition
previously required to those who desire admission into these societies, – a
desire “to flee from the wrath to come, and to be saved fro their sins:”
but, wherever this is really fixed in the soul, it will be shown 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 practiced: such as, the
taking of the name of God in vain; the profaning the day of the Lord, either by
doing ordinary work therein, 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 the law with
brother; returning evil for evil, or railing for railing; the using of man words
in buying or selling; the buying or selling uncustomed goods; the giving or
taking things on usury, that is, 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 of gold or costly apparel;” the taking
of such diversions as cannot be used in the name of the Lord Jesus; the singing
of 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
probability of paying for them.
5.
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 clothing 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 underfoot
that enthusiastic doctrine of devils, that “we are not to do good unless our
heart be free to do it:” by doing good especially to them that are of the
household of faith, or groaning so to be; employing them preferably to others,
buying one or 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: by running with patience the race that
is set before them, denying themselves, and taking up their cross daily;
submitting to bear the reproach of Christ, to be as the filth ad off-scouring of
the world; and looking that men should ”say all manner of evil of them falsely
for the Lord’s sake.”
6.
6.
It
is expected of all who desire to continue in these societies, that they should
continue to evidence their desire of salvation, Thirdly, by attending upon all
the ordinances of God. Such are, the public worship of God; the ministry of the
word, either read or expounded; the supper of the Lord; family and private
prayer; searching the Scriptures; and fasting, or abstinence.
7.
7. These are the
general rules of our societies; all which we are taught of God to observe, even
in His written word, the only rule, and the sufficient rule, both of our faith
and practise. And all these, we know, His Spirit writes on every truly awakened
heart. If there be any among us who observe them not, who habitually break any
of them, let it be made known unto them that watch over that soul as they that
must give an account. We will admonish him of the error of his ways; we will
bear with him for a season; but then if he repent not, he hath no more place
among us. We have delivered our own souls.