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The General Rules
of the Methodist Class Meetings
The Methodist Church, the text
of 1808 as amended by constitutional actions in 1848 and 1868.
Dennis Bratcher, ed.
Note: introductory
historical information about the societies and class meetings have not
been completed.
The Nature, Design, and
General Rules of Our United Societies
In the latter end of the year 1739 eight or ten persons came to Mr.
Wesley, 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 he 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 he might have more time for this great
work, he 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), he gave those advices from time to time which he judged
most needful for them, and they always concluded their meeting with prayer
suited to their several necessities.
This was the rise of the United Society, first in Europe, and then in
America. 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."
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 a class, one of whom is styled the
Leader. It is his duty:
1. To see each person in his class once a week at least, in order:
(1) to inquire how their souls prosper; (2) to advise, reprove, comfort
or exhort, as occasion may require; (3) to receive what they are willing
to give toward the relief of the preachers, church, and poor.
2. To meet the Minister and the Stewards of the society once a week,
in order:
(1) to inform the minister of any that are sick, or of any that walk
disorderly and will not be reproved; (2) to pay to the stewards what they
have received of their several classes in the week preceding.
There is only one condition previously required of those who desire
admission into these societies: "a desire to flee from the wrath to come,
and to be saved from 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 of 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; slaveholding; buying or selling slaves; 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 [without paying customs duty]; 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 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 treasure upon earth; borrowing without a
probability of paying; or taking up goods without a probability of paying
for them.
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 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 we have any intercourse with;
trampling under foot that enthusiastic doctrine that "we are not to do
good unless our hearts be free to 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 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; by running with patience the race which is set before them,
"denying themselves, and taking up their cross daily;" submitting to bear
the reproach of Christ, to be as the filth and offscouring of the world;
and looking that men should say all manner of evil of them falsely, for
the Lord's sake.
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; fasting or abstinence.
These are the General Rules of our societies; all of which we are
taught of God to observe, even in his written Word, which is the only
rule, and the sufficient rule, both of our faith and practice. 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
known unto them who watch over that soul as they who 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.
-Dennis Bratcher, Copyright ©
2018, Dennis
Bratcher, All Rights Reserved
(No copyright claims are made for the text of the original document.)
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