The Doctrines and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church by African Methodist Episcopal Church

Author:African Methodist Episcopal Church [Church, African Methodist Episcopal]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Social Science, Ethnic Studies, American, African American & Black Studies, Religion, Christianity, Methodist
ISBN: 9781469633268
Google: cEfiDgAAQBAJ
Publisher: UNC Press Books
Published: 2017-05-01T02:41:30+00:00

Notes

* On Justification.

* A supernumerary preacher is one so worn out in the itinerant service, as to be rendered incapable of preaching constantly; but at the same time, is willing to do any work in the ministry, which the conference may direct, and his strength enable him to perform.

[Page 96] CHAPTER II.

SECTION I.

The Nature, Design, and general Rules of the United Societies.

(1) 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 thence forward 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.

[Page 97](2) 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.”

(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 a class; one of whom is stiled “The Leader.” It is his duty,

I. 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, towards the relief of the preachers, church, and poor.

[Page 98]II. To meet the ministers 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 the stewards what they have received of their several classes in the week preceding.

(4) 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 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

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