(2.) To pay the Stewards what they have received of their several Classes in the week preceding. ¶ 31. 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. ¶ 32. It is therefore expected of all who continue therein, that they shall 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. Slave-holding; 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 goods that have not paid the 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. 33. It is expected of all who continue in these Societies that they shall continue to evìdence their desire of salvation, Second: 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. ¶ 34. It is expected of all who desire to continue in these Societies that they shall continue to evidence their desire of salvation, Third: 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; ¶ 35. These are the General Rules of our Societies; all 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 truly awakened hearts. If there be any among us who observes them not, who habitually breaks 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 We will bear with him of the error of his ways. for a season. But if then he repent not, he hath no more place among us. We have delivered our own souls. 32 RECEIVING AND DISMISSING MEMBERS. ¶ 36, § 3. PART I.-CHAPTER II. THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CHURCH. Receiving and Dismissing Members. ¶ 36. In order to prevent improper persons from gaining admission into the Church, and in order to the exercise of the power of godly admonition and discipline, § 1. Let great care be taken in receiving persons on Trial, and let no one be enrolled as a Probationer in the Church unless he give satisfactory evidence of an earnest desire to be saved from his sins, and to enjoy the fellowship of God's people. § 2. Let the Preacher in Charge and the Class Leaders see that all persons on Trial be early made acquainted with the Doctrines, Rules, and Regulations of the Methodist Episcopal Church. § 3. Let no one be received into Full Membership in the Church until such person has been at least six months on Trial, and has been recommended by the Leaders and Stewards' Meeting, or where no such meeting is held, by the Leader, and has been baptized, and who shall, on examination by the Preacher in Charge before the Church, give satisfactory assurances both of the correctness of |