Directions to the Methodist Stewards.

DIRECTIONS

TO THE

STEWARDS OF THE METHODIST’S SOCIETY IN

LONDON.

[DRAWN UP IN THE YEAR 1747.]

1. You are to be men full of the Holy Ghost and of wisdom; that you may do all things in a manner acceptable to God.

2. You are to be present every Tuesday and Thursday morning in order to transact the temporal affairs of the society.

3. You are to begin and end every meeting with earnest prayer to God, for a blessing on all your undertakings.

4. You are to produce your accounts the first Tuesday in every month; that they may be transcribed into the ledger.

5. You are to take it in turn, month by mouth, to be Chairman. The Chairman is to see that all the rules be punctually observed, and immediately to check him who breaks any of them.

6. You are to do nothing without the consent of the Minister, either actually had, or reasonably presumed.

7. You are to consider, whenever you meet, “God is here.” Therefore, be serious; utter no trifling word; speak as in His presence, and to the glory of His great name.

8. When anything is debated, let one at once stand up and speak, the rest giving attention; and let him speak just loud enough to be heard, in love and in the spirit of meekness.

9. You are continually to pray and endeavor that a holy harmony of soul may in all things subsist among you; that in every step you may keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.

10. In all debates, you are to watch over your spirits; avoiding, as fire, all clamor and contention; being “swift to hear, slow to speak;” in honor every man preferring another before himself.

11. If you cannot relieve, do not grieve, the poor. Give them soft words, if nothing else. Abstain from either sour looks or harsh words. Let them be glad to come, even though they should go empty away. Put yourselves in the place of every poor man; and deal with him as you would God should deal with you.

These instructions, we whose names are underwritten, (being the present Stewards of the society in London,) do heartily receive, and earnestly desire to conform to. In rites whereof we have set our hands. N.B. If any Steward shall break any of the preceding rules, after having been thrice admonished by the Chairman, (whereof notice is to be immediately given to the Minister,) he is no longer Steward.