John Wesley’s General Rules (1743)
Many churches set membership commitments for their constituents. Here is an interesting set of
GENERAL RULES set by John & Charles Wesley in 1743 for those attending the class meetings. Initially, only one condition was required to attend — a desire “to flee from the wrath to come, to be saved from their sins”. However, to continue attending one was expected to observe THREE AREAS OF WEEKLY DISCIPLINE:
1. Doing no harm by avoiding all evil;
2. Doing good towards others; and
3. Attending all the means of grace (worship, communion, prayer, scriptures, fasting).
A lay leader was responsible to guide a group of 12 persons in their spiritual disciples. Typically, a class meeting had more seekers than perfected Christians. This class meeting model was observed in many churches for over 200 years but phased out of use in the 1960’s.
WESLEY’S GENERAL RULES (1743).
THERE IS ONE ONLY CONDITION PREVIOUSLY REQUIRED IN THOSE WHO DESIRE ADMISSION INTO THESE SOCIETIES, — A DESIRE “TO FLEE FROM THE WRATH TO COME, 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 IN EVERY KIND; especially that which is most generally practiced: Such as,
— the taking the name of God in vain;
— the profaning the day of the Lord, either by doing ordinary work thereon, 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 law with brother; returning evil for evil, or railing for railing; the using many words in buying or selling;
— the buying or selling unaccustomed 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 or 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 treasures 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 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 under foot that enthusiastic doctrine of devils, that “we are not to do good unless our heart 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 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 and off-scouring 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;
— and fasting, or abstinence.
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 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 made known unto them who 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.
— JOHN WESLEY, CHARLES WESLEY.
May 1, 1743.
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