PART II.-CHAPTER II.

THE MINISTRY.

The Examination of those who think they are moved by the Holy Ghost to Preach.

T 102. In order that we may try those who profess to be moved by the Holy Ghost to preach, let the following questions be asked, namely—

§ 1. Do they know God as a pardoning God? Have they the love of God abiding in them? Do they desire nothing but God? And are they holy in all manner of conversation?

§ 2. Have they gifts, as well as grace, for the work? Have they, in some tolerable degree, a clear, sound understanding; a right judgment in the things of God; a just conception of salvation by faith? And has God given them any degree of utterance? Do they speak justly, readily, clearly?

§ 3. Have any been truly convinced of sin, and converted to God, and are believers edified, by their preaching?

T103. As long as these marks concur

in any one, we believe he is called of God to preach. These we receive as sufficient proof that he is moved by the Holy Ghost.

Rules for a Preacher's Conduct.

¶ 104. Rule 1. Be diligent. Never de unemployed: never be triflingly employed. Never trifle away time; neither spend any more time at any place than is strictly necessary.

Let your

T 105. Rule 2. Be serious motto be, Holiness to the Lord. Avoid all lightness, jesting, and foolish talking. T 106. Rule 3. Converse sparingly, and conduct yourself prudently, with women. (1 Tim. v, 2.)

T 107. Rule 4. Take no step toward marriage without first advising with your brethren.

¶ 108. Rule 5. Believe evil of no one without good evidence; unless you see it done, take heed how you credit it. l'ut the best construction on every thing. You know the judge is always supposed to be on the prisoner's side.

T 109. Rule 6. Speak evil of no one; because your word, especially, would eat

as doth a canker. Keep your thoughts within your own breast till you come to the person concerned.

T 110. Rule 7. Tell every one under your care what you think wrong in his conduct and temper, and that lovingly and plainly, as soon as may be: else it will fester in your heart. Make all haste to cast the fire out of your bosom.

T 111. Rule 8. Avoid all affectation. A preacher of the Gospel is the servant of all.

T 112. Rule 9. Be ashamed of nothing but. sin.

¶ 113. Rule 10. Be punctual. Do every thing exactly at the time. And do not mend our rules, but keep them; not for wrath, but conscience' sake.

T114. Rule 11. You have nothing to do but to save souls, therefore spend and be spent in this work; and go always not only to those that want you, but to those that want you most.

T115. Observe! it is not your business only to preach so many times, and to take care of this or that Society, but to save as many as you can; to bring as many sinners as you can to repentance, and with all your power to build them

up in that holiness without which they cannot see the Lord. And remember! a Methodist preacher is to mind every point, great and small, in the Methodist Discipline! Therefore you will need to exercise all the sense and grace you have.

¶ 116. Rule 12. Act in all things not according to your own will, but as a son in the Gospel. As such, it is your duty to employ your time in the manner in which we direct: in preaching, and visiting from house to house; in reading, meditation, and prayer. Above all, if you labor with us in the Lord's vineyard, it is needful you should do that part of the work which we advise, at those times and places which we judge most for His glory.

T 117. Smaller advices which might be of use to us, are perhaps these: 1. Be sure never to disappoint a congregation. 2. Begin at the time appointed. 3. Let your whole deportment be serious, weighty, and solemn, 4. Always suit your subject to your audience. 5. Choose the plainest text you can. 6. Take care not to ramble, but keep to your text, and make out what you take in hand. 7. Take care of any thing awkward or

affected, either in your gesture, phrase, or pronunciation. 8. Do not usually pray extempore above eight or ten minutes (at most) without intermission. 9. Frequently read and enlarge upon a portion of Scripture; and let young preachers often exhort without taking a text. 10. Always avail yourself of the great festivals by preaching on the occasion.

The Duty of Preachers to God, Themselves, and One Another.

¶ 118. The duty of a Preacher is,— 1. To preach. 2. To meet the societies and classes. 3. To visit the sick.

T 119. A Preacher shall be qualified for his charge by walking closely with God, and having his work greatly at heart, and by understanding and loving discipline, ours in particular.

T120. We do not sufficiently watch over each other. Should we not frequently ask each other, Do you walk closely with God? Have you now fellowship with the Father and the Son? At what hour do you rise? Do you punctually observe the morning and evening hours of retire