Ques. 1. How shall we try those who profess to be moved by the Holy Ghost to preach?
Ans. 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 graces) 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? Do they speak justly, readily, clearly?
3. Have they fruit? Are any truly convinced of sin and converted to God by their preaching?
As long as these three 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.
CHAPTER XIV.
LOCAL PREACHERS AND EXHORTERS
I. LOCAL PREACHERS
Ques. 1. What directions are given concerning the licensing of persons to preach?
Ans. 1. The Quarterly Conference shall have authority to license proper persons to preach, and to renew their license annually, when, in its judgment, their gifts, graces and usefulness will warrant it.