1. “We believe the design of God, in raising up the preachers called Methodists, is to reform the nation, and, in particular, the Church; to spread scriptural holiness over the land.”[528]
2. “The greatest hindrance to field preaching is to be expected from the rich, or cowardly, or lazy Methodists. But regard them not, neither stewards, leaders, nor people. Whenever the weather will permit, go out in God’s name into the most public places, and call all to repent and believe the gospel. Every assistant, at least, in every circuit, should endeavour to preach abroad every Sunday; especially in the old societies, lest they settle upon their lees.”[529]
3. In order to prevent strangers being present more than twice or thrice at society meetings, “See that all, in every place, show their tickets before they come in. If the stewards and leaders are not exact and impartial herein, employ others which have more resolution.”[530]
4. “Examining and instructing the people” [under our care] “at their own houses, at times set apart for that purpose, has never been effectually done yet; though Thomas Walsh took some steps therein. Who will take up that cross? It will be of great use to others, and a blessing to his own soul. Do all you can herein, if not all you would. Inquire in each house, ‘Have you family prayer? Do you read the Scripture in your family? Have you a fixed time for private prayer?’ Examine each as to his growth in grace, and discharge of relative duties.”[531]
5. “Should we insist everywhere on the band rules? particularly that relating to ruffles?
“Answer. By all means. This is no time to give any encouragement to superfluity of apparel. Therefore, give no band tickets to any in England or Ireland, till they have left them off. In order to this, (1) Read, in every society, the ‘Thoughts concerning Dress.’ (2) In visiting the classes, be very mild, but very strict. (3) Allow no exempt case, not even of a married woman; better one suffer than many.
“To encourage meeting in band: (1) In every large society, have a lovefeast quarterly for the bands only. (2) Never fail to meet them, apart from the society, once a week. (3) Exhort all believers to embrace the advantage. (4) Give a band ticket to none till they have met a quarter on trial.”[532]
6. “At each meeting of children, in every place, we may first set them a lesson in the ‘Instructions,’ or ‘Tokens for Children,’ (2) Hear them repeat it. (3) Explain it to them in an easy, familiar manner. (4) Often ask, ‘What have I been saying?’ and strive to fasten it on their hearts.”[533]
7. “Ought any woman to marry without the consent of her parents?
“Answer. In general she ought not. Yet there may be an exception. For if (1) a woman be under necessity of marrying; if (2) her parents absolutely refuse to let her marry any Christian: then she may, nay ought, to marry without their consent. Yet even then a Methodist preacher ought not to marry her.”[534]