June 25, 1744, &c.
IT is desired, that all things be considered as in the immediate presence of God:
That we may meet with a single eye, and as little children, who have every thing to learn:
That every point which is proposed, may be examined to the foundation:
That every person may speak freely whatever is in his heart:
And that every question which may arise, should be throughly debated and settled. Mean time let us all pray for a willingness to receive light, to know of every doctrine, whether it be of God.
Q.* 1. How may the time of this conference be made more eminently a time of watching unto prayer?
A.* 1. While we are conversing, let us have an especial care, to set God always before us:
2. In the intermediate hours, let us visit none but the sick, and spend all the time that remains in retirement:
3. Let us therein give ourselves to prayer for one another, and for a blessing on this our labour.
Q.* 2. How far does each of us agree to submit to the judgment of the majority?
A.* In speculative things each can only submit, so far as his judgment shall be convinced:
In every practical point each will submit, so far as he can without wounding his conscience.
Q.* 3. Can a Christian submit any farther than this, to any man, or number of men upon earth?
A.* It is plain he cannot, either to bishop, convocation or general council. And this is that grand principle of private judgment, on which all the reformers proceeded; “Every man must judge for himself; because every man must give an account of himself to God.”
Q. 4. What may we reasonably expect to ♦believe God’s design in raising up the preachers called Methodists ?
A.* To reform the nation, particularly the church; to spread scriptural holiness over the land.
Q.* 5. What was the rise of Methodism , so called?
A.* In 1729, two young men reading the bible, saw they could not be saved without holiness, followed after it, and incited others so to do. In 1737 they saw, holiness comes by faith. They saw likewise, that men are justified before they are sanctified: but still holiness was their point.
God then thrust them out, utterly against their will, to raise an holy people. When Satan could no otherwise hinder this, he threw Calvinism in the way; and then Antinomianism , which strikes directly at the root of all holiness.
Then many of the Methodists growing rich , became lovers of the present world. Next they married unawakened or half-awakened wives , and conversed with their relations. Hence worldly prudence , maxims , customs , crept back upon them, producing more and more conformity to the world .
Hence followed gross neglect of relative duties , especially education of children. And this is not easily cured by the preachers. Either they have not light , or not weight enough. But the want of both may in some measure be supplied, by publicly reading the sermons every where, particularly the fourth volume.
Q.* 6. Is it advisable to preach in as many places as we can, without forming any societies?
A.* By no means: we have made the trial in various places; and that for a considerable time. But all the seed has fallen as by the way-side: there is scarce any fruit of it remaining.
Q.* 7. But what particular inconveniencies do you observe, where societies are not formed?
A.* These among others; 1. The preachers cannot give proper instructions and exhortations to those that are convinced of sin: 2. They cannot watch over one another in love; nor, 3. Can the believers bear one another’s burdens, and build up each other in faith and holiness.
Q.* 8. Where should we endeavour to preach most?
A.* 1. Where we (Clergymen) are permitted to preach in a church; 2. Where there is the greatest number of quiet and willing hearers; 3. Where there is most fruit.
Q.* 9. Is field-preaching then unlawful?
A.* We conceive not. We do not know that it is contrary to any law either of God or man.
Q.* 10. Have we not used it too sparingly?
A.* It seems we have: 1. Because our call is, To save that which is lost. Now we cannot expect such to seek us . Therefore we should go and seek them . 2. Because we are particularly called, by going into the highways and hedges (which none else will) to compel them to come in . 3. Because that reason against it is not good. “The house will hold all that come.” The house may hold all that come to the house, but not all that would come to the field.
The greatest hindrances to this you are to expect 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 Sunday in particular: especially in the old societies, least they settle upon their lees.