A Short History Of The Methodists... - Media Sabda Org

It was also advised, that the preachers should often read the rules of the societies, the character
of a Methodist, and the plain account of Christian perfection. Also, that every assistant preacher
should give in writing to his successor, a circumstantial account of the circuit at large, and
particularly of the societies and local preachers. And further, that he should inform the societies of
the sum of money that ought to be raised for the preachers' quarterage; and that he should press it
on them to give according to their several abilities.
For the first time a rule was formed for settling disputes among our members in their dealings
with each other, and the following plan was adopted. "Let the assistant preacher at quarterly meeting
consult the stewards, in appointing proper persons to examine into the circumstances, and determine
the case, and let the parties abide by their decision, or else be excluded from the society." It was
found necessary after some years, to alter this rule, and instead of requiring the preacher and
stewards to appoint men to settle the disputes, it was advised that each of the persons concerned,
when directed by the preacher, should choose his man, and these two should choose a third, who
should form the committee; all of them being members of our society-and their decision to be final.
It was also agreed on to have four general fast days throughout all our societies in the course of
twelve months: namely, on the first Thursdays in June, September, January and April.
There were five preachers who desisted from traveling this year, John Diekins, Daniel Ruff, Isham
Tatum, Greenbury Green and William Moore.
The greatest revival of religion among us this year, appeared to have been on the Eastern Shore
of Maryland, and in some parts of Delaware State: where there were many, very many precious souls
brought into the liberty of the children of God.
There was also a blessed revival of religion in Virginia, and in some parts of North Carolina: but
the war was so distressing in those parts, that the preachers could not constantly attend their circuits;
and many of the societies were dispersed, and prevented from assembling together. Many of the male
members were drafted, and when the militia were called out, they had to go into the army to fight,
in the defense of their country. Some of them lost their lives, and some made shipwreck of the faith,
and but few of them returned home with as much religion as they formerly possessed. Some of the
Methodists were bound in conscience not to fight; and no threatenings could compel them to bear
arms or hire a man to take their places. In consequence of this, some of them were whipped, some
were fined, and some imprisoned; others were sent home, and many were much persecuted. The
societies had much to discourage them, and but little to help them forward in religion. Yet,
notwithstanding all their difficulties, they stood fast as one body, and waxed stronger and stronger
in the Lord.
During this year, the societies and circuits in Virginia, were more interrupted by the war, than they
had ever been before. The British army moved in various directions, and there were many battles
fought in the state; which kept the people constantly alarmed, and prevented them from meeting at
their usual times and places. And most of the times when they did assemble for divine worship, their
conversation was principally turned upon the times, and the distresses of themselves and their
friends. Before meeting would begin, and as soon as it was closed, the inquiry was what is the news