and with faith receive the same, the bread which we break is a partaking of the body of Christ; and likewise the cup of blessing is a partaking of the blood of Christ. Transubstantiation, or the change of the substance of bread and wine in the Supper of our Lord, cannot be proved by Holy Writ, but is repugnant to the plain words of Scripture, overthroweth the nature of a sacrament, and hath given occasion to many superstitions. The body of Christ is given, taken, and eaten in the Supper, only after a heavenly and spiritual manner. And the means whereby the body of Christ is received and eaten in the Supper, is faith. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was not by Christ's ordinance reserved, carried about, lifted up, or worshiped. XIX.-Of Both Kinds. 20. The cup of the Lord is not to be denied to the laypeople; for both the parts of the Lord's Supper, by Christ's ordinance and commandment, ought to be administered to all Christians alike. XX. Of the One Oblation of Christ, finished upon the Cross. 21. The offering of Christ, once made, is that perfect redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction for all the sins of the whole world, both original and actual; and there is none other satisfaction for sin but that alone. Wherefore the sacrifice of masses, in which it is commonly said that the priest doth offer Christ for the quick and the dead, to have remission of pain or guilt, is a blasphemous fable and dangerous deceit. XXI. Of the Marriage of Ministers. 22. The ministers of Christ are not commanded by God's law either to vow the estate of single life, or to abstain from marriage: therefore it is lawful for them, as for all other Christians, to marry at their own discretion, as they shall judge the same to serve best to godliness. XXII.-Of the Rites and Ceremonies of the Church. 23. It is not necessary that rites and ceremonies should in all places be the same, or exactly alike; for they have always been different, and may be changed according to the diversity of countries, times, and men's manners, so that nothing be ordained against God's Word. Whosoever, through his private judgment, willingly and purposely doth openly break the rites and ceremonies of the Church to which he belongs, which are not repugnant to the Word of God, and are ordained and approved by common authority, ought to be rebuked openly, that others may fear to do the like, as one that offendeth against the common order of the Church, and woundeth the consciences of weak brethren. Every particular Church may ordain, change, or abolish rites and ceremonies, so that all things may be done to edification. XXIII. Of the Civil Government. 24. We believe it is the duty of all Christians to be subject to the powers that be; for we are commanded by the Word of God to respect and obey the Civil Government: we should therefore not only fear God, but honour the King. XXIV. Of Christian Men's Goods. 25. The riches and goods of Christians are not common, as touching the right, title, and possession of the same, as some do falsely boast. Notwithstanding, every man ought, of such things as he possesseth, liberally to give alms to the poor, according to his ability. 26. As we confess that vain and rash swearing is forbidden Christian men by our Lord Jesus Christ and James his apostle; so we judge that the Christian religion doth not prohibit, but that a man may swear when the magistrate requireth, in a cause of faith and charity, so it be done according to the prophet's teaching, in justice, judgment, and truth. SECTION III. The Origin, Design, and General Rules of our United Societies. 27. In the latter end of the year 1739, eight or ten persons came to Mr. Wesley in London, who appeared to be deeply convinced of sin, and earnestly groaning for redemption. They desired (as did two or three more the next day) that he would spend some time with them in prayer, and advise them how to flee from the wrath to come, which they saw continually hanging over their heads. That he might have more time for this great work, he appointed a day when they might all come together; which from thenceforward they did every week, namely, on Thursday, in the evening. To these, and as many more as desired to join with them, (for their numbers increased daily,) he gave those advices from time to time which he judged most needful for them; and they always concluded their meetings with prayer, suited to their several necessities. 28. This was the rise of the UNITED SOCIETY, first in Europe and then in America. Such a Society is no other than " a company of men, having the form, and seeking the power of godliness, united in order to pray together, to receive the word of exhortation, and to watch over one another in love, that they may help each other to work out their salvation." 29. That it may be the more easily be discerned whether they are indeed working out their own salvation, each Society is divided into smaller companies, called classes, according to their respective places of abode. There are about twelve persons in a class, one of whom is styled The Leader. It is his duty, 30. I. To see each person in his class once a week at least, in order, (1) To inquire how their souls prosper. (2) To advise, reprove, comfort, or exhort, as occasion may require. (3) To receive what they are willing to give towards the support of the Ministers, Church, and poor. 31. II. To meet the Ministers and Stewards of the Society once a week, in order, (1) To inform the Minister of any that are sick, or of any that walk disorderly and will not be reproved. (2) To pay the Stewards what they have received. of the several classes in the week preceding. 32. There is only one condition previously required of those who desire admission into these Societies,—“ a desire to flee from the wrath to come, and be saved from their sins." But wherever this is really fixed in the soul, it will be shewn by its fruits. 33. It is therefore expected of all who continue therein, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation, First, By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practised, such as,―The taking of the name of God in vain. The profaning of the day of the Lord, either by doing ordinary work therein, or by buying or selling. Drunkenness, buying or selling spirituous liquors, or drinking them, unless in case of extreme necessity. The buying and selling of men, women, and children, with the intention to enslave them. Fighting, ; quarrelling, brawling, brother going to law with brother The giving or taking on usury, unto us. 34. It is expected of all who continue in these Societies that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation, Secondly. By doing good; by being in every kind merciful after their power, as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all men. To their bodies, of the ability which God giveth, by giving food to the hungry, by clothing the naked, by visiting or helping them that are sick or in prison. To their souls, by instructing, reproving, or exhorting all we have any intercourse with; trampling under foot that enthusiastic doctrine, that " we are not to do good, unless our hearts are free to it." By doing good, especially to them who are of the household of faith, or groaning so to be; employing them preferably to others, buying one of another, helping each other in business; and so much the more because the world will love its own and them only. By all possible diligence and frugality, that the Gospel be not blamed. By running with patience the race which is set before them, denying |