In South Carolina. 583 



many of them," said one, "have not a penny to give." 

 " True," said the Captain, " then put ten or twelve of 

 them to me. Let each of these give what they can 

 weekly, and I will supply what is wanting." Many 

 others made the same offer. So Mr. Wesley divided 

 the societies among them ; assigning a class of about 

 twelve persons to each of these, who were termed 

 leaders. Not long after, one of these, in calling on his 

 members for their contributions, detected and reported 

 some irregularity of deportment. " This is the very 

 thing Ave wanted," said Mr. Wesley; "the leaders are 

 the persons who may not only receive the contribu- 

 tions, but also watch over the souls of their brethren." 

 The society in London willingly followed the example 

 of that in Bristol, as did every society from that time, 

 whether in Europe or America. By this means it was 

 easily found if any grew weary or faint, and help 

 was immediately administered. And if any walked 

 disorderly they were quickly discovered, and either 

 amended or were dismissed. For those who knew in 

 whom they had believed there was another help pro- 

 vided. Five or six either married or single men met 

 together at such an hour as was convenient, according 

 to the direction of St. James: "Confess your faults 

 one to another, and pray one for another, and ye shall 

 be healed." And five or six of the married or single 

 women met together for the same purpose. Innumer- 

 able blessings attended this institution, especially in 

 those who were going on to perfection. All these 

 circumstantials point to holiness of heart and life as 

 the essence of Methodism. And as long as they are 

 joined together no weapon formed against it shall 

 prosper. But if even the circumstantial parts are 

 despised, the essential will soon be lost. And if ever 



