138 REV. J. WESLEY'S chiefly by hymns; whereby we find the most important truths most successfully insinuated into their minds. "13. We highly reverence marriage, as greatly conducive to the kingdom of Christ. But neither our young men nor women enter into it till they assuredly know they are married to Christ. When any know it is the will of God that they should change their state, both the man and woman are placed for a time. with some married persons, who instruct them how to behave, so that their married life may be pleasing to God. Then their design is laid before the whole church, and after about fourteen days, they are solemnly joined, though not otherwise habited than they are at other times. If they make any entertainment, (which is not always,) they invite only a few intimate friends, by whose faithful admonitions they may be the better prepared to bear their cross and fight the good fight of faith. If any woman is with child, not only especial mention is made of her in the public prayers, but she is also exhorted in private, wholly to give herself up into the hands of her faithful Creator. As soon as a child is born, prayer mode for it. and if it may be, it is baptized in the presence of JOURNAL. 139 meet together to renew their covenant with God, to seek his face, and exhort one another to the patience of hope, and the labour of love. "16. They have a peculiar esteem for lots, and accordingly use them both in public and private, to decide points of importance, when the reasons brought on each side appear to be of equal weight. And they believe this to be then the only way of wholly setting aside their own will, of acquitting themselves of all blame, and clearly knowing what is the will of God. "17. At eight in the morning, and in the evening, we meet to pray to and praise God, and to read and hear the Holy Scriptures: the time we usually spend in sleep, is from eleven at night till four in the morning. So that allowing three hours a day for taking the food both of our bodies and souls, there remain sixteen for work. And this space those who are in health spend therein with all diligence and faithfulness. "18. Two men keep watch every night in the street, as do two women, in the women's apartment: that they may pour out their souls for those that sleep; and by their hymns raise the hearts of any who are awake, to God. "19. For the farther stirring up the gift which is in us, some |