♦ “wrethed” replaced with “wretched” per Errata II. 1. But as much as we endeavoured to watch over each other, we soon found some who did not _live the gospel_. I do not know, that any hypocrites were crept in; for indeed there was no temptation. But several grew cold, and gave way to the sins which had long easily beset them. We quickly perceived, there were many ill consequences of suffering these to remain among us. It was dangerous to others; inasmuch as all sin is of an infectious nature. It brought such a scandal on their brethren, as exposed them to what was not properly, the reproach of Christ. It laid a stumbling-block in the way of others, and caused the truth to be evil spoken of. 2. We groaned under those inconveniences long, before a remedy could be found. The people were scattered so wide in all parts of the town, from _Wapping_ to _Westminster_, that I could not easily see, what the behaviour of each person in his own neighbourhood was. So that several disorderly walkers did much hurt, before I was apprised of it. 3. At length, while we were thinking of quite another thing, we struck upon a method for which we have cause to bless God ever since. I was talking with several of the society in _Bristol_, concerning the means of paying the debts there; when one stood up and said, “Let every member of the society give a _penny_ a week till all are paid.” Another answered, “But many of them are poor, and cannot afford to do it.” “Then, said he, put eleven of the poorest with me, and if they can give any thing, well. I will call on them weekly, and if they can give nothing, I will give for them as well as for myself. And each of you call on eleven of your neighbours weekly: receive what they give, and make up what is wanting.” It was done. In a while, some of these informed me, “they found such and such an one did not live as he ought.” It struck me immediately. “This is the thing; the very thing we have wanted so long.” I called together all the _leaders_ of the _classes_, (so we used to term them and their companies) and desired, that each would make a particular enquiry, into the behaviour of those whom he saw weekly. They did so. Many disorderly walkers were detected. Some turned from the evil of their ways. Some were put away from us. Many saw it with fear, and rejoiced unto God with reverence. 4. As soon as possible, the same method was used in _London_ and all other places. Evil men were detected, and reproved. They were borne with for a season. If they forsook their sins, we received them gladly: if they obstinately persisted therein, it was openly declared, that they were not of us. The rest mourned and prayed for them, and yet rejoiced, that as far as in us lay, the scandal was rolled away from the society. 5. It is the business of a leader I. To see each person in his class, once a week at the least: in order, To enquire how their souls prosper?