6. ♦A tolerable competence! But be it more or less, it is nothing at all to _me_. All that is contributed or collected in every place, is both received and expended by others: nor have I so much as the _Beholding thereof with my eyes_. And so it will be, till I turn _Turk_ or _Pagan_. For I look upon all this revenue, be it what it may, as sacred to God and the poor: (out of which, if I want any thing, I am relieved, even as another poor man.) So were originally all ecclesiastical revenues, (as every man of learning knows.) And the bishops and priests _used_ them only, _as such_. If any use them otherwise now, God help them! ♦ Added “A” per Errata 7. I doubt not, but if I err in this, or any other point, you will pray God to shew me his truth. To _have a conscience void of offence toward God and toward man_ is the desire of, _Reverend and dear Sir_, _Your affectionate brother and servant_, JOHN WESLEY. THE _Nature_, _Design_, and _General Rules_, OF THE UNITED SOCIETIES, In LONDON, BRISTOL, KINGSWOOD, ♦NEWCASTLE upon TYNE, &c. ♦ deleted “and” per Errata 1. IN the latter end of the year 1739, eight or ten persons came to me 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 I 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 we might have more time for this great work, I 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 number increased daily) I gave those advices from time to time which I judged most needful for them; and we always concluded our meeting with prayer suited to their several necessities. 2. This was the rise of the UNITED SOCIETY, first in _London_, and then in other places. 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_.” 3. That it may 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 every class; one of whom is stiled _The Leader_. It is his business, 1. To see each person in his class, once a week at least; in order To enquire how their souls prosper. To advise, reprove, comfort or exhort, as occasion ♦may require; ♦ insert “may” per Errata