With his eye set on holiness of heart and life, John Wesley organized the Methodist movement with classes. These were groups of 10-12 people who met to watch over one another in love. They prayed together, exhorted each other to live holy lives, and helped each other work out their salvation. They did this by observing three simple rules: do no harm, do good, and attend the ordinances of God. Though these rules are simple, they are also specific. The following passage outlining the first rule, do no harm, comes from Wesley himself as is recorded in our Book of Discipline.

The General Rules of the Methodist Movement

     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 to be saved from their sins." But wherever this is really fixed in the soul it will be shown by its fruits.

     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 practiced, such as:

· The taking of the name of God in vain.

· The profaning 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 cases of extreme necessity.

· Slaveholding; buying or selling slaves.

· Fighting, quarreling, brawling, brother going to law with brother; returning evil for evil, or railing for railing; the using many words in buying or selling.

· The buying or selling goods that have not paid the duty.

· The giving or taking things on usury—i.e., unlawful interest.

· Uncharitable or unprofitable conversation; particularly speaking evil of magistrates or of ministers.

· Doing to others as we would not they should do unto us.

· Doing what we know is not for the glory of God, as:

· The putting on of gold and costly apparel.

· The taking such diversions as cannot be used in the name of the Lord Jesus.

· The singing those songs, or reading those books, which do not tend to the knowledge or love of God.

· Softness and needless self-indulgence.

· Laying up treasure upon earth.

· Borrowing without a probability of paying; or taking up goods without a probability of paying for them.

     These are the General Rules of our societies; all of which we are taught of God to observe, even in his written Word, which is the only rule, and the sufficient rule, both of our faith and practice. And all these we know his Spirit writes on truly awakened hearts. If there be any among us who observe them not, who habitually break any of them, let it be known unto them who watch over that soul as they who must give an account. We will admonish him of the error of his ways. We will bear with him for a season. But then, if he repent not, he hath no more place among us. We have delivered our own souls.

     From The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church- 2016. Copyright 2016 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission.

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