Primary platform of Methodism; or, Exposition of the general rules

Front matter

PRIMARY

PLATFORM OF METHODISM

OR,

Preface

Had the work now to be re-written, with a view of making a book, a method considerably different from the present would be adopted; and, perhaps, a style, also, at least, in some parts; but, all things considered, it was judged better, to let the matter appear in the book very nearly the same as it did in the paper. Indeed, with one or two exceptions, the Numbers, as they appeared in the weekly paper, constitute the Chapters, as they now appear in the book — the advantages to be gained by a better arrangement of the matter, not being considered an adequate compensation for the additional labor. Such as it is, the work is presented to the reader, with no higher claim than that of an humble, earnest attempt, to discover, restore, and enforce, a faithful observance of the "ancient land-marks" of Methodist Christianity.

Whether the Author's original purpose will be carried into effect, and this volume be succeeded by others, in exposition of other great features of Methodism, may depend, in a good degree, on the reception with which this pioneer of the proposed series may meet.

M. M. H.

Nashville, September, 1851.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

When, in the providence of God, it seemed to become necessary, for the Messrs. Wesley to make some special provision for the harmony, discipline, and edification, of the hundreds of souls who had been brought, through their instrumentality, to seek salvation, they wisely collected, and arranged into a short, plain code, of Christian duty, the elementary precepts of the Gospel — excluding doctrinal dogmas, and speculative divinity, entirely. In organizing those "babes" into a household; those "lambs" into a flock; they confined themselves to the divinity of the heart and the life; of experience and practice; after the model of Christ, in his Sermon on the Mount. For this course, there existed excellent reasons; and such as, in their circumstances, had peculiar force. The Societies which they had formed, and for which these Rules were designed as a bond of union, generally belonged to the National Church of England, which had a doctrinal code in her " Thirty-Nine Articles." Besides, as the prime object was, the improvement of the

Introduction

hearts and lives of the members, the platform was made so broad, that all who were aiming at this one cardinal object? in sincerity of heart, might occupy a place on it; while, on the other hand, none could be admitted into the Society, however pure, or orthodox their creed, who did not profess an earnest "desire to flee from the wrath to come, and be saved from their sins." The Wesleys were desirous to do good to all, without respect to doctrinal tenets, who earnestly sought salvation by faith, through grace; well knowing, that doctrinal affinities would, early enough, develope themselves. There was no duplicity in this ; for, though the Wesleys were decidedly Arminian in doctrine, the Church to which they, and their societies, held relation, was divided, in opinion, on this very point; and many of the sharpest doctrinal controversies of that time, were within the pale of that Church ; and, therefore, applicants for membership in the Society, could not, very well, be questioned as to which side of the controversy, in the Church, they adhered. But, moreover, the doctrinal views of the Wesleys were well understood, before the publication of these Rules. The " United Societies," for whose government they were designed, were first formed in the latter part of the year 1739 — several years before the publication of the Rules under notice. In the earlier part of the same year, a somewhat similar Society was formed at Bristol, (and other places) as the result of the joint labors, it would seem, of Messrs. Wesley and Whitefield ; but, when Wesley and Whitefield separated, on the question of absolute predestination, the Society also separated on the same question.

These Rules, with remarkably few and slight modifications, have been respected as a Primary Platform, by the entire family of Wesleyan Methodists, for more than one hundred

INTRODUCTION, years ; and, however the several branches of this great denominational family have differed, in opinion, on questions of polity, and other matters, each branch, or sub-division, has taken its grand stand-point on these Rules, as common ground. They belong, alike, to all who have rallied under this banner. English Wesleyans, of the various types ; Methodists of Canada — Wesleyan and Episcopal ; Methodist Episcopal Church of the United States — North and South; Protestant Methodists, &c. ; all claim the General Rules as an heir-loom, descended to them from a common spiritual father. The existence of this tenancy in common — this coparcenery in the property of our Platform — is a source of satisfaction to the writer, in the prosecution of his task. It enables him to feel, that he is uttering the sentiments, and advocating the claims, not of a single sect, but of a great family of Christian Churches; divided, indeed, in the details of polity, but cordially harmonizing in all that concerns the religion of the heart and of the life; and harmonizing as well with the teachings and the spirit of the Gospel as with each other. And, besides, there is a further satisfaction, in feeling assured, that this summary moral code is as cordially received by all evangelical Christians, of whatever name, as it is by the different Methodist organizations. It is true, that the first, or introductory part of this summary, is devoted to prudential regulations, peculiar to Methodists, which, in the liberty and discretionary power allowed to Christians, we regard it our gospel right to adopt, for the better carrying into effect of the practical duties therein required. These, though in accordance with the teachings of God's Word, are not explicitly required by it; and, therefore, Christians of other Churches are at perfect liberty to receive or reject them. But, the other three

INTRODUCTION.

grand divisions of the General Rules — "Avoiding Evil," "Doing Good," and "Attending upon all the Ordinances of God" — with the specifications of duty under each division, are so explicitly taught by the Word and Spirit of God, that it may be doubted whether any devout Christian, or sincere seeker of salvation, can be found to oppose them, or whose enlightened conscience will sanction their neglect.

We speak, of course, of the Rules themselves, as compiled by Mr. Wesley — copied, in chief, from the Word of God — and not of any construction herein given of them. With regard to some of the Author's expositions, it is to be expected, that fault will be found by honest Christians holding different views; and this right is cheerfully accorded to them. This dissent he expects, chiefly on the Terms of Membership, the rule on Slavery, and some minor matters not directly embraced in the Rules. With regard to the first, the writer is most thoroughly convinced, that the original condition of admission to membership in the " United Societies" — "A desire to flee from the wrath to come, and be saved from sin" — is the true condition of membership in a Christian Church; and that this opinion is according to the Word of God, the standards of the leading Protestant Churches, and, especially, to the uniform teachings of Methodism, he trusts, is made clear, in this work. Being very solicitous, to elicit the truth, fully, on this subject, he did prepare, in addition to what appears in this work, another chapter, of considerable length, more fully defending the views herein stated; but meeting no recent indications of the spread of the opposite opinion, and finding no Methodist writer, of name, in its advocacy, it was deemed advisable, not to occupy more space, with that topic, than was strictly necessary.

INTRODUCTION.

With regard to the rule on the subject of "Buying and Selling Men, Women, and Children," the temper of the times may not bear, patiently, in certain quarters, the exposition here given of the origin and design of this interpolated rule; yet, it is believed, that no other construction than that given, can be made to harmonize with the settled facts of history, the consistency of Church action, and the reason of the case. It was the sole object of the writer, to follow truth, in this inquiry ; and, though, on this point, she has, in some particulars, led him whither he would not, honesty has compelled him to follow her to the conclusions herein recorded. If those conclusions can be shown to be incorrect, they will be promptly renounced; but, until this shall be done, he must occupy his present position.

The other points alluded to, are not judged to be of sufficient importance to demand any special notice here.

If, as we have seen, these Rules have been uniformly received by all sections of Methodism; if, on them, they have all taken their primary standpoint, they have all, at the same time, attached a corresponding importance to them* making them, next to the naked Word of God, the foundation of their respective Church organizations. It is made the duty of those having charge of circuits, to read these Rules "once a year, in every large congregation, and once a quarter, in every society." So important are they deemed, that the minister is required to read them in the congregation, that the public may understand the ground winch we occupy. And, as these are the rules by which the members are to regulate their daily walk, once in three months the pastor is required to read the Rules in each society, and to explain, and earnestly enforce, their observance on the members.

10 INTRODUCTION.

This estimate of the moral value of the General Rules, is, evidently, not too high ; for, while we never find a barren, or dead Christian, among those who are constant, and faithful, in attendance on the duties here enjoined, among those who are neglectful of them, we never find a fruitful and living one. It is, too, most painfully manifest) that the Methodist Church is suffering very much in the religious enjoyment of her membership, and in her reputation for purity, by a too general neglect of these rules of holy living. In every place, we hear complaint, that members habitually neglect the means of grace; and, in many instances, trample on the rules, by direct and open acts of violation. How many theatre-going members are hanging, as dead weights, on the Church ! How many have danced away their last "desire to flee from the wrath to come," and would not deny themselves the indulgence, though it should behead John, or crucify the cause of Christ! How many have so intoxicated the heart, and bewildered the understanding, by poring, day and night, over poisonous novels, and unnatural romance, that they are disqualified, as well for the rational enjoyments of earth, as for the consolations of religion, or the blisses of heaven ! And all this takes place among people who have solemnly subscribed to these very stringent rules of holy living. Were these rules suitably familiarized to the minds, impressed on the hearts, and enforced on the lives, of our members, if we should not have so numerous a membership, we should, at least, have a much more pure and spiritual Church.

. Impressed with these convictions, the Author of this work undertook to write a plain, practical exposition of the General Rules, hoping, by this means, to call attention, and quicken the interest, of both preachers and members, in the

INTRODUCTION, subject. A large number of Annual Conferences, entertaining, probably, the same views, officially requested the publication of these expositions, in a permanent form. To these official requests were added, the individual solicitations of a number of ministers of the first rank, North and South. And, indeed, ministers of other denominations, have requested the publication, especially that part which treats of the subject of Amusements. After a delay of more than two years, it has been determined to put the work into the hands of efficient publishers, who feel a deep interest in the moral success of the enterprize.

Assuming that the work, itself, is calculated to do good, at a point where much, very much, just now, needs to be done, it will rest, in a great measure, with the preachers, to determine the extent to which it shall accomplish the object contemplated. They can secure for it an extensive circulation, and a general reading among the members ; and, unless it can be widely circulated, and generally and carefully read, it were better that it should never see the light at all ; for, a failure in an attempt to call back our membership to first principles, and to correct existing errors and abuses, which threaten the vital interests of the Church, must tend to the strengthening and perpetuity of the evils the attempt would remedy.

We have, evidently, reached a point — a crisis — where, if the peculiarities of Methodism, in which our fathers gloried, are to be maintained, and transmitted, pure, to posterity, they must be fully and fairly explained, and defended, to the satisfaction of reasonable men and Christians. If they are not susceptible of such explanation and defence, we should know that fact, and at once renounce them. But, if that which our fathers loved, and defended, and conquered

INTRODUCTION".

by, is dear to us — their sons — then let us be " bold to take, and firm to sustain," this defence, not only against outward foes, but against inward enemies of the heart, which long for enlargement from the bondage of self-denial and cross-bearing.

May the Great Shepherd of Israel bless this humble effort to promote his glory, in the quickening, building up, and comforting, of thousands of the lambs of His flock, is the fervent prayer of

THE AUTHOR.

Near Nashville, Tennessee, 1851.

CONTENTS,

Chapter II. Terms Of Membership

Aggregate character of the Society — " A company of men having the form, and seeking the power of Godliness " — Individual qualifications of membership — s: A desire to flee from the wrath to come " — Objection to admission of seekers answered - - - Page 30

Chapter III. Terms Of Membership— Continued

Those entitled to claim the promises have a right to membership — Those promises shown to be for the contrite — Repentance the original condition of admission — Usages of the primitive Church in agreement with our rule — Modern Churches the same — This is the uniform doctrine of Methodists of every class - - - - 41

Chapter IV. Terms Of Membership— Concluded

Cause of the controversy, wrong views of the work of grace on the heart— Full assurance an impracticable condition, and required

Contents

by no Church— Opinions of Fletcher and Wesley — A Methodist opposer of the doctrine, refuted by Wesley — Absurdity of the opposite theory shown in five particulars 56

Chapter V. Probationary Relation

Principle of probation practically acknowledged in every department of life — The analogy of Scripture usage to the same effect — This was the practice of the primitive Church — proof — It is virtually the usage of modem Churches — Qualifications for probationership — Rights and privileges of those on trial — Probationers not members of the Church — Primitive Church usage — Difference between probationers and members — How they may be dismissed — Requisites for advancement to membership - - - 70

Chapter VI. Class Meetings

The Church has a right to adopt prudential regulations for edification — What a Class is — Examples from Scripture — Propriety of such meetings found in man's moral constitution — Power of sympathy — Influence of experience — example — Class Meetings — Promotion of Christian fellowship — Nurseries for the ministry — Promotes self-examination — Permanency and prosperity of the Church, involved in then- maintenance 92

Chapter VII. Class Meetings— Continued

Class Meetings originated providentially — Notice of their rise — Bishops' Notes concerning — Duties of pastors, respecting Class Meetings, laid down in six particulars — Duties of the leader — Duty of members 107

CONTENTS,

Chapter VIII. Avoiding Evil— Profane Swearing

Scripture testimony against this vice — It is without excuse — Weakens confidence in swearer's veracity — Tends to lessen reverence for God — Other forms of profanity beside direct swearing — Lord Chesterfield's testimony against it — Tends to weaken the force of judicial oaths — Propriety of such oaths shown — Duty of Christians to reprove this vice — Examples - - - 123

Chapter IX. The Sabbath

Instituted at Creation — Its necessity seen in physical and moral constitution requiring rest — The command respects a seventh part of our time, as measured by days, rather than a particular day — The observance of the same identical day impracticable — Right to change the Jewish day — Original ordinance not repealed — virtually re-enacted — Sabbath both a civil and religious institution among the Jews, and so among Christian nations ; enforced by law, only in its civil character — How far legislatures may rightfully go — Church must enforce religious observance of the day 134

Chapter X. The Sabbath— Continued

More respectable and common forms of violating the Sabbath — Sabbath Visiting — Sabbath Feasting— Sabbath Travelling — Treating slight diseases on that day — Neglect of children and servants — Sabbath sleeping — Sabbath writing — Works of necessity and mercy to be done — What they are 147

Chapter XI. Intemperance

Original reading of this rule — Philosophy of intemperance — A social vice, and must be controlled by social instrumentalities

CONTENTS.

—Obligation of temperance men to support temperance organizations — A duty to suppress drinking houses ; especially the more genteel ones — Impropriety of the manufacture and sale of spirituous liquors ----160

Chapter XII. Slavery

Mr. Wesley made no rule on the subject — This rule first appeared in the Discipline of 1789 — original form of it — By whom enacted 1 ? — Not by General or Annual Conference, proved — not by the Council, clearly proved — It was introduced by the Bishops — It referred to the African Slave Trade, proved by seven arguments — Objection concerning Bishops 1 Notes answered — Wickedness of the African Slave Trade — opposition of Southern States to it — Early rules of the Methodist Episcopal Church found impracticable — Duty to submit to the laws, in matters of civil relation — Examples of Christ and Apostles 173

Chapter XIII. Slavery— C Ontinued

Church legislation not advisable; the example of Christ and his Apostles preferable — Difficulties of Emancipation — This is not the whole duty of the master, and may be even wrong — Duty of master respecting religious training of slaves — to make them a part of his household, in religious matters — Cases where they are too numerous for this arrangement — where slaves are on a distant estate — master bound to provide a good and faithful manager — Duty to employ a missionary — Importance of the missionary work — Suggestions as to the manner of its successful performance 187

Chapter XIV. Fighting

Admitted to be wrong in ordinary cases — supposed exceptions considered — Revenge excluded by the law of Christ — Duelling —

CONTENTS.

The worst kind of wilful murder — Christians criminal, who countenance murderers of this class more than assassins — ■ Duelling no proof of a higher than brute courage, and is not evidence of even the presence of this — War — Spirit of war contrary to that of the Gospel — Attended with fewer circumstances of cruelty than formerly — Duty of Christians to obey the calls of their country ; but not to rush, uncalled, to the field of battle - 200

Chapter XV. Quarrelling — Brawling— Brother Going To Law With Brother

•Quarrelling, Brawling — Angry manner, and harsh words, wrong, and ill-judged — Quaker's rule for avoiding it — Gentleness, and less confident manner, more effectual — Franklin — Brother going to law, frc — Good men may honestly differ, and come in conflict- In that case, the judgment of brethren is safe, and more becoming, than the public courts — Scandal of Christians going to law for right — Our rule makes provision for the whole ground of settlement, collection, &c. — Delinquents punishable - - - 210

Chapter XVI

RETURNING EVIL FOR EVIL, OR RAILING FOR RAILING.— USING MANY WORDS IN BUYING AND SELLING. — THE BUYING OR SELLING GOODS THAT HAVE NOT PAID THE DUTY.

Returning evil, 8fc. — The spirit of revenge contrary to the Gospel- Gentleness, kindness, and forgiveness, the Christian's offensive and defensive armor. Using many words, ^c— The seller's trade to praise his wares — Danger of injuring both conscience and business — The falling and Jewing system. Buying or selling goods that have not paid the duty — The matter explained — Equally criminal to stop money on its way to the treasury, as to take it from there ------- 215

4>

CONTENTS.

Chapter XVII

THE GIVING OR TAKING THINGS ON USURY, THAT IS, UNLAWFUL INTEREST— UNCHARI- TABLE, OR UNPROFITABLE CONVERSATION, PARTICULARLY, SPEAKING EVIL OF MAGIS- TRATES OR MINISTERS.

Usury — Value of money variable ; and, hence, difficult to fix a just rate of hire — Necessary to follow the rule of law — Duty to lend — Uncharitable, or unprofitable conversation — Nature and effects of charity — Bad effects of neglecting this rule — Unprofitable conversation nearly allied to uncharitable — common and fashionable — unbecoming Christians — Speaking evil of magistrates or ministers — Original design of this rule to apply to civil rulers — a different opinion held, but this one proved by several arguments; but, though the rule does not apply to gospel ministers, yet, it well enough expresses a duty due them — Disposition to fault-finding rebuked — Christians fix the position of their ministers in community by the respect they show him by word and deed - - - - 220

Chapter XVIII

DOING TO OTHERS AS WE WOULD NOT THAT 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.— DRESS.

The golden rule — God requires our obedience to this rule, but we have no claim on others to observe it, only as based on our own obedience to it — Dress — " Gold and costly apparel " are joined together in the rule, and in the word of God, though often separated in enforcing the duty— Both prohibited alike and for the same reason, though the putting on of gold condemned by many, who scruple not to put on costly apparel— Reasons against both— a wrongful waste of money — out of Christian character — the example is pernicious— afflicts the feelings of others— operates to the prejudice of Christianity— An excuse— Inconsistency in early plain Methodists— Bad effects of it— Moderation and gravity in dress required, especially in ministers and aged Christians - 232

CONTENTS,

Chapter XIX

AMUSEMENTS— TAKING SUCH DIVERSIONS AS CANNOT BE USED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS. — DANCING.

To estimate the effects of dancing, we must take it in the ball-room, where its object is reached, and not in its preparatory exercises — Injurious to health — The enemy of mental improvement — Opinion of Chesterfield — Moral influence bad — Descriptive scene — General character of the whole — analysis of it — Waltzing — Opinion of it, by a high literary authority 241

Chapter XX. Amusements.— Dancing— Continued

The experience and consciousness of Christians, who have tried it, condemn the practice — The refining influence of dancing considered — Dancing an amusement of uncivilized men, lacking mental enjoyments — The propriety of teaching children to dance considered — Innocence of dancing, "in itself," considered — The world expects better things of us, at this day. - - - - 254

Chapter XXI. Amusements.— The Theatre

Theatrical amusements have been in use for, say, 2400 years — Of Grecian origin — Referred to celebrations of Bacchus — Notice of those orgies — A car, or cart, the first stage — then the temple of Bacchus — Account of early Theatres — Success in tragic composition and acting decided by judges — Comedy much less respectable — Roman drama derived from the festival of Harvest Home — in several respects resembling the rites of Bacchus — Notice of Roman dramatists — Difference between ancient and modern drama, in favor of the former — Neither history, eloquence, nor morality to be gained there — Shakspeare deficient in purity— The notion of reproving vice in this way fallacious — Cannot be taken in the name of the Lord Jesus, and, therefore, improper for Christians - - , 263

CONTENTS.

Chapter XXII. Amusements.— The Theatre— Continued

The legitimate drama not tolerated, but low comedy, &c. — Actors generally not men of talents — talents find a surer and better reward in other departments — Few actors of high moral character — Starring — detrimental to regular operations — could not succeed, but for general lack of talent among players — Devices for attracting attention — the press — Encouragement of courtesans — Associations of the Theatre unfit for Christians — Theatrical amusements waning in popularity 276

Chapter XXIII. Amusements.— The Circus

Circus lower, but more candid than Theatre, for it only professes to amuse with feats of agility and buffoonery — nothing to learn, or to imitate — The whole an animal affair — System of humbug — Manner of drumming up patronage — Bad influence on the young on servants, &c — The actual performance — riding — female performers — clown — idea probably derived from King's Eool — coarse wit of modern clowns — Model artistes — Evil effects of the Circus 284

Chapter XXIV. Amusements.— Games

Gambling not treated, but games for amusement — Cards — playing for amusement, forms the habit and love of it, and leads to gambling — instances — Case of Lock — of Dodd — Romaine — Remarks of Bennett — Even playing for amusement injures the confidence of business men, or young men — instance — Billiards, dice, &c, in the like category with cards ------ 29fe

CONTENTS,

Chapter XXV. Amusements. — Sports

Horse Racing— Original manner of running horses — Greeks practised this sport — Did not make gain an object — This a leadingobject in modern times — Plea that horse racing improves the breed of horses fallacious — The sport is cruel — Tends to dissipation — Gambling a chief object — An unfit place for ladies and Christians — Attendance of Christians wrong — Hunting, &c. — Rule by which we may judge of the innocency of these sports - - - 306

Chapter XXVI. Betting.— Lotteries.— Insurance

Betting — The principle wrong — A legal offence, and morally wrong — Betting on Elections — Attended with worse effects than other forms of the vice — Tends to corruption — Indirect modes of betting — no better — Lotteries — Principle explained and shown to be immoral — essentially gambling — Insurance — Different in principle and object— Explained --------- 314

Chapter XXVII. Amusements. — Singing. — Reading

Poetry and song the language of feeling — Common to all states of society — Specially suited to devotion — Two extremes — Errors and evils in common musical education — A class of devotional songs of questionable propriety — Reading — What is necessary to its profitting — Political papers — their bitterness — Fashionable Periodicals — Books of infidel tendency — varied to suit different tastes — Works of fiction even more hurtful — chiefly calculated to excite passions and corrupt the heart — Destroys a taste for solid reading Testimony against — Prejudicial to domestic happiness — should be discouraged by pulpit and press ---- = = -.-- 325

CONTENTS.

Chapter XXVIII

SELF-INDULGENCE.— WORLDLY MINDEDNESS. — DISHONESTY IN BORROWING AND BUYING,

" Softness," &c. — Duty of self-denial and cross-bearing — Effeminacy unbecoming the soldiers of Christ — Especially ministers of the Gospel — Example of our fathers— Laying up treasures," &c. — Inconsistency, danger, and folly of Christians laying up treasures on earth — Bishops' note on the plea — "Borrowing," &c. — Piety and morality inseparable — A good rule to avoid going in debt — Bishops' note on the plea — Punctuality - - - - 346

Chapter XXIX. Doing Good

This the second general evidence of a desire to flee from the wrath to come — Bishops' note — The manner — to their bodies — by feeding — clothing — visiting — helping — Hospitality 357

Chapter XXX

DOING GOOD.— TO THE SOULS OF MEN — FRUGALITY, &c.

Doing good to the souls of men — by instructing — reproving — exhorting — Special duty to Christians and true penitents — Bishops' note Diligence — duty of — of little value without Frugality — Running the Christian race patiently — self-denyingly — cross-bearingly — submitting to and looking for persecution 365

Chapter XXXI. Ordinances Of Religion

Public worship — reading and preaching God's word — Lard's Supper — Nature and uses of this Sacrament explained in six particulars — Qualifications for partaking of— Difficulties with brethren — Right of penitents — Spirit in which it should be partaken - 376

CONTENTS.

Chapter XXXII. Ordinances Of Religion— Prayer— Fasting

Family Prater — Nature of the duty — Family religion before congregational — The head of a family the Priest — Benefits of — Proper time for — Errors and mistakes about — Having but part of the family present — Tediousness — Hurry — Want of co-operation in heads of family — Private Prater — How performed, and advantages of it — Fasting, or Abstinence — Nature of the duty — Examples — Concluding paragraph of the Rules — Analysis of it 387

PRIMARY PLATFORM OF METHODISM,

Chapter I. Historical Sketch Of The "general Rules."

As that 4 6 earnest' ' form of Christianity called Methodism, is, at this time, the object of both opposition and a spirit of innovation, we have determined to. devote some attention to a plain and faithful exposition of its leading denominational peculiarities. And the " G-eneral Rules" having constituted the first conventional platform, on which the fathers and pioneers of Methodism were brought together, as an organized body of Christians ; and as some of the strongest opposition to Methodism — internal as well as external — is directed against certain principles and practices set forth in their rules, they shall claim our first attention.