The Doctrines and Discipline of the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church Revised Edition 1918
CHAPTER XIII.
THE CALL TO PREACH
Ques. 1. How shall we try those who profess to be moved by the Holy Ghost to preach?
Ans. Let the following questions be asked, namely:
1. Do they know God as a pardoning God? Have they the love of God abiding in them? Do they desire nothing but God? And are they holy in all manner of conversation?
2. Have they gifts (as well as graces) for the work? Have they (in some tolerable degree) a clear, sound understanding, a right judgment in the things of God, a just conception of salvation by faith? Do they speak justly, readily, clearly?
3. Have they fruit? Are any truly convinced of sin and converted to God by their preaching?
As long as these three marks concur in any one, we believe he is called of God to preach. These we receive as sufficient proof that he is moved by the Holy Ghost.