From his journal dated March 1747:
I examined the classes. I had been often told, it was impossible for me to distinguish the precious from the vile, without the miraculous discernment of spirits. But I now saw, more clearly than ever, that this might be done, and without much difficulty, supposing only two things: First, Courage and steadfastness in the examiner. Secondly, Common sense and common honesty in the Leader of each class. I visit, for instance, the class of the Close, of which Robert Peacock is the leader. I ask, “Does this and this person in your class live in drunkenness or any outward sin? Does he go to church, and use other means of grace? Does he meet you as often as he has opportunity?” Now, if Robert Peacock has common sense, he can answer these questions truly; and if he has common honesty, he will. And if not, some other in the class has both, and can and will answer for him. Where is the difficulty then of finding out if there be any disorderly walker in this class, and, consequently, in any other? The question is not concerning the heart, but the life. And the general tenor of this, I do not say cannot be known, but cannot be hid without a miracle. …
The society, which the first year consisted of above eight hundred members, is now reduced to four hundred. But, according to the old proverb, the half is more than the whole. We shall not be ashamed of any of these, when we speak with our enemies at the gate.
The church is not a class meeting, but if the church takes baptismal and membership vows seriously, should we be growing by shrinking? Do we need more pastors with courage and steadfastness?
Or are we not turning Wesley’s proverb on its head by saying that 800 is better than 400, even if half the 800 are “disorderly walkers” who do not really seek God’s kingdom or salvation? (I ask the question as one with little of either quality.)
I am a part-time local pastor serving 
The doctrine of original sin is surely more humbling to man than the opposite: And I know not what honour we can pay to God, if we think man came out of His hands in the condition wherein he is now.
I think as pastor’s, leaders of the congregation, we need to be holding person’s in the congregation accountable for their baptismal and membership vows. Doing so in a spirit and attitude of love. We need to be asking the hard questions and expecting answers. Instead we hear fro those in the congregation, “We can’t ask those questions. We can’t expect too much of people. It just might make some one angry and then they would leave.” Again we need to hold people accountable in love, letting them know we are asking because we care for their eternal soul, not njust because we want to fill an empty seat.
Ed, I agree. I’m not very good at this, though, so I appreciate knowing other pastors out there feel the same way.