THE CHARACTER OF A METHODIST (Summary)
Craig L. Adams
A Tract by John Wesley, 1742
Summary by Conrad Archer
Bracketed numbers [n] correlate To Bic Ed outline.
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Wesley later wrote that this tract was the first he ever wrote on
Christian Perfection, but that he did not use that term in the title in
order not to arouse prejudice. He wrote this piece for three reasons:
(1) to demonstrate that Methodism is simply genuine Christianity,
nothing more. (2) to elucidate the works of Clement of Alexandria
(150-215) which described a perfect Christian. (3) to give the proper
meaning of the term "Methodist."
The distinction between central articles of faith and opinions is
brought out in this work. Opinions are convictions on matters of faith
which do not affect fundamental matters of faith. Wesley will argue
that opinions should not separate Christians from one another. [You
will find intensive use of Scripture in this tract (104 references for
4,000 words). Wesley wanted to leave no doubt that the Methodists were
living Scriptural Christianity. --ca]
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Not as tho' I had already attained.
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To the Reader.
[1] Many are at a loss in understanding what a "Methodist" is and what
are the principles, practices, and distinguishing marks of this sect.
[2] At the urgings of both friends and enemies I will give the clearest
account I can of this subject. [3] Let it be noted that "Methodist" is
a name of reproach given first to three or four young men at Oxford.
This is not a name they took for themselves. [4] I would be pleased if
the name "Methodist" were never mentioned again; but would hope that I
might be known for who I am, not what I am called.
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[1] "The distinguishing marks of a Methodist are not his opinions of
any sort." We do believe in the inspiration of the Scripture; and that
this Word of God is the only and the sufficient rule of faith and
practice. We believe Christ to be the Eternal Supreme God. But "as to
all opinions which do not strike at the root of Christianity we 'think
and let think'. So, opinions do not set apart Methodists.
[2] Neither do words or phrases of any sort. That is, we do not speak
in any way other than what is normal and natural. Of course we do use
Scriptural phrases and words when speaking of the things of God. [3]
Nor can we be distinguished by actions, customs or usages of a nature
not mentioned in Scripture. Our clothing, covering our heads,
abstaining from marriage, etc are not a mark of Methodists. [4] Nor do
we lay the whole stress of religion on any single part of it.
[5] Who then is a Methodist? One who has the love of God in his heart,
who loves God entirely. One who finds in God the joy of his heart, the
desire of his soul. [6] He is happy in God, rejoicing evermore in Jesus
Christ and the redemption which is now his. And why not? He has had his
sins blotted out, the Spirit bears witness with his spirit that he is a
child of God. [7] And in everything he gives thanks, having learned to
be content in whatever estate he finds himself. [8] And he "prays
without ceasing". He is not always on his knees nor always in the house
of prayer, but he always lifts his heart to God---and this is the
essence of prayer.
[9] And the Methodist who loves God, loves his brother also. And he
loves his enemies (and if it not be in his power to do good to them who
hate him, yet he ceases not to pray for them---even if they use him in
dastardly ways). [10] For the Methodist is pure in heart. He has no
desires for revenge, envy, malice and wrath. He is not contentious. He
has no love for the things of the world. All his desire is unto God.
[11] Indeed, his one purpose in life is to do the will of God. "All
that is in the soul is holiness to the Lord."
[12] He loves God so he obeys the commandments of God. Not just some,
but all of them. [13] "For his obedience is in proportion to his love,
the source from whence it flows. And therefore loving God with all his
heart, he serves him with all his strength, holy acceptable to God."
[14] "By consequence, whatsoever he doth, it is all to the glory of
God." He not only aims at this, he attains it. This (glorifying God) is
the one business of his life. [15] The vice of the world cannot tempt
him to stumble. He thinks and speaks of those things which are pure,
lovely, and of good report.
[16] "Lastly, as he has time, he 'does good unto all men'---unto
neighbours, and strangers, friends and enemies." Not only by "'feeding
the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting those that are sick or in
prison,' but much more does he labour to do good to their souls as of
the ability which God giveth; to awaken those that sleep in death . .
., so they may 'all come unto the measure of the stature of the fulness
of Christ.'"
[17] "These are the principles and practices of our sect; these are the
marks of a true Methodist." Yes, they can be said to be only the common
fundamentals of Christianity. I wish that everyone understood this. The
Methodist "is a Christian, not in name only, but in heart and in life."
"And 'having the mind that was in Christ' he so walks as Christ also
walked."
[18] These are the marks which we labour to distinguish ourselves from
the unbelieving world; but from real Christians of whatever
denomination, we seek not to be distinguished at all. Whoever does the
will of our Father in heaven is the same as my brother and sister and
mother. For opinions or understanding of terms, let us not destroy the
work of God. Do you love and serve God? It is enough. I give you the
right hand of fellowship.
Found at: <http://www.geocities.com/conradarch/>.
--
Craig L. Adams
adams...@earthlink.net
Weidman United Methodist Church
<http://www.methodist.net/weidman> or <http://www.gbgm-umc.org/weidman>