so i find this particular writing by john wesley interesting.. for length purposes i'm putting into smaller parts. from "the character of a methodist" published in 1739.
Methodists are those who had God's love poured into their hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to them, who love the Lord their God with all their hearts, and with all their souls, and with all their minds, and with all their strength. God is the joy of their hearts, and the desire of their souls; which constantly cry out, Whom have I in heaven but you? And their is nothing on earth that I desire other than you! My God and my all! You are the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever!
They are therefore happy in God, yea, always happy, as having in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life, and overflowing their souls with peace and joy. Perfect love having now cast out fear, they rejoice in the Lord always, even in God their Savior. Having found redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of their trespasses, they cannot but rejoice, whenever they look back on the horrible pit out of which they are delivered. They cannot but rejoice, whenever they look on the state wherein they now are: justified by God's grace as a gift, and having peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. For those who believe have the testimony of this in their hearts, being now the children of God by faith. Because they are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into their hearts, crying, "Abba Father!" And that very Spirit bears witness with their spirits, that they are children of God. They rejoice also, whenever they look forward, in hope of the glory that shall be revealed. All their bones cry out, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! by his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope... into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us!"
And those who have this hope give thanks in all circumstances as knowing that this (whatsoever it is) is the will of God in Christ Jesus for them. From God, therefore, they cheerfully receive all saying, "Good is the will of the Lord"; and whether the Lord gives or takes away, equally blessing the name of the Lord. For they have learned to be content with whatever they have...
maybe it's me, but as i read over this description of methodists.. i couldn't think of many it fits. as a church i feel we do show love, but when you get into our individuals it isn't always so apparent. i don't know too many methodists that would claim impacting by the Holy Spirit. that might be more due to a poor teaching of the spirit by our church as a whole. i don't know if i want to touch the happiness of the individual and how well we give thanks...
would john be upset with the character of today's methodists?
