Friday, October 8, 2010

Letter from the Methodist Bishops, 1824

Ok, so you'll say, that was then, this is now. Fine. But the Gospel is the Gospel always and everywhere.

"If Methodists give up the doctrine of entire sanctification, or suffer it to become a dead letter, we are a fallen people... If the Methodists lose sight of this, they fall by their own weight. Their success in gaining numbers will be the cause of their dissolution. Holiness is the main cord that binds us together Relax this and you loosen the whole system. This will appear more evident if we call to mind the original design of Methodism. It was to raise up and preserve a holy people. This was the principal object which Mr. Wesley, who under God, was the great founder of our order, had in view. To this all doctrines preached in methodism tend. Whoever supposed, or who that is acquainted with the case can suppose, that it was designed in any of its parts to secure the applause or popularity of the world, or a numerical increase of worldly or impenitent men? Are there any provisions made for the aggrandizement of our ministers or the worldly-mindedness of our members?

"None whatever."

What do we want?

More people?

More money?

Bigger buildings?

Or holiness, without which, no one will see the Lord?

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