A Short History Of The Methodists... - Media Sabda Org

But lo! the snare is broke, the captive's freed,
By Faith on all the hostile powers we tread,
And crush thro' JESUS' strength the Serpents head.
Jesus hath cast the curst Accuser down,
Hath rooted up the tares by Satan sown:
Kindled anew the never-dying flame,
And re-baptiz'd our souls into his Name.
Soon as the virtue of his Name we feel,
The storm of strife subsides, the sea is still,
All nature bows to his benign command,
And two are one in his Almighty hand.
One in his hand, O may we still remain,
Fast bound with love's indissoluble chain;
(That adamant which time and death defies,
That golden chain which draws us to the skies!)
His love the tie that binds us to his throne,
His love the bond that perfects us in one;
His love (let all the ground of friendship see)
His only love constrains our hearts t'agree,
And gives the rivet of Eternity!
1749.-- This year Mr. Wesley began to compile the Christian Library, and completed it in fifty
volumes duodecimo. He published it under the following title: "A Christian Library, consisting of
Extracts from, and Abridgements of, the choicest pieces of Practical Divinity, which have been
published in the English tongue."
1760.-- In this year a great revival of religion took place among the Methodists. Many persons,
men and women, professed to be cleansed from all unrighteousness and made perfect in love in a
moment; often while hearing the word, but more frequently while at prayer, or while others were
praying for them. Mr. Wesley thus speaks of it: "Here began that glorious work of sanctification,
which had been nearly at a stand for twenty years. From time to time it spread, first through various
parts of Yorkshire, afterwards in London, then through most parts of England; next to Dublin,
Limerick, and through all the south and west of Ireland; and wherever the work of sanctification
increased, the whole work of God increased in all its branches. Many were convinced of sin, many
justified, and many backsliders healed."
1763.-- The conference was held in London, on the 19th of July. All the minutes of the former
conferences, respecting discipline, were now for the first time published. It appears from their
minutes that a great deal of business was done in a few days. I will enter one of their questions and
answers, respecting their taking a preacher into the traveling connection.
Q. What method may we use in receiving a helper?
A. A proper time for doing this is at a conference, after solemn fasting and prayer. We may then
receive him as a probationer, by giving him the minutes of the conference inscribed thus: