As for those among you, who in derision are termed _Methodists_, be you thankful to that GOD, who I trust has made you wise unto everlasting salvation, and given you not only to believe on the LORD JESUS, but also to suffer for his name. You have lately been enabled joyfully to bear the spoiling of your goods¹. Think it not strange, if you should hereafter be called to resist unto blood. Fear not the faces of men, neither be afraid of their revilings. Having believed on the LORD JESUS, with your hearts, in spite of all opposition from men and devils, make confession of him with your mouths unto eternal salvation. Contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, and sealed by the blood of your martyrs: at the same time, “be ready to give a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but the LORD JESUS hath chosen and redeemed you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Follow him therefore chearfully without the camp, bearing his reproach. The more you are afflicted, the more you shall multiply and grow. For verily no man hath lost houses or lands for CHRIST’s sake, and the gospel, who shall not receive a hundred-fold in this life with persecution, and in the world to come life everlasting. Persecution is your privilege: it is a badge of your discipleship: it is every christians lot in some degree or other. Only be ye careful to give no just offence, either to _Jew_ or _Gentile_, or the church of GOD. And as you profess to have received the Holy Ghost in his sanctifying gifts and graces, and to have the Spirit of GOD dwelling in you, be ye studious to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit in your lives; that all who are acquainted with you may take knowledge that you have been with JESUS. Call no man master but CHRIST. Follow others only as they are followers of him. Be fond of no name but that of CHRISTIAN. Beware of making parties, or calling down fire from heaven to consume your adversaries. “Bless them that curse you, and pray for them that despitefully use you.” Labour to shine in common life, by a due conscientious discharge of all relative duties, and study to adorn the gospel of our LORD in all things. If you are good christians, you will fear GOD, and for his sake honour the King. Be thankful for the many blessings you enjoy under the government of his present Majesty King _George_, and continue to pray to Him, by whom kings reign, and princes decree justice, to keep a _popish Pretender_ from ever sitting on the _English_ throne. Be cloathed with humility: and always count yourselves beginners in religion. Let it be your meat and drink to do and suffer the will of your Master, and forgetting the things which are behind, reach forward to the things which are before, and never cease striving, till you are filled with all the fulness of GOD. Determine to know nothing but JESUS, and him crucified. Remember his agony and bloody sweat, his shameful cross and passion. Chearfully pledge him in his bitter cup, and as he was, so be ye in this world. Think of his last and new commandment, and “love one another with a pure heart fervently;” looking and preparing for that blessed hour, when he shall come and call you to sit down with him at the marriage-feast in the realms of light and love, where the wicked shall cease from troubling, and where your weary souls shall be at rest.
¹ _N. B._ The Methodists in _Staffordshire_ were mobbed the _Shrove-Tuesday_ before, and plundered of their substance to the amount of seven hundred pounds sterling.