15. Nor do the customs of the world at all hinder his _running the race that is set before him_. He knows, that vice does not lose its nature, though it becomes ever so fashionable; and remembers, that _every man is to give an account of himself to_ God. He cannot therefore, _follow even a multitude to do evil_. He cannot _fare sumptuously every day_, or _make provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof_. He cannot _lay up treasures upon earth_, ♦any more than he can take fire into his bosom. He cannot _adorn himself_ (on any pretence) _with gold or costly apparel,――he_ cannot join in, or countenance any diversion, which has the least tendency to vice of any kind. He cannot _speak evil_ of his neighbour, ♠any more than he can lie, either for God or man. He cannot utter an unkind word of any one; for love keeps the door of his lips. He cannot speak _idle words: no corrupt communication_ ever _comes out of his mouth_, as is all that _which is_ not _good, to the use of edifying_, not _fit to minister grace to the hearers_. But _whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are_ justly _of good report_, he thinks, and speaks, and acts, _adorning the gospel of our_ Lord Jesus Christ _in all things_.
♦ “no” replaced with “any” per Errata
♠ “no” replaced with “any” per Errata
16. Lastly, As he has time, he _does good unto all men_; unto neighbours and strangers, friends and enemies. And that in every possible kind; not only to their bodies, by _feeding the hungry, cloathing 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: to bring those who are awakened to the atoning blood, that _being justified by_ faith, they may have _peace with_ God, ♦and to provoke those who have peace with God to abound more in love and in good works. And he is willing to _spend and be spent herein_, even _to be offered up on the sacrifice and service of their faith_, so they may _all come unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of_ Christ.
♦ insert “and to provoke those who have peace with God,” per Errata
17. These are the _principles_ and _practices_ of our _sect_, these are the _marks_ of a true _Methodist_. By these alone do those, who are in derision so called, desire to be distinguished from other men. If any man say, “Why these are only the common, fundamental principles of Christianity!” _Thou hast said_: so I mean; this is the very truth; I know they are no other; and I would to God both thou and all men knew, that I, and all who follow my judgment, do vehemently refuse to be distinguished from other men, by any but the common principles of Christianity. The plain, old Christianity that I teach, renouncing and detesting all other marks of distinction. And whosoever _is_ what I _preach_ (let him be called what he will; for names change not the nature of things) he is a Christian, not in _name_ only, but in _heart_ and in _life_. He is inwardly and outwardly conformed to the will of God, as revealed in the written word. He thinks, speaks, and lives according to the method laid down in the revelation of Jesus Christ. His soul is renewed after the image of God, in righteousness and in all true holiness. And having the mind that was in Christ, he so walks as Christ also walked.
18. By these _marks_, by these fruits of a living faith, do we labour to _distinguish_ ourselves from the unbelieving world, from all those whose minds or lives are not according to the gospel of Christ. But from real Christians, of whatsoever denomination they be, we earnestly desire not to be distinguished at all: not from any, who sincerely follow after what they know they have not yet attained. No: whosoever doth the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister and mother. And I beseech you brethren, by the mercies of God, that we be in no wise divided among ourselves. Is thy heart right, as my heart is with thine? I ask no farther question. If it be, give me thy hand. For opinions, or terms, let us not destroy the work of God. Dost thou love and serve God? It is enough. I give thee the right hand of fellowship. If there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies: let us strive together for the faith of the gospel; walking worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called; with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace: remembring, there is one body, and one spirit, even as we are called with one hope of our calling: _one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all_!
A short HISTORY of METHODISM.