This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world's literature.

This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world's literature.

This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world's literature.

An anthology of writings of late-18th and early-19th century Methodist women.
Writings of early Methodist women have compelling stories to tell. This volume puts us in touch with a lost heritage of vital spirituality that can transform lives and the church, even today. These selections from the writings of early Methodist women vividly illustrate the richness of women s contributions to the life of the church and the legacy of Wesleyan spirituality. The religious accounts, diaries and journals, prayers, hymns and sacred poems, and narrative practical divinity, brought together here for the first time, provide a new vantage point from which to view the wonderful spiritual awakening of Wesley s day. They reveal a "way of devotion," a way of living out the Christian faith that conjoins personal piety and social action, conversion and growth in grace."

This is a rich articulation of John Wesley's theology that is appreciative of the old and mindful of the new, faithful to the past and attentive to the present. This work carefully displays John Wesley's eighteenth century theology in its own distinct historical and social location, but then transitions to the twenty-first century through the introduction of contemporary issues. So conceived, the book is both historical and constructive demonstrating that the theology of Wesley represents a vibrant tradition. Cognizant of Wesley's own preferred vocabulary, Collins introduces Wesley's theological method beginning with a discussion of the doctrine of God. In this insightful exposition the leitmotif of holy love arises out of Wesley's reflection on the nature of the divine being as well as other major doctrines.

JOHN WESLEY (1703-1791) is the chief architect and source of inspiration for the teaching commonly referred to as Christian Perfection. Yet the journey Wesley traveled in forming his views on perfect love is largely unknown and often misunderstood. In this second volume of a groundbreaking series, Olson leaves no stone unturned as he guides the reader along a path explaining how and why Wesley's most beloved doctrine took the shape it did. In this way the reader is offered surprising insights into Wesley's philosophy of discipleship and spiritual growth. All periods of Wesley's long and eventful career are covered, with special attention given to those factors which most influenced his own faith journey. The entire Wesley corpus is utilized: sermons, journals, letters, diaries, and other writings. A four gospel scheme organizes Wesley's doctrinal development for easy memorization and understanding. Numerous charts visually empower a fuller understanding of Wesley's theology of perfection. Several appendices offer a timeline and several historical studies on Wesley's faith journey and theological development. Whether one agrees or disagrees with Wesley's vision of Christian holiness, all will be challenged to reflect more deeply on the nature of Christian discipleship and what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ.

With its question-and-answer format, and clear, jargon-free writing, this volume is an excellent resource for learning about the United Methodist Church. F. Belton Joyner Jr., a veteran pastor and popular author, introduces the reader to key United Methodist beliefs and practices through seventy-eight questions and answers.

This brief introduction spells out the major beliefs of the United Methodist Church in a clear, nontechnical style. William Willimon, the beloved United Methodist author, preacher, teacher, and bishop, discusses the great theological themes that United Methodists share in common with all Christians as well as the particular accents and emphases that characterize United Methodist understandings of Christian doctrines. In his engaging style, Willimon opens the door for further study, challenging the reader to move toward a continuing reflection on their faith. This guide will be of great value to those who are beginning their study of United Methodist beliefs as well as those who have long been in the church and want a helpful way to refresh their understandings of the distinctiveness of United Methodist doctrine.

The author takes his new and comprehensive vision of God as Spirit from the only place in which spirit is experienced and known, that is, from our experience of our own selves. The need for this intimate and, therefore, bold view of God rests on the increasing inability of a self-contradictory orthodoxy to speak to the spiritual sensibilities of people in the twenty-first century.

A new understanding of God enables the author to deal in a fresh way with the troublesome questions people have raised about the behavior with which God is often charged. It also allows him to reinterpret John Wesley's doctrine of salvation in a way that addresses the deepest needs of the human spirit.

All those seekers who have been disillusioned or even alienated by the incoherence and divisiveness of much of the religion they see this book is for them. It is also for laypersons seeking clearer guidance for their spiritual life and for pastors seeking a different perspective for their teaching and preaching.

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

Autobiographical journals of Thomas Coke, an important figure to both American and Methodist history.
In these journals Thomas Coke gives contemporaneous detailed impressions of late-18th century North America from his nine visits and four Caribbean tours. Using the 1816 edition of the journals as a base, Vickers compares it to earlier editions and, where available, to the manuscript journal, noting any variations.

"Our Heavenly Father, we are thankful that though Your will guides the heavenly bodies in their background of immensity, yet Your love sustains our human bodies and souls in astonishing intimacy."So begins one of the prayers in this collection, each of which was originally created to lead a worshiping congregation. They are drawn from the author's ministry as pastor and counselor, spanning more than a half-century, and give voice to the whole range of human thoughts, emotions, and concerns. They marvel at the mystery and beauty of the Creator and His creation, address the heart cries of individuals, encourage faith, and speak of timely issues. They express love and assurance to the fellowship of Jesus' followers, the "Bride of Christ."

A comprehensive guide to the theology and practice of evangelism within the Wesleyan tradition.
No one would deny that evangelism stands at the heart of the Wesleyan/Methodist movement. Yet ask any number of representatives of that movement what evangelism means, and you will get an equal number of definitions. Is it bringing the lost to saving faith in Christ? Working to conform the social order to the Kingdom of God? Deepening the commitment of disciples to the work the Gospel?
This important new volume answers that evangelism is all these, and more. Drawing on the work of prominent theologians and church leaders, it examines both the theory and the practice of evangelism among the people called Methodist, charting a course for a faithfully Wesleyan fulfillment of the Great Commission.

Description: John Wesley (1703-91) was a unique character in history who left a disproportionately large imprint on the world. That imprint was a contagious passion for what he called real Christianity--the Good News of saving grace and scriptural holiness. This book examines Wesley's life and faith in order to better understand what it means to be a present-day participant in that legacy. The book begins with the story of Wesley's search for an authentic Christian experience. His steps are traced from his early days of struggle, through his conversion at Aldersgate, to his long years of remarkable ministry. The second part of the book outlines the basic Wesleyan understandings of sin, grace, redemption, new birth, sanctification, and perfection. A concluding exploration of some practical implications of the Wesleyan doctrine of holiness is found in the third part. This book celebrates the Wesleyan tradition, especially that branch known as the Holiness Movement. It is, however, not entirely uncritical. It seeks to provide an honest and sympathetic consideration of the heritage and faith of Wesley's lasting imprint. Endorsements: ""Dan Burnett's new book In the Shadow of Aldersgate has captured the person of John Wesley and the theological movement that followed him with clarity and freshness. . . . This doctrinal overview refers to other spiritual traditions with respect and grace but assists the reader to understand Wesleyanism in respect to other faith perspectives. It] is a gift to those who want to understand historic Wesleyan doctrine."" --Dr. Don Bray General Director, Global Partners, The Wesleyan Church ""For anyone interested in a concise biography of John Wesley, and an excellent summary of his doctrine of salvation, one could not go wrong in choosing In the Shadow of Aldersgate. I certainly intend to use it as a text in my course 'The Life and Theology of John Wesley.'"" Mark L. Weeter, Professor, Division of Religion and Philosophy Oklahoma Wesleyan University ""In the Shadow of Aldersgate . . . moves from John Wesley's life to the thought and potential of the tradition that flows from that life. . . . Besides aiding the Wesleyan tradition in understanding its inaugural springs of authentic Christianity, this book will be an introductory source to those in the wider Christian community . . . . The evangelical spirit of the writer is evident throughout, but this posture does not diminish the book's use for an ecumenical audience."" Richard K. Eckley Professor of Theology Houghton College About the Contributor(s): Daniel L. Burnett has worked in various capacities of ministry and theological education in both the USA and England. A graduate of Nazarene Theological Seminary (M.Div., D.Min.), he now serves as pastor of Central Wesleyan Church in Anderson, Indiana.

"Commissioned by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry for use in United Methodist doctrine/polity/history courses." This in-depth analysis of the connection between United Methodist polity and theology addresses ways in which historical developments have shaped--and continue to shape--the organization of the church.
This revised edition incorporates the actions of The United Methodist General Conference, 2004. The book discusses continuing reforms of the church's plan for baptism and church membership, as well as the emergence of deacon's orders and other changes to ordained ministry procedures. The text is now cross-referenced to the Book of Discipline, 2004, including the revised order of disciplinary chapters and paragraph numbering. Denominational statistics are updated, along with references to recent works on The United Methodist Church and American religious life.

Representative writings of early American Methodists illustrating their spirituality and lives.
This book presents primary source material from the writings of early American Methodists (ca. 1770-1820). Ruth topically organizes and sets each reading in context. Materials from Francis Asbury, Thomas Coke, Peter Cartwright, as well as rank-and-file Methodists are included. Ruth's book demonstrates that early Methodism was made up of both men and women and both Black and White persons. The primary material includes sermon outlines, journal and diary entries, excerpts from correspondence, hymnody and poetry, theological reflections, and contemporaneous historical descriptions.

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

The title of this volume is as old as the Wesleyan movement and apt for the very latest Methodist theological self-designation.Marks of Methodism points back to John Wesley himself and to his efforts to define the movement.Such marks or hallmarks prescribe a basis for Methodist identity, purpose, and unity.They also serve to differentiate Methodists from other Christians, to sketch the boundaries of our movement, and to mark us off.Marks also invite attention to the conjunction of precept and practice, to the considerable recent affirmation of practices as the traditioning and corporate bearers of Christian faithfulness and witness; and therefore as the ground of theology and doctrine, and to Methodist embodiment of and featuring of traditioning practices long before that became fashionable. These marks point to an understanding of church, a doctrine of the church, an ecclesiology, embedded in the everyday structures, policies, organizations, and patterns of Methodist life."