John Wesley - Thoughts on Methodism

At age 83 on August 4, 1786, John Wesley wrote his pamphlet entitled “Thoughts on Methodism.” This contains one of my favorite quotations from Wesley but one that continues to haunt me as I reflect on the sad state of the United Methodist denomination in America today, and of many local Methodist Churches. Prayerfully and obediently consider this prophecy of John Wesley that the Holy Spirit inspired him to pen a little more than 221 years ago: “I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist. But I am afraid they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power. And this will be the case unless they hold fast both to the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which they first set out.” (Lou Nicholes - Missionary/Author).