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Wesley and men who followed

Methodism in its madness

WESLEY & MEN WHO FOLLOWED
By Iain H. Murray
Banner of Truth. 272 pages. £12.99
ISBN 085151835 4

This book is brief in its biographical details of John Wesley, for its larger purpose is with the spiritual explanation for both the rise and fall of Methodism.

Because of its subject, the whole book bursts with spiritual energy. Following his turning-point experience at Aldersgate Street in 1738, Wesley himself was constantly on the move right up until his death, preaching the gospel wherever he could. No amount of opposition seemed to daunt him. 'Especially in the early years of the revival, he was vehement, convicting and constantly evangelistic.' In the central section of the book we are then introduced to three representative Methodists of later periods. These are William Bramwell (1759-1818), who ministered in Yorkshire and Lancashire, Gideon Ousely (1762-1839), who was a firebrand for the Lord in Ireland, and Thomas Collins (1810-1864), who was constantly on the go for Christ from the Orkneys to Cornwall. These men were mad for Jesus Christ and knew true revival power from God. Their stories are thrilling.

We see them much in prayer. They ordered the Methodist societies with firm discipline and no one was admitted to membership as a Christian until there had been a period of probation to ascertain their genuineness. Most of all, these men were on fire with love. 'Be always yearning over sinners', advised Thomas Collins. 'This is a happy unhappiness. A man full of Christ-like tears is a noble creature. Such concern melts men and tells with God.'

The Banner of Truth is, of course, a Calvinistic publisher and Wesley was at loggerheads with the Calvinists. However, this is handled with care and with grace. Wesley misunderstood much of Calvinism, being prejudiced against it from early years by his parents. He also had decidedly strange views on some crucial topics. At times he wobbled over the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Did not once for all acceptance with God remove the motive for holy living? He also went too far in his teaching on Christian perfection. But the roots of these problems were basically honourable. He had an enormous concern to see true holiness in God's people. He was a great evangelist but no theologian.

This theological weakness may partially explain the spectacular decline of Methodism in the 20th century which is dealt with in the last chapter. 'When faith and discipline are seen as the essential ingredients of Methodist piety, there is no mystery about the collapse.' Methodism's departure from reliance on Scripture, its rejection of substitutionary atonement, and its rejection of dependence on the power of the Holy Spirit are lamentable. Men like Weatherhead and Sangster were actually men who undermined Methodism.

We live in difficult days for the gospel. Especially it is a hard time to be in the ministry. But Iain Murray's book is full of stimulation and penetrating advice which will stir pastors and preachers and encourage us to stay at our posts and be zealous for Christ.

JEB
John Benton