Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1866-10-31

Isaiah 6O:22.
The Centenary year of American Meth
odism One hundred years of conflict. A
century of toll, sacrifice and suffering
One hundred years of unparalleled bles'
sing and spiritual prosperity. An epoch in
in our history, affording US as people, a
magnificent occasion for the practical
expression of gratitude to God. A year
of grand results, results that shall, under
the blessing of God, quicken the pulsa-
tions of our inner life, and energize all
the activities of our sublime system.
What is Methodismi Methodism Is
christianity; and it is not enough to say
this, simply; other great denominations in
this and other lands, are nobly assailing
the same common foe, are bearing alofi
the banner Of the Cross. They, too, are
christians. Looking up to the great OBJ.
iect of the christians faith, the captain oi
our common salvation, we remember that
it is written, zone is your master, even
Christ, and all ye are brethren" What
then is Methodismi 1t is christianity in
earnest it is christianity intensified II
is the power of christianity but not the
power alone, it is the power of God not
a cold, inaminate body but living, breath
ipg, active being not cold intellectually,
but brain on fire, with the sublimest
conceptions of human thought is q
soul filed with love, jog, peace, faith, and
hope, a body, mind and spirit, moved
by one impulse, intense spiritual Love.-
Methodism in its origin did not present
to the world single new doctrine Of
christian faith, but seizIng upon the old
gospel plan of salvation, it stripped that
plan of its covering, drew aside the veil
with which sin had shrouded this divine
creation, consumed in the fires of intense
devotion the incrustation of formality and
superstition which for ages had dimmed
the splendor Of these doctrines, and in
Yesting them anew with the simplicity
and power of the apostolic age, proclaim
ed through them free and full salvation
to all men.
Let us look back from our stand point
to-day, and briefly examine the record.
We observe certain prominent character
istics of the christian faith, as taught by
Christ and his apostles. Christianity
then was simplicity, pol0sr, great earnestness
and zeal, love to God and love to all men.
1t was not the self righteousness of the
the Publican. 1t was not the selfish dis
regard of humanity of the Priest and
Levite, bat the love of the Good Ssmari-
tan.
Again, christianity was inaugurated by
the display of revival power. The first
gospel sermon struck the key note Of
christian triumph. and was echoed back
in the shouts Of 5000 souls born anew
to God. The apostles, to whom was COM
mitted this great work, went not forth
surrounded with the gilded trappings of
wealth, or the all-potent influence of
civil power. Though of humble extrac-
ton, vet were they mighty; they were
Heaven taught, Heaven inspired men
they had the thoughts that breathe and
the words that burn-they were men full
Of the Holy Ghost, hearts of flesh, de-
,ision of steel, souls of fire. Baptized
by this power, they preached every where
. gospel as free as the air they hreathed,
n the name of Christ. Paganism, Inf |
ial Philosophy. Ignorance, and the blind |
age of superstition were conquered, and |
his gospel spread until the religion of
Jhrlst became the religion of the mighti-
st empire of earth. Ages have passed
ince that hour of triumph. The church
having Rome for its centre, rose to high
,oint of wealth and greatness. Then
vas the lustre of the pure principles of
;hrist's doctrine dimmed. Then departed
he peculiar characteristics of christiani-
v. Rome forsook the humility of the
oWly Nazarene, when In the union OF
hureh and state, she put on the gaudy
of papal pride and error. From
he corruptions of Rome, Luther, after
welve centuries, brought forth a new
hurch, founded upon the long forgotten
Ioctrine of justification by faith. No
lew christianity, but old christianity,
and only partially revived
Two centuries more passed away-the
hurch had made but feeble progress. A
ickly light flickered family in Germany, |
ank infdelity ran riot in France, and
vas making serious inroads in England.
truth had its able defenders, but to
title purpose. The stronghold of inhdei-
v was not in assailing the doctrines Of
he church, but in the dead formality |
nd moral impurity which destroyed her
piritual life. The church then needed /
most baptism of fire. By the exertions
f her noble defender, the dry bones had
,een gathered from the valley of Popish
and death and clothed
nth flesh; the form was fair to look upon,
,ut breath was wanting.
Then, in the time of mans extremity,
Tas Gods opportunity. Then WAS Method
sm born. Then JOHN WESLEY stood
orth, and prophesying at the command
f God, heavenly gale. the breath OF
iod, came down from Heaven, upon the
piritless form of dead church, and
ince that time a countless host have not
My been able to stand upon their feet,
ut have run without WEAKNESS, and
yaIked without faintness, the whole
angth of the celestial road. This gale
still blowing with constantly increasing
olume, and the marshaled hosts are still
inging-
WAIT, watt ye winds the story.