In the course of researching the development of Methodist church government, I’ve come across a wealth of material, much of it written by Wesley himself, that seems germane to our struggle to remain united. I’ll post excerpts of these from time to time, hoping to reflect my growing understanding that our Wesleyan heritage already contains much of what we need to strengthen our connectional bonds, or at least to inspire us to persist in the effort.

Here are a couple, drawn from two letters–one penned by our founder, and the other co-authored by our first bishop (Francis Asbury) and our first native-born American bishop (William McKendree).

 

Now can nothing be done, even allowing us on both sides to retain our own opinions, for the softening our hearts towards each other, the giving a check to this flood of unkindness? . . . I do not suppose all the bitterness is on your side. I know there is too much on our side also. But . . . I think you deserve the tenderest regard I can show, were it only because the same God hath raised you and me from the dust of the earth, and has made us both capable of loving and enjoying him to eternity . . . .

John Wesley, “Letter to a Roman Catholic” (1749), in The Works of the Rev. John Wesley, Vo. V (New York: J. Emory and B. Waugh, 1831), 762.

We . . . look upon you as Friends, as Brethren, and fellow Labourers, and sufferers in the Lord; and in consequence of this should be the more deeply afflicted should a division or separation in the most valuable part of the Body of Christ take place. Oh Lord prevent, keep us one . . . .

Francis Asbury and William McKendree, “Letter to Martin Hitt and Brethren” (Oct. 6, 1808), reprinted in Emory Stevens Bucke, ed., The History of American Methodism, Vol. I (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1964), plate 38.