Adapted by Tom Kiser from John Wesley's “Character of a Methodist”

“Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.” I John 3:3

What is the Standard of Pure Christianity? What are the character qualities of a Perfect Christian? The Entire Sanctifying grace of God makes a Christian a burning and shining light. Read here for an indepth description of a Pefect Christian. This article was adapted from John Wesley's discourse on “The Character of a Methodist.”

The following study is written that you “may be able to comprehend with all saints the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” It contains selected scriptures which are basic to the spirit and substance of Godly Christian Character. For the scriptures that are referenced see the footnotes at the bottom of the page.

The identifying marks of a Christian are not his opinions. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God,” and the written word of God is the only acceptable rule of Christian faith and practice. Of opinions that are undetermined by the word of God, think and let think. A Christian is not recognizable by indifferent actions, customs, or traditions. Christianity does not consist in doing what God has not commanded, or avoiding what He has not forbidden.

“It is by grace we are saved, through faith.” This Salvation by faith encompasses not only the forgivessness of our past transgressions but also the impartation of God's sanctifing Spirit into us. Real Christians do not “make void the law through faith: yea, they establish the law.”

Many sincerely think that the sum total of Christianity is not harming anyone, doing good, and practicing Church Rituals. You may live this way and have no salvation at all! May God preserve you from this kind of poor, starved religion!

The following article will illuminate for you the holy character that is God's will for all mankind. These characteristics are present, in various degrees, in the life of all who are born again. The Holy Spirit working in a persons life will always lead them toward this fulness. The perfection of character here described can only be a constant reality in a believer when he or she is constantly under God’s sanctifying influence. God wants all believers to have this fullness. Please prayerfully study each paragraph and “nobly receive the word with all readiness of mind, then search the scripture references to see whether these things are so.”

The Character of a Pure Christian

He loves God with all his Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength

A Christian who is “sanctified wholly” is one in “whom the love of God is shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Ghost which is given unto him” He “loves the Lord his God with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his mind, and with all his strength.” God is the joy of his heart, and the desire of his soul; which is constantly crying out, “Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”

He Rejoices Evermore

He is therefore happy in God, yes, always happy, for Christ has put in him “a well of water springing up into everlasting life,” which overflows his soul with peace and joy. “Perfect love” having now “cast out fear,” he “rejoices evermore.” He “rejoices in the Lord always,” even “in God his Saviour;” and he rejoices in the Father, “through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom he has now received the atonement.” “Having” found “redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins,” he cannot help but rejoice, whenever he looks back on the horrible pit out of which now he is delivered. He sees all “his transgressions are blotted out.” He cannot help but rejoice, whenever he looks at his present condition; for he is “justified freely,” and “has peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” For “he believes on the Son of God having the witness in himself,” that he is now a child of God by faith. “Because he is a son, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into his heart, crying, Abba, Father.” “The Spirit himself bears witness with his spirit, that he is a child of God.” He rejoices also, whenever he looks to the future, in hope of “the glory that will be revealed in him.” Yes, his joy is full, and all his soul cries out, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten me again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for me!”

He in Everything Gives Thanks

Because he has this hope, he “in every thing gives thanks;” knowing that “this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning him.” From him he cheerfully receives all, saying: “The will of the Lord is good.” Whether “the Lord gives or takes away”, he equally “blesses the name of the Lord,” for he has “learned, in whatsoever state he is, therewith to be content.” He knows “both how to be abased, and how to abound: every where and in all things he is instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Whether he is in ease or pain, sickness or health, life or death; he gives thanks to God who makes “all things works together for good to them that love God.” Because “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,” so nothing but good can come from his heavenly Father, the “Faithful Creator” into whose hands he has wholly “committed” the keeping of his soul. He is “not anxious about anything,” but “casts all his care upon Him that cares for him.” His “soul rests” on God. “In every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving he lets his requests be made known unto God.”

He Prays Without Ceasing

He “prays without ceasing.” God enables him “always to pray, and not to faint.” Not that he is always in the house of prayer; though he neglects no opportunity of being there. Neither is he always on his knees before the Lord his God. Nor is he always crying aloud to God, or calling upon him in words: for often “the Spirit makes intercession for him with groanings which cannot be uttered.” True prayer is lifting up the heart to God. “Glorious ever-present Lord, unto you are my thoughts,” is the constant disposition of his heart. At all times and in all places, his steadfast spirit rises to God. No person or thing hinders or interrupts. In solitude or company, in relaxation, business, or conversation, his heart is ever with the Lord. Whether he lies down or rises up, “God is in all his thoughts.” He continually walks with God, having his “mind stayed on God,” and everywhere “sees Him that is invisible.”

He Loves Everyone As His Own Soul

While he exercises his love to God, by “praying without ceasing, rejoicing evermore, and in everything giving thanks,” this commandment also is written in his heart : That “he who loves God must love his brother also.” Divine love within inspires him to “love his neighbor as himself.” He loves everyone as his own soul, every child of “the Father of the spirits of all mankind.” That a man is not a personal friend, is no obstacle to his love. Neither is it a barrier to his love when he knows someone is the kind he disapproves of, one that repays hatred for his good-will. For he “loves his enemies;” yes, and the enemies of God, “the ungrateful and wicked.” If it is not in his power to “do good to them that hate him,” yet he does not refrain from praying for them, though they continue to reject his love, and still mistreat and “persecute him.”

He is Pure in Heart

He is “pure in heart.” The love of God has purified his heart from all revengeful passions, from envy, malice and hate, from every unkind temper or abusive passion. It has cleansed him from pride and arrogance of spirit, “which only breed quarrels.” He has now “clothed himself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience:” So that he “bears with others and forgives whatever grievances he could have against someone, forgiving as the Lord forgave him.” Positively all possible ground for contention on his part is gone, for no one can take from him what he desires, because he “does not love the world, or anything in the world.” Because “the world has been crucified to him, and he to the world;” he is dead to all that is in the world, both to “the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does.” Now “God’s name and renown is the desire of his heart.”

The one motive of his life is “not to please himself but him who sent him.” He has pure eyes (pure intention) and because “his eyes are good, his whole body is full of light.” Because the loving eye of his soul is continually focused upon God, “his whole body is full of light and no part of it dark; completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines.” God reigns alone. All that is in his soul is holiness to the Lord. There is not a motion in his heart, but is according to his will. “Every thought” that arises points to Him, and is “obedient to Christ.”

He Keeps God's Commandments

“By this fruit you will recognize him.” He loves God and consequently he “obeys God’s commandments;” not merely some, or most of them, but all, from the “least” to the greatest. He is not content to “keep the whole law, and yet stumble in just one point;” but keeps, in all points, “his conscience clear before God and man.” Whatever God has forbidden, he avoids; whatever God has instructed, he does; whether it is little or great, hard or easy, satisfying or stressful to the flesh. He “runs in the path of God’s commands, for he has set his heart free.” It is his glory, his daily joyous prize, “to do the will of God on earth, as it is done in heaven,” and he knows it is the highest privilege of “the angels of God to obey his word and to do his will.”

He Serves God with all His Strength

All the commandments of God he accordingly keeps, and that with all his might. His obedience is in proportion to his love, the source from which it flows. Therefore, “loving God with all his heart”, he serves him with “all his strength.” He continually “offers his soul and body a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” Entirely and without reserve he devotes himself, all he has, and all he is, to God’s glory. All the talents he has received, he constantly uses according to his Master’s will; every power and ability of his soul, every “part of his body.” In the past he “offered” them “to sin, as the instruments of wickedness.” Now “as one who has been brought from death to life, he offers the parts of his body to God as instruments of righteousness.”

He Does Everything for the Glory of God

Consequently, “whatever he does, it is all for the glory of God.” In all his various activities, he not only intends this, but actually attains it. His business and recreation, as well as his prayers, all serve this great goal. Whether he “sits at home or walks along the road, whether he lies down or gets up,” he is promoting, in all he speaks or does, his life’s purpose to bring glory to God. Whether he is dressing, working, or “eating and drinking,” it all tends to advance the glory of God. His one invariable rule is this, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

The customs of the world do not hinder him in any degree from “running with perseverance the race marked out for him.” He knows that vice does not lose its nature when it becomes fashionable. He also remembers, that “each of us will give an account of himself to God.” He cannot, therefore, “follow the crowd in doing wrong.” He cannot “live in luxury every day,” or “gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” He cannot “store up for himself treasures on earth,” any more than he can “scoop fire into his lap”. He cannot “dress,” on any pretense, “with gold or pearls or expensive clothes.” He cannot join in or condone any entertainment that has evil tendencies. He cannot “slander” (speak against) his neighbor, any more than he can lie either for God or man. He cannot utter an unkind word of anyone; for love “keeps watch over the door of his lips.” He cannot speak “careless words;” no “unwholesome talk” ever “comes out of his mouth.” He avoids all that is not “helpful for building others up,” not of “benefit to those who listen.” But “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable,“ this he thinks, speaks, and acts, “making the teaching about God our Savior attractive.”

As He has Opportunity He Does Good unto Everyone

Finally “as he has opportunity he does good unto all people.” He works in every possible way for the good of neighbors, strangers, friends and enemies. He not only cares for their bodies, by “feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting those that are sick or in prison;” but above all labors to do good to their souls, “with the strength God provides.” He attempts to “wake up” those who sleep in death and bring them to the reconciling blood of Christ, so that, “having been justified through faith, they may have peace with God.” Those who have peace with God he labors to “spur on toward love and good works.” He “will very gladly spend for them everything he has and expend himself as well,” even to the point of “being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of their faith,” so that they may “all attain to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

These are the marks of pure Christianity. These are the principles and practices which are the motivation for The Go Forth Alliance. We seek to promote the “perfect will of God” in our lifes, our families and throughout the world. This is only possible through the moment by moment santifying work of Christ in our lives. If you would like to become a part of a Discipleship Acountability Group to help you advance in Christian character E-mail us at discipleship@GoForthALL.org .

Whoever fits the above description is sanctified wholly, not in name only, but in heart and life. He is inwardly and outwardly conformed to the will of God, as revealed in the God's written word. He thinks, speaks, and lives, according to the pattern laid down in the revelation of Jesus Christ. His soul “is renewed in the image of its Creator,” “to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” “Having the mind of Christ,” he “walks as Jesus did.” Reader “may God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.”

These are the Distinguishing Marks of a Perfect Christian

By these qualities, by these fruits of “living faith,” scripture distinguishes authentic Christians from the unbelieving world, from all those whose minds or lives are not according to the Gospel of Christ. Although most Christians who are Born Again will find themselves somewhere beneath the standard of holiness as outlined above they still will evidence the above fruit to a degree in their lives. Do you sincerely “press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of you?” “Are you in accord with me, as I am with you?” I ask no farther question. “If so, give me your hand.” For opinions, or terms, let us not destroy the work of God. Do you love and serve God? That is enough. I give you the right hand of fellowship. Now let us “bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Together let us “go on unto perfection.” “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion;” then “let us stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the Gospel.” Let us “live a life worthy of the calling we have received. Being completely humble and gentle; being patient, bearing with one another in love. Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as we were called to one hope when we were called. One Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Adapted by Tom Kiser from “The Character of a Methodist.” The Works of John Wesley, Vol. 8

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FOOTNOTES - Holy Bible - KJV

¹ Ephesians 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

² II Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

³ Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

⁴ Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

⁵ Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

⁶ I Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁷ Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

⁸ Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

⁹ Psalm 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. 26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

¹⁰ John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

¹¹ I John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

¹² I Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice evermore.

¹³ Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

¹⁴ Luke 1:47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

¹⁵ Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

¹⁶ Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

¹⁷ Isaiah 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

¹⁸ Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

¹⁹ Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

²⁰ I John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

²¹ Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

²² Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

²³ Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

²⁴ I Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

²⁵ I Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

²⁶ Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

²⁷ Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

²⁸ Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

²⁹ James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

³⁰ I Peter 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

³¹ Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

³² I Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

³³ Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

³⁴ Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

³⁵ I Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

³⁶ Luke 18:1And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

³⁷ Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

³⁸ Psalm 10:4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

³⁹ Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

⁴⁰ Hebrews 11:27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

⁴¹ I Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing.

⁴² I John 4:21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

⁴³ Mark 12:31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

⁴⁴ Numbers 16:22 And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation? Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

⁴⁵ Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

⁴⁶ Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

⁴⁷ Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

⁴⁸ Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

⁴⁹ Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

⁵⁰ 1John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

⁵¹ Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

⁵² Isaiah 26:8 Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.

⁵³ John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

⁵⁴ Matthew 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

⁵⁵ Luke 11:36 If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.

⁵⁶ II Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

⁵⁷ Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

⁵⁸ I John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

⁵⁹ Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

⁶⁰ James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

⁶¹ Acts 24:16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

⁶² Psalm 119:32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.

⁶³ Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

⁶⁴ Psalm 103:20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. 21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

⁶⁵ Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

⁶⁶ Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

⁶⁷ Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

⁶⁸ I Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

⁶⁹ Deuteronomy 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

⁷⁰ Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

⁷¹ Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

⁷² Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

⁷³ Exodus 23:2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:

⁷⁴ Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

⁷⁵ Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

⁷⁶ Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

⁷⁷ Proverbs 6:27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?

⁷⁸ I Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;; I Peter 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

⁷⁹ I Corinthians 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

⁸⁰ Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.; Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

⁸¹ Psalm 141:3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

⁸² Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

⁸³ Ehpesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.; 5: 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

⁸⁴ Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

⁸⁵ Titus 2:10 Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

⁸⁶ Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

⁸⁷ Matthew 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

⁸⁸ I Peter 4;11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

⁸⁹ Ephesians 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

⁹⁰ Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

⁹¹ Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

⁹² II Corinthians 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

⁹³ Philippians 2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

⁹⁴ Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

⁹⁵ Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.; Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

⁹⁶ Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

⁹⁷ Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

⁹⁸ I Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

⁹⁹ I John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

¹⁰⁰ I Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

¹⁰¹ James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

¹⁰² Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

¹⁰³ II Kings 10:15 And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give me thine hand.

¹⁰⁴ Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

¹⁰⁵ Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

¹⁰⁶ Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

¹⁰⁷ Philippians 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

¹⁰⁸ Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

¹⁰⁹ Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Adapted from The Works of John Wesley, Vol 8, “The Character of a Methodist”