—— 1790 — to the Members of the Methodist Societies In The United States

This preface to the Discipline is taken from the sixth edition of the Discipline, published in 1790. The last three paragraphs were first printed as the preface to the fifth edition, printed March 20, 1789. Four editions of the Discipline were printed before this one, the first in 1785; but no preface appeared until 1789.

—— 1790

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE METHODIST SOCIETIES IN

THE UNITED STATES

Dear beloved Brethren:

We think it expedient to give you a brief account of the rise of Methodism (so called) both in Europe and America. In 1729, two young men, in England reading the Bible, saw they could not be saved without holiness, followed after it, and incited others so to do. In 1737, they saw likewise, that men are justified before they are sanctified: But still holiness was their object. God then thrust them out, to raise an holy people. And during the space of thirty years past, certain persons, members of the society, emigrated from England and Ireland, and settled in various parts of this country. About twenty years ago,¹ Philip Embury, a local preacher from Ireland, began to preach in the city of New York; and formed a society of his own countrymen and the citizens. About the same time, Robert Strawbridge, a local preacher from Ireland, settled in Frederick county, in the state of Maryland, and preaching there, formed some societies. In 1769, Richard Boardman and Joseph Pilmoor, came to New York; who were the first regular Methodist Preachers on the continent. In the latter end of the year 1771, Francis Asbury and Richard Wright, of the same order came over.

And we humbly believe that God’s design in raising up the preachers called Methodists in America, was to reform the continent, and spread scriptural holiness over these lands. As a proof hereof, we have seen, in course of 22 years, a great and glorious work of God, from New York through the Jersies, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Georgia; as also the extremities of the Western Settlements. We also esteem it our duty and privilege most earnestly to recommend to you as members of our church, our Form of Discipline, which has been rounded on the experience of 50 years in Europe, and of 20 years in America; as also on the observations and remarks we have made on ancient and modern churches. We have made some little alterations in the present edition,² yet such as affect not in any degree the essentials of our doctrines and discipline. We think ourselves obliged to view and review annually the whole order of our church, always aiming at perfection, standing on the shoulders of those who have lived before us, and taking the advantage of our former selves.

We wish to see this little publication in the house of every Methodist, and the more so as it contains our plan of Collegiate and Christian education, and the articles of religion maintained more or less, in part or in the whole, by every reformed church in the world. We would likewise declare our real sentiments concerning the scripture doctrine of election and reprobation; as also on the infallible unconditional perseverance of all that ever have believed, or ever shall; and lastly, on the doctrine of Christian perfection. Far from wishing you to be ignorant of any of our doctrines, or any part of our discipline, we desire you to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest the whole. We know you are not in general able to purchase many books: But you ought, next to the word of God, to procure the Articles and Canons of the church to which you belong. This present edition is small and cheap and we can assure you that the profits of the sale of it shall be applied to charitable purposes.

We remain your very affectionate brethren and pastors, who labour night and day, both in public and private, for your good,

THOMAS COKE

FRANCIS ASBURY

A Form of Discipline, 1790. Property of J. Manning Potts