The distinguishing marks of a Methodist are not our opinions, of any sort. Assenting to a particular theology, embracing any particular ideology, espousing the judgment of one teacher or another, are all quite beside the point. . . .

We do not place any of our faith in being attached to any extraordinary way of speaking or unusual set of expressions. We prefer the most obvious, easy, common words to communicate our meaning, both on ordinary occasions, and when we speak of the things of God. . . .

We are not distinguished by local or particular traditions. Our religion does not lie in doing what God has not commanded, or abstaining from what God has not forbidden. . . .

Nor are we distinguished by laying the whole stress of religion on any single doctrine. If you say, "Yes, you are." for you think 'we are saved by faith alone.' I answer, you do not understand the terms. By salvation we mean holiness of heart and life. And this we affirm to spring from true faith alone. Can even a nominal Christian deny this? . . .

"Who, then, is a Methodist? "

A Methodist is one who has the love of God shed abroad in his or her heart by the Holy Spirit. A Methodist is one who "loves the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength " (Luke 10:27). God is the joy of the heart, and the desire of the soul that is constantly crying out, "Whom have I in heaven but you? There is none upon earth that I desire beside you! My God and my all! You are the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever! . . ."

We are therefore happy in God, indeed, always happy, as having in us a well of water springing up to everlasting life, and overflowing our souls with peace and joy. Perfect love having cast out fear, we rejoice evermore (1 John 4:18). . . .

Whether in ease or pain, whether in sickness or health, whether in life or death, we give thanks from the ground of our hearts to God who orders it for good. Knowing that as every good gift comes from above, so none but good can come from the Father of Lights, into whose hand we have wholly committed our bodies and souls, as into the hands of a faithful Creator. . . .

For indeed we pray without ceasing. It is given us always to pray, and not to faint. . . . Our hearts are lifted up to God at all times and in all places. In this we are never hindered, much less interrupted, by any person or thing. . . .

Consequently, we always exercise our love to God by praying without ceasing, rejoicing always, and in everything giving thanks. This commandment is written in our hearts, "That those who love God, love their brother and sister also." We also, accordingly, love our neighbors as ourselves. We love every person as our own soul. . . . For we love our enemies. Indeed, we love the evil, the unthankful, and the enemies of God. And if it is not in our power to do good to those that hate us, we pray for them, even though they continue to spurn our love and abuse and persecute us. . . .

For Methodists are pure in heart. The love of God has purified our hearts from all vengeful passions, envy, malice, and wrath, from every unkind attitude or evil affection. It has cleansed us from pride and arrogance of spirit that lead to contention. . . . For all our desires are for God and to the remembrance of God's name. . . .

Our one desire is the one design of our life, namely, not to do our own will, but the will of God who sent us. Our one intention at all times and in all things is not to please ourselves but God whom our souls love. . . .

For as we love God, so we keep his commandments. Not only some, or most of them, but all, from the least to the greatest. . . . To do the will of God on earth as it is done in heaven is our daily crown of rejoicing. . . .

Accordingly, we strive with all our might, to keep all the commandments of God. For our obedience is in proportion to our love, the source from which it flows. Therefore, loving God with all our heart, we serve God with all our strength. . . .

By consequence, whatever we do, it is all to the glory of God. In all our endeavors, we not only aim at this (which is implied in having a single eye), but actually attain it. . . .

The customs of the world do not hinder our "running the race that is set before us" (Heb. 12:1). We know that vice does not lose its nature, no matter how fashionable it becomes. We remember, that everyone is to give an account to God. . . . But "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise" (Phil. 4:8), we think, and speak, and act; glorifying the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in all things. . . .

Lastly, as we have time, we do good to all people; to neighbors and strangers, friends and enemies. We seek to do good to them in every possible way, not only to their bodies, by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick or the prisoner (Matt. 25:34-40), but much more we labor to do good to their souls, according to the ability that God gives. . . .

These are the principles and practices of our denomination. These are the values of a true Methodist. . . .

By these values, by these fruits of a living faith, we labor to distinguish ourselves from the unbelieving world . . . But we earnestly desire to not be distinguished at all from real Christians, of whatever denomination. Not from any who sincerely follow after what they know they have not yet attained. No, "Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother" (Matt. 12:50). And I implore you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, that we be in no way divided among ourselves. Is your heart right, as my heart is with yours? I ask no further question. If it is so, give me your hand. For opinions, or words, let us not destroy the work of God. Do you love and serve God? It is enough. I give you the right hand of fellowship. If there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, let us strive together for the faith of the Gospel (Phil. 2:1). Let us lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all (Eph. 4:1b-6).

Excerpts adapted from John Wesley's The Character of a Methodist by Steven W. Manskar, Director, Accountable Discipleship, United Methodist General Board of Discipleship, Nashville, Tennessee.