A Good Resolution by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 11, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 35.

A Good Resolution.

By Editor

THE Nevada M. E. Conference, in the session just closed, devoted considerable attention to "Christian perfection, and the means of spreading it." The committee seriously deprecated the existence of "irresponsible and independent 'Union Holiness bands,' who use means strange to our usages and economy, and teach dangerous and unscriptural doctrines, which lead to fanaticism and schism, and have already caused divisions, strife, and secession." They truly state that these people and their methods "bring reproach upon the doctrine of Christian perfection," which they think is taught with sufficient fullness in the writings of the fathers of Methodism. Accordingly they adopted the following resolution:—

"Resolved, That we commend to our people 'our standard' works, especially those of John Wesley and John Fletcher, on the question of 'Christian perfection,' and affectionately urge our ministers to teach and to seek for 'perfect love.'"

We hope that this resolution will be faithfully followed. If it is, Methodists will find that the "standard works" speak with no uncertain sound concerning the perpetuity and excellence of the law of God, and that Wesley and Fletcher taught that perfection can come only by perfect obedience to God's perfect will. We could name several preachers who should give these works an early and careful perusal.