17. These are the _principles_ and _practices_ of our _sect_, these are the _marks_ of a true _Methodist_. By these alone do those, who are in derision so called, desire to be distinguished from other men. If any man say, “Why these are only the common, fundamental principles of Christianity!” _Thou hast said_: so I mean; this is the very truth; I know they are no other; and I would to God both thou and all men knew, that I, and all who follow my judgment, do vehemently refuse to be distinguished from other men, by any but the common principles of Christianity. The plain, old Christianity that I teach, renouncing and detesting all other marks of distinction. And whosoever _is_ what I _preach_ (let him be called what he will; for names change not the nature of things) he is a Christian, not in _name_ only, but in _heart_ and in _life_. He is inwardly and outwardly conformed to the will of God, as revealed in the written word. He thinks, speaks, and lives according to the method laid down in the revelation of Jesus Christ. His soul is renewed after the image of God, in righteousness and in all true holiness. And having the mind that was in Christ, he so walks as Christ also walked. 18. By these _marks_, by these fruits of a living faith, do we labour to _distinguish_ ourselves from the unbelieving world, from all those whose minds or lives are not according to the gospel of Christ. But from real Christians, of whatsoever denomination they be, we earnestly desire not to be distinguished at all: not from any, who sincerely follow after what they know they have not yet attained. No: whosoever doth the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister and mother. And I beseech you brethren, by the mercies of God, that we be in no wise divided among ourselves. Is thy heart right, as my heart is with thine? I ask no farther question. If it be, give me thy hand. For opinions, or terms, let us not destroy the work of God. Dost thou love and serve God? It is enough. I give thee the right hand of fellowship. If there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies: let us strive together for the faith of the gospel; walking worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called; with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace: remembring, there is one body, and one spirit, even as we are called with one hope of our calling: _one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all_! A short HISTORY of METHODISM.