9
In another letter the founder of Methodism affirmed that "The Scriptures are a
complete rule of faith and practice; and they are clear in all necessary points."
37
He especially
emphasized the supremacy of the Scriptures in response to the mystics who promulgated the
doctrine that the private guidance of the Spirit was more important than the rule of the Bible.
38
He was concerned that his followers not be taken up with fanatical legalism but rather
instructed them to "enjoin nothing that the Bible does not clearly enjoin. Forbid nothing that it
does not clearly forbid."
39
Wesley's hermeneutic was direct and uncomplicated. "The general rule of interpreting
Scripture is this: the literal sense of every text is to be taken, if it be not contrary to some other
texts: but in that case the obscure text is to be interpreted by those which speak more
plainly."
40
He quoted Clement of Alexandria to support his assertion that "the Scripture is the
best expounder of itself."
41
He freely admitted that not all Christians agree on the
interpretation of many passages, but pointed out that this is certainly not proof that they are not
true Christians. Tongue-in-cheek, he asserts that it is a proof only that we should "no more
expect living men to be infallible, than to be omniscient."
42
One of the strongest indications of the value Wesley placed on the Bible comes in the
training and demands he made on the Methodist preachers. The founder of Methodism
declared that one cannot be a "good Divine" without being a "good textuary." A minister of
the Word ought to "know the literal meaning of every word, verse, and chapter..." He also
demanded that his preachers have knowledge of the original languages of the Bible.
43
It is evident that John Wesley, the founder of Methodism and the fountainhead of the
movement which bears his name held a high view of Scripture. Wood asserts that "What
Spurgeon once said of Bunyan is equally true of Wesley: his very blood is bibline."
44
While
recognizing that our understanding of it is fallible and our interpretations may differ, he held
unequivocally that the Bible comes to us by the inspiration of God and is consequently
infallible and inerrant. This doctrinal position was demonstrated in practical terms in his many
sermons, letters, and exhortations.
Adam Clarke
Inspiration of Scripture
Adam Clarke (1760-1832), the first commentator of early Methodism, held a high view
of Scripture. His Bible commentary, which was his greatest work, published between 1810
and 1825, evinces a high regard and deep devotion for the Word. Clarke frequently affirmed
his belief in the plenary inspiration and infallibility of Scripture. In his creed which he
adopted early in his Christian life and maintained throughout his career he stated his position:
37
Wesley, Letters, 2:325. Cf. Works, 10:90.
38
Wesley, Letters, 2:117.
39
Wesley, Letters, 8:192. Cf. Works, 5:136.
40
Wesley, Letters, 3:129; 5:328.
41
Wesley, Letters, 10:94.
42
John Wesley, Wesley's Standard Sermons, ed. Edward H. Sugden, 2 vols. (London: Epworth, 1951), 2:154.
43
Wesley, Works, 10:482-83, 490-91.
44
Wood 218.