A convenient summary of the 'Methodist gospel', sometimes called the 'Epworth Quadrilateral'. It was formulated by W.B. Fitzgerald in 1903 as: 'All need to be saved; all may be saved; all may know themselves to be saved; and all may be saved to the uttermost.' This pinpoints four characteristic emphases that derive from the Arminianism of John Wesley's own teaching and preaching; i.e. the cardinal doctrines of original sin, salvation by grace through faith, assurance and sanctification. In 1909 Dr George Eayrs added a fifth clause: 'All should declare their salvation,' (echoed at the Ecumenical Methodist Conference in 1951 by W.E. Sangster as 'All must witness to their salvation').

Entry written by: JAV
Category: Subject
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