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Title
The United Methodist Men North GA Conference
Description
Members of the graduating class of X170 Company US Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, NJ receive Strength for Service devotionals. Read More>
The Heritage of United Methodist Men's Work
The heritage of United Methodist Men is a most glorious one. The roots of Methodist Men are buried deep down in the heart of Methodism and find their source in the life and work of the founder of Methodism, John Wesley. From the Holy Club at Oxford University to the societies and classes formed among Methodist Men in the ranks of the British army and navy to the Naval and Military Bible Society organized in 1779 by two men in Wesley's West Street Chapel to the impact of John Wesley's work among men and, especially the men of the British army was profound. Organized brotherhood groups began to spring up among the men of the army. Many of these men later chose ordained ministry as their vocation. Some of Wesley's earliest preachers were former soldiers.
In an old Gentleman's Magazine a British naval officer declared that at sea it was impossible to get efficient work out of the men without the use of profanity, with one remarkable exception. He said, "I never knew but one exception and that was extraordinary, I declare, believe me it is true, there were a group of men called Methodists on board the Victory, Lord Nelson's ship, and these men never wanted swearing at. They were the best seamen on board. Every man knew his duty. Every man did his duty. They used to meet together and sing hymns, and nobody dared to molest them. The commander would not have suffered it, even if they had attempted it. They were allowed a mess to themselves. I have often heard them singing away myself. And, incredible as it sounds, not one of them was either killed or wounded at the battle of Trafalgar, though they did their duty as well as any man. Not one of them was even hurt. These are the only seamen that I ever knew to do their duty without swearing, and I will do them the justice to say that they do it."
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