Final answer:
The favorite text of early Methodist preachers in America, according to Cartwright, was 'Preach the Gospel of God.' This reflects the mission and style of worship that characterized the Methodist Church during its expansion in the United States, especially during the Second Great Awakening.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Cartwright, the favorite text of the early Methodist preachers in America was "Preach the Gospel of God." The Wesleys, founders of Methodism, initially began within the Anglican Church but underwent a conversion experience inspired by the writings of religious figures like Isaac Watts, who was a notable English hymn writer. Hymns and spiritual songs played a significant role in the spread of Methodism and Baptist traditions, particularly during the Second Great Awakening, when emotional responses to Scriptural teachings became central to worship.
This revival movement emphasized aspects such as the resurrection of Christ, the primacy of scripture, and the spiritual rebirth of believers. As the Methodist church expanded its influence in the United States during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, it gained popularity by promoting a form of Christianity that was more inclusive compared to Calvinism, which was prevalent at the time.