The Warmth and the Fire

On May 24, 1738-- 275 years ago-- the co-founder of Methodism, John Wesley received an assurance of his conversion as well as a more complete conversion, which was also a calling. It was that change in his life that led to the fire of the Methodist movement that swept England-- a movement some historians say kept the blood and violence of the French Revolution from coming to England. Here is Wesley's journal entry from that day.

In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther's preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while the leader was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.

John Wesley was 34 years old.