God's gift to John Wesley

For many years John Wesley strived
To live a closer life with his Lord
He did all the usual things to make it so
But though he sacrificed himself...
Though he practised rigorous self denial...
Practised self-reproach and humiliation
He could not find that blessed connection
That he so earnestly sought...

It was upon the high seas...
During his trip to America that he met up
With a group of Moravians from Germany
In them he saw a blessed peace and faith
He had never witnessed in all his life

He studied with them: found blessed peace
It was Martin Luther's statement...
Describing the change which the Spirit of God
Works in the heart of the believer...
That changed his life for ever...
As Wesley listened...
Faith was kindled in his soul...
"I felt strangely warmed
I felt I did trust in Christ...
In Christ alone for salvation...
An assurance was given me...
He had taken away my sins...
Even mine...and saved me
From the law of sin and death..."

Now that he had found Him...
Found the grace for which he had toiled...
To win by prayer and fasting...
By alms deeds and self abnegation
Now that he found that it was a gift
Without money...without price
His soul burned...
The desire to spread the knowledge...
Everywhere...
That glorious gospel of God's free grace...
He felt it was his bounden duty...
To declare it unto all who were willing to hear...

This is our duty...today...
To tell of God's love...
His free gift unto us all...