May 24, 1738 remains a significant date in Wesleyan history. It is the day of John Wesley's “heart-warming” experience. Scholars debate the exact nature of this event, and what it meant for Wesley himself, but there is no doubt it was a turning point in his life. Even though he was already an ordained Anglican Priest, still it was at this time, as a 34 year old wrestling with his faith, that his life turned in a new direction. Here’s how he recalled it in his journal entry for that day. The "Aldersgate Flame" commemorating John Wesley's conversion experience (My photo) 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 he 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 Chist, Christ alone for salvation: And an assurance was given me, that he had ta...
