John Wesley, we are told, was accosted one night by an outlaw who demanded of him his purse or his life. Without protest, Mr. Wesley gave him all he had. Then the thief started to run, but Mr. Wesley called to him:
"Hold on, my friend," he said, "just a word with you. The day will surely come when you will regret the road you are now pursuing; but remember this little verse of scripture:—
Years after this little episode, John Wesley was coming out of a hall where he had been preaching. Among those near the door was a man who appeared to know him and spoke to him as an old acquaintance. The preacher, rather puzzled, said to him, "I am sorry, but I can't remember who you are.”
"Well," said the man, "don't you remember the thief who stole your money a long time ago?”
"Oh yes, I believe I do. And I remember the Bible verse I gave him, too.”
"So do I," said the man, "for I am that very one. That verse made a great impression on me; it has changed the course of my life. Through it God made me see my shame and wretchedness, and how I could get rid of my sins. Now, through His grace, I am a new creature in Christ Jesus. Truly, 'the blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, cleanseth us from all sin.'" 1 John 1:77But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7).
"FOR GOD SENT NOT
HIS SON INTO THE
WORLD TO CONDEMN
THE WORLD; BUT
THAT THE WORLD
THROUGH HIM
MIGHT BE SAVED."
"THERE IS THEREFORE
NOW NO CONDEMNATION
TO THEM WHICH ARE
IN CHRIST JESUS."