John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, had a contagious enthusiasm for his work. With a singleness of purpose, he had an inner burning desire to be the best possible instrument he could be for the Lord’s work. A small man, weighing only about 127 pounds, he would rise each day at 5 am, and everyday ride by horseback through the English countryside, seeking out people to hear his message.
Some days he rode up to sixty miles in a day. An amazing accomplishment at that time. Many nights, he could still be found preaching at midnight, energetic, enthusiastic, and unexhausted.
Twelve thousand people once heard him preach all day. They came by foot, ox cart, horseback, and carriage to the open-air meeting. Once, a man was so touched by Wesley’s message that he rushed through the crowd grappled Wesley, and said, “Dr. Wesley, you’re a phenomenal speaker. Thousands came here today to hear you speak. What’s your secret.” Wesley replied, “I don’t know, son; I just set John Wesley on Fire, and people come to see him burn.”