John Wesley's beautiful language and logical thought make a wonderful combination. I enjoyed his thoughts in his preface to A Collection of Hymns for the Use of the People called Methodists. In this brief document, Wesley makes it clear that he views the gift of poetry as an in-born talent which only some men possess. However, he does not elevate that gift too highly. "That which is of infinitely more moment than the spirit of poetry, is the spirit of piety... When poetry thus keeps its place, as the handmaid of piety, it shall attain, not a poor perishable wreath, but a crown that fadeth not away."
After reading this sentence, I was filled with relief. Thanks be to God for two reasons: our salvation is based on Christ instead of our abilities and talents, and He has given us poetry as an added blessing along with everything else we have received from His hand!
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