Charles Wesley (1707-1778) was preeminent hymn writer of the First Great Awakening era, co-founder with his brother John of the Methodist Church. John was primarily the preacher. He rode 250,000 miles on horseback and preached over 42,000 sermons in his lifetime, an average of 500 times yearly. Charles was primarily the hymn writer. He wrote 6,000 hymns. He wrote an average of 30 lines of poetry daily for 50 years.

The Wesleys built their hymn singing on the foundation laid by Isaac Watts. 

“As the architect of the modern English hymn, Watts had raised a platform on which the Wesleys were able to build. Of the seventy hymns in John Wesley’s first hymn book, published in America in 1737, more than a third were by Isaac Watts” (Rees, A Nation of Singing Birds).

The Wesleys were also influenced by Moravian hymn singing. They first encountered Moravians on their voyage to America in 1736 to do missionary work in the new colony of Georgia. The Wesleys were were deeply moved by the Moravians’ heartfelt singing hour (Singstunde) each evening during which they sang hymns from memory. (See the section on “The Moravians.”) During a fierce storm that threatened to sink the ship, the Moravians calmly continued to sing their hymns while others were screaming in fear. This greatly impressed the Wesleys, who were very religious but not yet in possession of a personal, know-so salvation. Wesley described this in his diary as follows:

“In the midst of the psalm wherewith their service began ... the sea broke over, split the mainsail in pieces, covered the ship, and poured in between the decks, as if the great deep had already swallowed us up. A terrible screaming began among the English. The Germans looked up, and without intermission calmly sang on. This was the most glorious day I have hitherto seen.”

Charles used 14 of the German Moravian tunes for his own hymns.

The Methodists became known as great congregational hymn singers. 

“After hearing Methodists sing in London, in 1759, Johan Henrik Liden, a professor at the University of Uppsala, commented in his journal, ‘The song of the Methodists is the most beautiful I ever heard. Their fine psalms have exceedingly beautiful melodies composed by great masters. They sing in a proper way, with devotion, serene mind and charm” (Ronald Rees, A Nation of Singing Birds, p. 24).

Enthusiastic hymn singing was so common with Methodists that they were caricatured and ridiculed for it. In 1745, Howell Harris described how to be a Methodist:

In the first place you must sing and shout

Hymns by the score if you would be devout,

Then you must frighten to death with your roar

The people asleep in the house next door.

Charles Wesley’s hymns are not shallow or trite; they are filled with strong biblical doctrine. The 1780 Methodist Hymn Book was called “a little body of experimental and practical divinity.” 

Wesley’s hymns tend to have majestic, lovely, cheerful, victorious, memorable tunes. 

Wesley hymns that are still sung widely today include the following:

“Arise, My Soul, Arise”

“And Can It Be That I Should Gain?”

“Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”

“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”

“Hark! the Herald Angels Sing”

“Jesu, Lover of My Soul”

“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”

“O, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”

“Rejoice, the Lord Is King”

“Soldiers of Christ, Arise”

Many of Charles Wesley’s hymns were paraphrases of the Psalms.

The two hymns Charles Wesley wrote the month he was saved were “And Can It Be That I Should Gain” and “Christ the Friend of Sinners.” He also wrote a hymn on the first anniversary of his conversion in May 1739. This was “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” which was originally called “For the Anniversary Day of One’s Conversion.” 

Consider the lyrics to these wonderful hymns and some of the lessons:

“And Can It Be,” 1738

Charles Wesley

Meter 8.8.8.8. D

Tune: SAGINA

1 And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in the Saviour’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Refrain
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

2 ’Tis myst’ry all: th’ Immortal dies:
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine.
’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more.

3 He left His Father’s throne above—
So free, so infinite His grace—
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For, O my God, it found out me!

4 Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray—
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

5 No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’ eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Music score 

https://library.timelesstruths.org/library/music/A/And_Can_It_Be/And_Can_It_Be.pdf

Midi 

https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/And_Can_It_Be/

A Study of “And Can It Be” 

Who is the author?

Charles Wesley

In brief, can you state the context of the hymn writing? 

This hymn is Wesley’s own testimony. 

To whom is the hymn directed?

It is directed to all people.

What is the main theme?

The main theme is the Christ’s amazing love to sinners.

Are there any main divisions? 

(1) The singer’s amazement at Christ’s love for him (stanza 1). (2) A description of what Christ did (stanza 2-3). (3) The singer’s lost condition before salvation (stanza) 4). (4) The singer’s joy in the surety of salvation (stanza 5).

Are there words, phrases, and metaphors that are not easily understood?

A “quick’ning ray” refers to the spiritual light that enlightens the sinner

What are the main lessons?

Lessons about the sinner’s natural state: (1) Imprisoned because of sin. (2) In darkness (“nature’s night”). 

Lessons about salvation: (1) It is to have an interest in the Saviour’s blood. (2) It is because of Christ’s vicarious death (“died for me, who caused His pain,” “bled for Adam’s helpless race). (3) It is the product of God’s amazing love. (4) It is God’s strange design. (5) It is mercy all, free, infinite grace, immense. (6) Salvation is to “find out” sinners. (7) It is to be without condemnation (“no condemnation now I dread”). (8) It is to be alive in Christ. (9) It is to have Christ as one’s Head. (10) It is to be clothed in Christ’s righteousness. (11) It is to bold access to God’s throne. (12) It is to share Christ’s throne and crown. 

Lessons about Christ: (1) He is the Saviour. (2) He is God. (3) He is the Immortal. 

Lessons about Christ’s incarnation: (1) He left His Father’s throne above. (2) He emptied Himself. 

What parts are particularly precious? 

Every part! 

“Christ the Friend of Sinners,” 1738

(“Where Shall My Wandering Soul Begin?”)

Charles Wesley
Meter 8.8.8.8.8.8

Tune: St. Petersburg

1 Where shall my wondering soul begin?

How shall I all to heaven aspire?

A slave redeemed from death and sin,

a brand plucked from eternal fire,

how shall I equal triumphs raise,

or sing my great deliverer’s praise?

Refrain

O come to Jesus now!

O come to Jesus now!

O come to Jesus now!

2 O how shall I the goodness tell,

Father, which thou to me hast showed?

That I, a child of wrath and hell,

I should be called a child of God!

Should know, should feel my sins forgiven,

blest with this antepast of heaven!

3 And shall I slight my Father’s love,

or basely fear his gifts to own?

Unmindful of his favors prove,

shall I, the hallowed cross to shun,

refuse his righteousness to impart,

by hiding it within my heart?

4 No, tho’ the ancient dragon rage,

And call forth all his host to war,

Tho’ earth’s self-righteous sons engage,

Them and their god alike I dare;

Jesus, the sinner’s friend, proclaim;

Jesus, to sinners still the same.

5 Outcasts of men, to you I call,

Harlots, and publicans, and thieves;

He spreads his arms to embrace you all,

Sinners alone His grace receive.

No need of Him the righteous have;

He came the lost to seek and save.

6 Come, all ye Magdalenes in lust,

Ye ruffians fell in murders old;

Repent, and live; despair, and trust!

Jesus for you to death was sold;

Tho’ hell protest and earth repine,

He died for crimes like yours--and mine.

7 Come, O my guilty brethren, come,

groaning beneath your load of sin;

His bleeding heart shall make you room,

His open side shall take you in.

He calls you now, invites you home:

Come, O my guilty brethren, come!

8 For you the purple current flowed

in pardon from his wounded side,

Languished for you the eternal God,

for you the Prince of Glory died.

Believe, and all your sin’s forgiv’n;

only believe--and yours is heav’n!

Music score
https://hymnary.org/hymn/TS21889/165

Midi
https://hymnary.org/tune/where_shall_my_wondering_soul_driver

Study of “Christ the Friend of Sinners” 

Who is the author?

Charles Wesley

In brief, can you state the context of the hymn writing? 

This hymn is Wesley’s own testimony. 

To whom is the hymn directed?

It is directed to all people.

It is directed to the Father (stanza 2)

What is the main theme?

The main themes are God’s great love for sinners, Christ’s vicarious atonement, and the proclamation of the gospel in the face of all difficulties

Are there any main divisions? 

(1) The singer’s amazement at Christ’s love for him (stanza 1). (2) Thanksgiving to the Father (stanza 2). (3) Commitment to proclaim the gospel in the face of all enemies (stanza 3-4). (4) Invitation to all men to receive the gospel (stanza 5-8)

Are there words, phrases, and metaphors that are not easily understood?

“antepast” (stanza 2) means foretaste

What are the main lessons?

Lessons about the sinner’s natural state: (1) A wondering soul. (2) A slave to death and sin. (3) A brand fit for the fire. (4) A child of wrath and hell. (5) Guilty. (6) Groaning beneath a load of sin. 

Lessons about salvation: (1) It is to be redeemed from death and sin. (2) It is to be a brand plucked from eternal fire. (3) It is to be a child of God. (4) It is to know that one’s sins are forgiven. (5) It to be imparted righteousness. (6) It is of Christ’s grace. (7) It requires repentance and faith. (8) It is by Christ’s vicarious, substitutionary death (“for you to death was sold ... He died for crimes like yours--and mine ... For you the purple current flowed ... languished for you”). (9) Salvation is for those who “believe.” (10) Salvation is the forgiveness of all sins. (11) Salvation is a promise of heaven. 

Lessons about the Father: (1) He shows goodness to sinners by the gospel. (2) He loves sinners. (3) He will save all sinners, including harlots, publicans, thieves, ruffians, murders. (4) His grace

Lessons about Christ: (1) His cross was hallowed. (2) He is the sinner’s friend. (3) He came to seek and save sinners. (4) His heart bleeds for the salvation of sinners. (5) He invites sinners to come. (6) He is the eternal God. (7) He is the Prince of Glory. 

Other lessons: (1) The devil is the ancient dragon. (2) He is raging and warring. (3) He has a host. (4) He is the god of the unsaved. (5) Unsaved sinners are self-righteous. (6) They are the children of the devil. 

What parts are particularly precious to you? 

O how shall I the goodness tell,

Father, which thou to me hast showed?

That I, a child of wrath and hell,

I should be called a child of God!Come, O my guilty brethren, come!

For you the purple current flowed

in pardon from his wounded side,

Languished for you the eternal God,

for you the Prince of Glory died.

Believe, and all your sin’s forgiv’n;

only believe--and yours is heav’n!

“O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” 1739

Charles Wesley

Meter: 8.6.8.6. (CM)

Tune: AZMON, arranged by Lowell Mason, 1839

Tune: LYNGHAM, Thomas Jarmon (favored in England/Australia)

Other Tunes: SELBY, LYDIA, RICHMOND, and OXFORD NEW

1 Glory to God, and praise and love,
Be ever, ever given;
By saints below and saints above,
The Church in earth and heaven.

2 On this glad day the glorious Sun
Of righteousness arose,
On my benighted soul he shone,
And filled it with repose.

3 Sudden expired the legal strife;
'Twas then I ceased to grieve.
My second, real, living life,
I then began to live.

4 Then with my heart I first believed,
Believed with faith divine;
Power with the Holy Ghost received
To call the Saviour mine.

5 I felt my Lord’s atoning blood
Close to my soul applied;
Me, me he loved - the Son of God
For me, for me he died!

6 I found and owned his promise true,
Ascertained of my part,
My pardon passed in heaven I know,
When written on my heart.

7 O For a thousand tongues to sing
My dear Redeemer's praise!
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!

8 My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the world abroad
The honors of Thy name.

9 Jesus! the Name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
'Tis music in the sinner's ears,
'Tis life, and health, and peace.

10 He breaks the power of cancell'd sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood avail'd for me.

11 He speaks, -- and, listening to his voice,
New life the dead receive;
The mournful, broken hearts rejoice;
The humble poor believe.

12 Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb,
Your loosen'd tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Saviour come,
And leap, ye lame, for joy.

13 Look unto him, ye nations; own
Your God, ye fallen race;
Look, and be saved through faith alone,
Be justified by grace.

14 See all your sins on Jesus laid;
The Lamb of God was slain;
His soul was once an offering made
For every soul of man.

15 Harlots, and publicans, and thieves,
In holy triumph join!
Saved is the sinner that believes,
From crimes as great as mine.

16 Murderers, and all ye hellish crew,
Ye sons of lust and pride,
Believe the Savior died for you;
For me the Saviour died.

17 Awake from guilty nature's sleep,
And Christ shall give you light,
Cast all your sins into the deep,
And wash the AEthiop white.

18 With me, your chief, ye then shall know,
Shall feel your sins forgiven;
Anticipate your heaven below,
And own that love is heaven.

Music Score (6 stanzas, Mason)
https://hymnary.org/media/fetch/96205

Study of “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” 

Who is the author?

Charles Wesley

In brief, can you state the context of the hymn writing? 

This hymn is Wesley’s testimony on the anniversary of his conversion.

To whom is the hymn directed?

It is directed to all people (stanza 1-7)

It is directed to God (stanza 8)

It is directed to sinners (stanza 13-18)

What is the main theme?

The main themes are praising God for His salvation, the greatness of God’s salvation, Christ’s vicarious atonement, the security and confidence of salvation, and the proclamation of the gospel to all men

Are there any main divisions? 

(1) The singer’s amazement at Christ’s love for him (stanza 1). (2) Thanksgiving to the Father (stanza 2). (3) Commitment to proclaim the gospel in the face of all enemies (stanza 3-4). (4) Invitation to all men to receive the gospel (stanza 5-8)

Are there words, phrases, and metaphors that are not easily understood?

“Legal strife” refers to seeking salvation by religious works and self-righteousness.

“AEthiop” (stanza 17) refers to Ethiopian 

What are the main lessons?

Lessons about Christ: (1) He is the glorious Sun of righteousness. (2) He is God and King. (3) He is “gracious Master and my God.” (4) His name Jesus “charms our fears.” (5) His name is life, and health, and peace. (6) He is the God of the nations (stanza 13). (7) He is “the Lamb of God.” 

Lessons about the lost sinner: (1) The soul is benighted (stanza 2). (2) The sinner is a prisoner (stanza 10). (3) He is foul (stanza 10). (4) He is dead (stanza 11). (5) He is deaf and dumb (stanza 12). (6) He is blind (stanza 12). (7) They are part of a fallen race (stanza 13). (8) Their crimes against God are great (stanza 15). (9) They are sons of lust and pride (stanza 16). (10) They are in “guilty nature’s sleep” (stanza 17). 

Lessons about salvation: It is Christ’s light on the benighted soul (stanza 2). It is to repose on Christ (stanza 2). It is to end the “legal strife” (stanza 3). It is the beginning of the second, real, living life (stanza 3). It is to believe from the heart (stanza 4). It is the product of the Holy Spirit’s power (stanza 4). It is to call the Saviour mine (stanza 4). It is to personally own Christ’s promise (stanza 6). It is to be pardoned by God in heaven (stanza 6). It is to have the pardon of God written on the heart (stanza 6). It is the triumph of grace over sin (stanza 7). It is to be spread through all the world (stanza 8). It is to be set free (stanza 10). It is life from the dead (stanza 11). It is be healed of spiritual deafness, dumbness, blindness (stanza 12). It is available for all nations and all sinners no matter how great. It is through faith alone and grace alone (stanza 13). It is purchased by Christ’s substitutionary, vicarious atonement (stanza 14). It is to have one’s sins cast into the deep (stanza 17).

Lessons about Christ’s atonement:  (1) It is by His blood (stanza 5). (2) It can make the foulest clean (stanza 10). (3) All sins were laid on Jesus (stanza 14). (4) His soul was once an offering made for every soul of man (stanza 14). (5) Christ died for sinners (stanza 16).

Lessons on Christ’s Great Commission: (1) The gospel is to be proclaimed through all the world (stanza 8). (2) The proclamation requires the assistance of God (stanza 8). (3) It is for the honor of God’s name (stanza 8). (4) It is for all nations (stanza 13). (5) It is the message “Look, and be saved through faith alone, be justified by grace” (stanza 13).

Do you see any poetical/literary devices that are effectual?

The hymn is filled with them. 

(1) The language is powerful, arresting, impressive, memorable. 

(2) Verbs are put before nouns (“Sudden expired the legal strife ... Saved is the sinner that believes”)

(3) Repetition (“I first believed, Believed” - “Me, me he loved ... For me, for me he died”)

(4) The longing for “a thousand tongues to sing.”

(5) Repetition of Christ’s titles (“my God and King ... My gracious Master and my God”)

(6) Setting “Jesus” off with an exclamation mark - Jesus!

(7) “He speaks” is followed by the sinner’s obligation to “listen to his voice.” 

(8) The sinner is addressed as “ye deaf ... ye dumb ... ye blind ... ye lame ... ye hellish crew, ye sons of lust and pride.”

Is there any wrong theology?

Wesley’s doctrine of “feeling” salvation is unscriptural and dangerous (“I felt my Lord’s atoning blood” stanza 5; “shall feel your sins forgiven” stanza 18). Salvation is entirely by faith in God’s Word and has nothing to do with feeling. An individual can feel saved and not be saved and can not feel saved and be saved. Feelings are temporal and deceptive.

Wesley’s doctrine of perfectionism is hinted at in stanza 10 (“He breaks the power of cancell’d sin”). Salvation does break the power of sin, but not fully in this present world, and many saints have become discouraged almost to death when they pursued the promise of perfectionism and did not find it. 

What parts are particularly precious? 

Sudden expired the legal strife;
'Twas then I ceased to grieve.
My second, real, living life,
I then began to live.

Me, me he loved - the Son of God
For me, for me he died

I found and owned his promise true,
Ascertained of my part,
My pardon passed in heaven I know,
When written on my heart.

O For a thousand tongues to sing
My dear Redeemer's praise!
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!

 Jesus! the Name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
'Tis music in the sinner's ears,
'Tis life, and health, and peace.

He breaks the power of cancell'd sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood avail'd for me.

Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb,
Your loosen'd tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Saviour come,
And leap, ye lame, for joy.

Do you have any comment about the tune?

It is perfectly fitting to the message. It is lively and uplifting, serious and joyful.

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