Introduction
I was baptized at the age of six and grew up in the Baptist Church. When Linda and I got married, it was in her United Methodist Church. We worshipped and worked in the UMC until we moved to McKinney almost 20 years ago. At the invitation of our good friends, Don & Janice Paschal, we visited and quickly joined First Baptist Church here. Linda was baptized, and I was baptized again. It was good to be back in the Baptist family. We mostly watch online in recent years due to it being more difficult to get around with our bad backs.
While in our Methodist years, we started a new Sunday School Class. I forgot the name, but it was about the Poetry & Theology of Hymns. It was a little laughable since I know nothing about music and sing just loud enough to be a notch below those singing around me. The class was really slanted towards the stories behind the hymns as well as the Biblical correlations.
Our church today sings a few of the old Baptist hymns. However, we mostly sing lively praise music. I love the music. But any singing while worshiping the three Persons of God (God the Father, Jesus the Son of God, and God in the form of the Holy Spirit) is fine with me.
This essay is about the Hymns of Charles Wesley. The words are beautiful with heavy roots in Scripture in a wonderfully structured way. They are sung in churches of many Christian denominations. I hope you find these selections of value. I encourage you to dwell on the lyrics that can be found in the embedded links.
An interesting discussion our Bible Study group explored this week centered around the distinction between being baptized and becoming a Christian versus the moment that might come later when there is an experience of a deeper belief in your heart when you feel a different warmth. It could happen out of the blue like for C.S. Lewis when he was riding in the sidecar of a motorcycle riding down a dusty road. It might be at a Christian summer camp or a revival. Think back if you were so fortunate to know what I’m talking about. Note how the Wesley’s were already practicing Christians prior to a deeper transformation when they felt the Holy Spirit becoming a part of their lives. LFM
Charles Wesley Hymns
( Guided and edited by LFM; Compiled by ChatGPT)
The Wesley Brothers: Partners in Gospel and Song
John Wesley (1703–1791) and Charles Wesley (1707–1788) were raised in a devout Anglican household in Epworth, England. Their mother, Susanna Wesley, taught them discipline, prayer, and Scripture, shaping their lifelong devotion. At Oxford University, they joined with other earnest students to form the “Holy Club,” meeting regularly for prayer, fasting, study, and acts of service. Their methodical devotion led some to mock them as “Methodists” — a name that stuck and eventually gave birth to a movement.
Both brothers traveled to Georgia as missionaries in the 1730s, but those missions were largely discouraging. It was only after their return to London that they each experienced a profound encounter with the Holy Spirit. On May 21, 1738, Charles Wesley felt peace flood his soul as the Spirit “chased away the darkness of unbelief.” Just days later, on May 24, 1738, John Wesley attended a Moravian meeting on Aldersgate Street, where he famously recorded: “I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.” For both brothers, conversion was the direct work of the Holy Spirit — bringing assurance, peace, and freedom in Christ.
“I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.”
John went on to become the great organizer and preacher, traveling more than 250,000 miles and delivering over 40,000 sermons across Britain. Charles, though also a preacher, became best known as the “sweet singer of Methodism.” Over his lifetime he wrote more than 6,500 hymns, covering the entire range of Christian experience: birth, new birth, sanctification, suffering, resurrection, and eternal hope. John gave the movement structure; Charles gave it song.
John Wesley’s Directions for Singing (1761)
When John Wesley published Select Hymns with Tunes Annext in 1761, he included his now-famous directions for singing. These rules reveal his deep conviction that music is a means of grace, not mere ornament.
Sing all. Join with the congregation as often as you can; do not let weakness or weariness excuse you. Sing lustily and with good courage. Don’t sing as if half-asleep — raise your voice with strength and joy. Sing modestly. Don’t try to be louder than everyone else; blend your voice with the congregation. Sing in time. Keep together with the others; don’t drag or rush. Follow the leader and stay united. Above all, sing spiritually. Sing with your heart directed to God. Let every word be an offering, aiming to please Him more than yourself or others.
Wesley’s instructions remind us that singing was central to early Methodism. Hymns were sermons in song — meant to form doctrine, stir the heart, and knit believers together in worship.
Ten Great Hymns of Charles Wesley
1. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (1739)
Context & Story:
Originally published as “Hymn for Christmas Day” in 1739, Charles Wesley began with the line, “Hark how all the welkin rings.” The term “welkin” meant “the heavens,” but it confused many. George Whitefield revised the phrase to “Hark! the herald angels sing,” which quickly took hold. Later, when Mendelssohn’s music was paired with the words, the hymn gained its triumphant character. Wesley’s text is more than seasonal cheer; it is rich theology in verse. The hymn proclaims the incarnation, reconciliation between God and humanity, and the new creation brought through Christ. In the Methodist revival, this was a doctrinal hymn — teaching that Christmas was not sentimental but deeply redemptive.
Scripture References: Luke 2:13–14; John 1:14; 2 Corinthians 5:19.
Excerpt:
“Hark! the herald angels sing,
‘Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!’”
Reflection Questions:
How does this hymn connect the nativity to the larger story of redemption? Why is reconciliation central to the meaning of Christmas? In what ways can you join the “herald angels” in proclaiming Christ today?
Full Lyrics: Read here
2. And Can It Be That I Should Gain (1738)
Context & Story:
This hymn came out of Charles Wesley’s own conversion in May 1738. Having wrestled with doubt and illness, Charles found assurance in Christ’s saving work. The hymn expresses amazement that God’s Son would die for him personally — “Amazing love! how can it be?” The vivid imagery of chains breaking reflects Charles’ sense of liberation. This was not abstract theology but his personal testimony, which soon became the testimony of thousands of Methodists. For generations, it has remained one of the most powerful hymns of assurance and personal salvation.
Scripture References: Romans 5:6–8; Acts 16:26; Galatians 2:20.
Excerpt:
“My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.”
Reflection Questions:
Have you ever felt astonished by the depth of God’s grace? What “chains” — of sin, fear, or doubt — has Christ broken in your life? How can daily gratitude deepen your walk with Christ?
Full Lyrics: Read here
3. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (1747)
Context & Story:
Published in 1747 in Hymns for Those that Seek and Those that Have Redemption, this hymn is a prayer for sanctification. Wesley longed for believers not just to be forgiven but to be perfected in love — a core Methodist teaching. The hymn borrows the phrase “love divine” from earlier poetry, but Charles makes it uniquely Methodist: a plea for God’s love to fill the believer and transform the church into a dwelling place for Christ. The final stanza looks ahead to heaven, but Wesley’s vision is that holiness begins here and now. For Methodists, this hymn was sung as both aspiration and declaration of God’s ongoing work.
Scripture References: Ephesians 3:17–19; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Revelation 21:3–4.
Excerpt:
“Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heaven to earth come down;
Fix in us thy humble dwelling,
All thy faithful mercies crown.”
Reflection Questions:
How do you understand holiness — as obligation, or as perfecting love? Where in your life do you long for God’s love to “finish His new creation”? How does this hymn challenge you to see sanctification as joy, not duty?
Full Lyrics: Read here
4. O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing (1739)
Context & Story:
Written on the first anniversary of his conversion, Charles drew inspiration from Peter Böhler, a Moravian leader, who once said: “Had I a thousand tongues, I would praise Christ with them all.” Charles turned that thought into a hymn that celebrates conversion and joy in Christ. For Methodists, it became almost a doxology, often placed at the beginning of hymnals. Its many stanzas catalog the works of Christ — healing the deaf, giving sight, forgiving sins, and breaking chains. This hymn is both a personal testimony and a public anthem of gratitude.
Scripture References: Psalm 96:1; Philippians 2:10–11; Isaiah 35:5–6.
Excerpt:
“O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!”
Reflection Questions:
What aspects of God’s character would you praise if you had “a thousand tongues”? How does communal singing amplify our witness to Christ’s grace? How might this hymn remind you to celebrate your own spiritual milestones?
Full Lyrics: Read here
5. Rejoice, the Lord Is King (1744)
Context & Story:
This hymn was written in 1744 at a time when Methodists were facing ridicule and persecution. Charles urges believers to rejoice, not in circumstances, but in the unshakable kingship of Christ. Sung often during Easter and Ascension, it links Christ’s resurrection and reign to the believer’s hope. Its repeated refrain “lift up your heart, lift up your voice” calls for corporate joy in Christ’s victory. For early Methodists, singing this hymn was an act of defiance against despair.
Scripture References: Philippians 4:4; Revelation 19:6; Hebrews 1:8.
Excerpt:
“Rejoice, the Lord is King!
Your Lord and King adore.”
Reflection Questions:
How can joy be both a gift and a spiritual discipline? How does Christ’s kingship sustain you in difficult times? Where might rejoicing be your most powerful witness today?
Full Lyrics: Read here
6. Christ the Lord Is Risen Today (1739)
Context & Story:
One of Wesley’s most triumphant hymns, this was published in Hymns and Sacred Poems in 1739 and sung at the very first Methodist chapel in London. The repeated “Alleluia” at the end of each line was added later, but it captures the Easter joy. The hymn does not merely celebrate an empty tomb; it proclaims the victory of Christ’s resurrection as the foundation of Christian hope. For Wesley, Easter was not a single day but the cornerstone of faith, and this hymn gave the revival a song of victory to sing to the world.
Scripture References: Matthew 28:6; 1 Corinthians 15:20; Revelation 1:18.
Excerpt:
“Christ the Lord is ris’n today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!”
Reflection Questions:
How does resurrection hope shape your daily life, not just Easter Sunday? Why is it important that this hymn is filled with “Alleluia”? How can resurrection joy be a witness to a weary world?
Full Lyrics: Read here
7. Jesus, Lover of My Soul (1740s)
Context & Story:
One of Wesley’s most intimate hymns, it likely arose from times of hardship and storm. The imagery of Jesus as refuge during danger and grief made it a hymn sung at funerals, revivals, and prayer meetings. Some critics in Wesley’s day thought it too emotional, but its tenderness gave voice to personal devotion that many longed for. Over time it became one of the most beloved hymns in the English-speaking world, sung in many denominations and languages. It shows Wesley’s gift for blending heartfelt poetry with Scripture.
Scripture References: Psalm 46:1; Matthew 8:23–27; John 6:37.
Excerpt:
“Jesus, lover of my soul,
Let me to Thy bosom fly.”
Reflection Questions:
What does it mean to you that Jesus is a place of refuge? Why do you think believers through the centuries have clung to this hymn in times of grief? How can you bring the intimacy of this hymn into your prayer life?
Full Lyrics: Read here
8. Soldiers of Christ, Arise (1749)
Context & Story:
First published in 1749, this hymn is based directly on Ephesians 6 and the “armor of God.” Charles wrote it to encourage believers facing persecution and social ridicule. Its martial tone was not about earthly battle but about spiritual warfare — courage, endurance, and faith in the face of hardship. It gave Methodists a sense of being part of God’s army, standing together in holiness. The hymn shows how Charles used song not only for praise but also for encouragement in trial.
Scripture References: Ephesians 6:11–17; 2 Timothy 2:3; 1 Corinthians 16:13.
Excerpt:
“Soldiers of Christ, arise,
And put your armor on.”
Reflection Questions:
What “battle” are you facing today that requires spiritual armor? Which part of the armor of God do you most need to strengthen? How might hymns like this shape courage in your community?
Full Lyrics: Read here
9. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (1744)
Context & Story:
Written in 1744, this Advent hymn was inspired by the suffering Wesley saw in England, especially among orphans. It is both a cry for Christ’s first coming and a longing for His second coming. The hymn reflects the dual nature of Advent: memory and hope, lament and joy. Wesley draws on biblical promises that Christ brings freedom, rest, and the fulfillment of God’s kingdom. It has become one of the most enduring Advent hymns, sung across denominations.
Scripture References: Haggai 2:7; Luke 2:25; Matthew 11:28–30.
Excerpt:
“Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free.”
Reflection Questions:
What personal longings does this hymn give voice to in your life? How does Advent help us hold both sorrow and expectation? How do you live in the tension between Christ’s first coming and His promised return?
Full Lyrics: Read here
10. Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim (1744)
Context & Story:
This hymn was composed during a time of persecution, when Methodists were often attacked for their preaching. It calls believers to boldly proclaim Christ as King, no matter the cost. Its global vision — praising Christ as ruler of all nations — made it a rallying song for Methodist missions. Early Methodists sang it in outdoor gatherings where ridicule and even violence were possible, and its confident refrain strengthened them to stand firm. Today it reminds us that worship is proclamation: declaring Christ’s kingdom in the face of the world’s opposition.
Scripture References: Psalm 113:3; Revelation 5:12–13; Philippians 2:10–11.
Excerpt:
“Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim,
And publish abroad His wonderful name.”
Reflection Questions:
How can your worship be a form of bold proclamation? Why is worship an act of courage in a hostile world? How does this hymn stretch your vision of God’s kingdom beyond your own context?
Full Lyrics: Read here
✨ Together, these hymns form not just a songbook, but a theology of grace, assurance, holiness, courage, and hope — the work of the Holy Spirit sung into the life of the church.
Let's Talk About It, Lewis! 
Lewis, I enjoyed this. I hope you are doing well. Greg Vick
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