Charles Wesley
1707 - 1788
Church of England
Biography
After an evangelical experience of assurance on May 21, 1738, Wesley became an itinerant preacher and the principal poet of the early Methodist revival. His verse combined close biblical exposition, doctrinal density, personal testimony, and language designed for corporate singing. He first published the poem now indexed as Soldiers of Christ, Arise in 1742 as The Whole Armour of God, attached to John Wesley's tract The Character of a Methodist. Its sustained treatment of Ephesians 6 exemplifies his practice of turning extended biblical passages into disciplined devotional poetry.
Wesley married Sarah Gwynne in 1749 and later divided his life chiefly between Bristol and London. Although he helped lead Methodist societies, he remained a priest of the Church of England and opposed separation from it. His thousands of sacred poems include And Can It Be, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus, and Hark! the Herald Angels Sing. He died in London on March 29, 1788.
Hymns by Charles Wesley
'Tis Finished! The Messiah Dies
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A Charge to Keep I Have
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All Praise to Our Redeeming Lord
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And Are We Yet Alive
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And Can It Be
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Because Thou Hast Said
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Blest Be the Dear Uniting Love
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Blow Ye the Trumpet, Blow
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Canticle of Thanksgiving (Jubilate)
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Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
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Christ, from Whom All Blessings Flow
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Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
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Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
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Come, and Let Us Sweetly Join
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Come, Divine Interpreter
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Come, Holy Ghost, Our Hearts Inspire
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Come, Let Us Join Our Friends Above
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Come, Let Us Use the Grace Divine
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Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown
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Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast
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Depth of Mercy
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Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go
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Give Me the Faith Which Can Remove
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Glory to God, and Praise and Love
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Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise
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Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
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How Can We Sinners Know
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I Want a Principle Within
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If Death My Friend and Me Divide
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Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
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Jesus Lord We Look to Thee
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Jesus the Name High over All
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Jesus Thine All Victorious Love
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Jesus United by Thy Grace
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Jesus, Lover of My Soul
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Let Us Plead for Faith Alone
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Lo He Comes with Clouds Descending
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Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
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Maker in Whom We Live
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Mil Voces Para Celebrar
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O Come and Dwell in Me
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O For a Heart to Praise My God
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O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
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O Love Divine, What Hast Thou Done
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O the Depth of Love Divine
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O Thou Who Camest from Above
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O Thou Who This Mysterious Bread
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Our Earth We Now Lament to See
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Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above
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Rejoice the Lord Is King
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See How Great a Flame Aspires
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Sing To The Great Jehovah's Praise
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Sinners, Turn: Why Will You Die
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Soldiers of Christ, Arise
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Spirit of Faith, Come Down
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Thou Hidden Source of Calm Repose
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Where Shall My Wondering Soul Begin
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Whether the Word Be Preached or Read
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Ye Servants of God
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Ye Servants Of God, Your Master Proclaim
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