Charles Wesley
1707 - 1788
Church of England
Biography
On May 21, 1738, Wesley recorded an evangelical experience of assurance that became a major turning point in his preaching and poetry. He thereafter became one of the principal voices of the Methodist revival while remaining an Anglican priest throughout his life. His thousands of sacred poems combine biblical allusion, doctrinal argument, personal devotion, and language designed for congregational singing.
“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” survives in a Wesley manuscript dated about 1742–1743 and was first printed in 1747. Its prayer for transforming love and holiness became closely associated with Wesleyan teaching on sanctification. Other enduring texts include “And Can It Be,” “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” and “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.” Wesley 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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