Charles Wesley, The Melodic Hymn Writer

Many hymnists have blessed the world and the church with their fine lyrics and their glorious melodies. However, when I reflect on the most rousing, beautiful hymns I know the name Charles Wesley keeps coming up. Charles Wesley was born in 1707 and died in 1788. He was the son of the poet Samuel Wesley and brother of John Wesley, the father of Methodism. Charles Wesley, already the son of a poet, had a son named Samuel Wesley. He played the organ and was a composer himself. It was said that he was called the English “Mozart.” Wesley’s grandson was Samuel Sebastian Wesley who was an organist and composer himself. So Charles Wesley left behind a rich legacy of music. Here are the hymns that have perhaps enriched your life coming from the pen from Charles Wesley.

(1)   Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

This is one of the most popular Christmas songs and one of the most beautiful as well hence its popularity. It was written by a man who was born exactly one week before Christmas.

(2)   Christ The Lord Is Risen Today

This song just makes you feel that any song with Alleluia as a response has to be a great and glorious song. It is as vibrant as a resurrection song should be. It is so majestic befitting of a king that has risen to reign. When I had my recorder ensemble this was one of the first songs we played in parts.

(3)   Hail The Day That Sees Him Rise

I believe I know another hymn with that tune. This song is another song with another fancy Alleluia reply. It is so heavenly. It portrays Jesus already resurrected and entering Heaven through the eternal gates.

(4)   Love Divine All Loves Excelling

Midway through each stanza the music changes tone. (At least that is how I feel it). I love the contrast. It is all about God’s divine love for all of us; His desire to identify with us so that it is like Heaven come down on earth. It is also a prayer of consecration – a prayer that God will live within our hearts.

(5)   And Can It Be?

This song is one of the most lofty, majestic, joyful and heavenly songs around. It stands out not merely among hymns but among songs as well. Can you imagine what it would be like listening to that hymn played by a string orchestra or a pipe organ? Other instruments just would not do that hymn justice. A solo instrument would not capture its spell-binding charm. It needs a choir or an orchestra to sing or play it in its parts – Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass and more. I consider this hymn Charles Wesley’s greatest hymn melodically. The lyrics are just as inspiring as they show the author’s disbelief that Jesus should leave the Heavenly throne and empty Himself of everything except love and bleed and die for the human race. How touching! “Amazing love! How can it be, that Thou my God shouldst die for me?”

(6)   Rejoice The Lord Is King

This is another majestic hymn by Charles Wesley. I did not expect any less from this godly, gifted man. Probably the last few lines are the most rousing. It says “Lift up your heart, lift up your voice. Rejoice, again I say, rejoice.” The hymn focuses on all that Jesus did for us and our need to give thanks to Him and rejoice for what has been done for us. It is a song of jubilation and appreciation.

(7)   I Do Believe

This hymn has many stanzas yet it is not really long as each stanza is short. It is a vote of confidence in the Father and the Son. It starts off by saying “Father, I stretch my hands to Thee; No other help I know.” The author depends solely on the Father. He accepts that Jesus died for us to set us free from sin. He believes that he will die without the constant help of God. Due to the music notation it has a bouncy feel to it in tune with  a hymn where there is a new or renewed confidence in the Godhead to lead and provide.

(8)   Soldiers Of Christ Arise

This is another hymn I had my instrumental ensemble learn quite early. Back in those days I did not know that two of the hymns I selected came from the same man, Charles Wesley. It has a rousing, militant feel about it and why should that be a surprise since it is about soldiers rising for spiritual battle. You can almost picture a passing out parade as you sing the hymn. It leaves you in no doubt how you are to fight in the battle for it says “Wrestle and fight and pray.” It does not let you forget that it is in God’s great might that we can stand.

These are just some of the hymns that Charles Wesley authored. There are many more that have touched the world and brought souls to Jesus. Time would fail to tell about “Jesus, Lover Of My Soul”, “O for a Thousand Tongues To Sing”, “Gentle Jesus Meek And Mild”, “Christ Whose Glory Fills The Skies” and others. Charles Wesley wrote hymns about Him who came and died that we might live. May you study his hymns prayerfully and not let his legacy be in vain with respect to your life. His hymns have already helped others. Make sure that they help you.

Do you want to write online? Why not join Triond here:

Triond – Publish Writing, Poetry, Music, Video & Content Online

For more articles see:

Recorders vs. Tin Whistles (Penny Whistles) – Part One | Musicouch

Recorders vs.. Tin Whistles (Penny Whistles) – Part Two | Musicouch

A New Perspective on Christmas From The Bible | Relijournal

The Real 2012 The World Should be Thinking About | Relijournal

Nebuchadnezzar, Wise Men and an End of Year Christmas Tree | Relijournal