Hymn-writer and evangelist, born in Epworth, Lincolnshire, EC England, UK, the brother of John Wesley. He studied at Oxford, was ordained in 1735, and accompanied John to Georgia as secretary to Governor James Oglethorpe, returning to England in 1736. After an evangelical conversion in 1738, he wrote over 5500 hymns, including such well-loved favourites as Jesu, Lover of My Soul, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, and Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.
Charles Wesley (18 December 1707 - 29 March 1788) was a leader of the Methodist movement, the younger brother of John Wesley.
Despite their closeness, Charles and his brother did not always agree on questions relating to their beliefs.
Charles and Sarah had 8 children together (only three of whom survived infancy), including Samuel Wesley (1766 – 1837), an organist and composer.
Best-known hymns
In the course of his career, Charles Wesley wrote the words of over six thousand hymns, many of which are still popular. (Lyrics) "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" (Lyrics) "Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies" (Lyrics) "Come, O Thou Traveler unknown" (Lyrics) "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" (Lyrics) "Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise" (Lyrics) "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" (Lyrics) "Jesu, Lover of My Soul" (Lyrics) "Jesus, The Name High Over All" (Lyrics) "Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending" (Lyrics) "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" (Lyrics) "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing" (Lyrics) "Rejoice, the Lord is King" (Lyrics) "Soldiers of Christ, Arise" (Lyrics) "Ye Servants of God" (Lyrics)
The lyrics to many more of Charles Wesley's hymns can be found on Wikisource.
Legacy
As a result of his enduring hymnody, the Gospel Music Association recognized his musical contributions to the art of gospel music in 1995 by listing his name in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
His son, Samuel Wesley, is also recognized for his musical contributions.
Information Sources
Abbey, C.J., Religious Thought in Old English Verse (London 1892). Unknown, Charles Wesley: A Reader (Oxford 2003?)
User Comments Add a comment…