Charles Wesley (18 December 1707 – 29 March 1788) was an English leader of the Methodist movement, son of the Anglican clergyman and poet Samuel Wesley and the younger brother of Anglican clergyman John Wesley. Despite their closeness, Charles and his brother John did not always agree on questions relating to their beliefs. In particular, Charles was strongly opposed to the idea of a breach with the Church of England into which they had been ordained. Charles Wesley is chiefly remembered for the many hymns he wrote.
Best-known hymns:
In the course of his career, Charles Wesley published the words of over six thousand hymns, writing the words for a further two thousand, many of which are still popular. These include:
- “And Can It Be That I Should Gain?” (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)
- “Jesus, 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 in “Hymns and Sacred Poems”. Some 150 of his hymns are in the Methodist hymnal.
Hopewell United Methodist Church 