1O JESU, source of calm repose, Thy like nor man nor angel knows, Fairest among ten thousand fair! Even those whom death's sad fetters bound, Whom thickest darkness compassed round. Find light and life, if thou appear.
2Effulgence of the light divine, Ere rolling planets knew to shine, Ere time its ceaseless course began, Thou, when the appointed hour was come, Didst not abhor the virgin's womb, But, God with God, wast man with man.
3The world, sin, death, oppose in vain; Thou, by thy dying, death hast slain, My great Deliverer, and my God; In vain does the old dragon rage, In vain all hell its powers engage, None can withstand thy conquering blood.
4Lord over all, sent to fulfil Thy gracious Father's sovereign will, To thy dread sceptre will I bow: With duteous reverence at thy feet, Like humble Mary, lo! I sit; Speak, Lord, thy servant heareth now.
5Renew thine image, Lord, in me, Lowly and gentle may I be; No charms but these to thee are dear: No anger may'st thou ever find, No pride, in my unruffled mind, But faith, and heaven-born peace, be there!
6A patient, a victorious mind, That life and all things casts behind, Springs forth obedient to thy call, A heart that no desire can move, But still to adore, believe, and love, Give me, my Lord, my life, my all!
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Charles Wesley (1707 - 1788)
Was an English hymn writer, poet, and preacher who wrote over 5,500 hymns including And Can It Be That I Should Gain?, O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing, and Hark! the Herald Angels Sing. A leader of the Methodist movement with his brother John Wesley.Wesley's conversion had a clear impact on his doctrine, especially the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. The change in doctrine can be seen in his sermons after 1738, but is most notable in his hymns written after 1738. From Charles published work “Hymns and Prayers to the Trinity” and in Hymn number 62 he writes “The Holy Ghost in part we know, For with us He resides, Our whole of good to Him we owe, Whom by His grace he guides, He doth our virtuous thoughts inspire, The evil he averts, And every seed of good desire, He planted in our hearts.”
Charles Wesley is best known for his prolific hymn writing, his poetry and for being one of the founding fathers of the Methodist denomination of Christianity. He wrote more than six thousand hymns, of which a handful remain in modern day worship.
John and Charles Wesley's Methodist style was to take the word of God to people, wherever they were, rather than try to get them into a church to hear it. The numbers of converts grew and were gathered into 'societies' to nurture their faith.
With their helpers they began their travelling ministry, covering thousands of miles on horseback over the years throughout England and in Scotland, Wales and Ireland, with London, Bristol, and Newcastle being the main centres of their work.
The high-intensity preaching took its toll on Charles; he suffered from nervous exhaustion and severe depression. He was 80 when he died on 29th March 1788. With his famous carol Hark the Herald Angels Sing heard everywhere from cathedrals to supermarkets, the legacy of Charles Wesley is likely to continue for years to come.
Charles Wesley was an English leader of the Methodist movement, son of Anglican clergyman and poet Samuel Wesley, the younger brother of Anglican clergyman John Wesley and Anglican clergyman Samuel Wesley (the Younger), and father of musician Samuel Wesley, and grandfather of musician Samuel Sebastian 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. He founded Wesley Chapel in the village of Brayton, which is just south of Selby. His house, located nearby, can still be visited today.