1PEACE, doubting heart! my God's I am; Who formed me man, forbids my fear; The Lord hath called me by my name; The Lord protects, for ever near; His blood for me did once atone, And still he loves and guards his own.
2When passing through the watery deep, I ask in faith his promised aid, The waves all awful distance keep, And shrink from my devoted head; Fearless their violence I dare; They cannot harm, for God is there!
3To him mine eye of faith I turn, And through the fire pursue my way; The fire forgets its power to burn, The lambent flames around me play; I own his power, accept the sign, And shout to prove the Saviour mine.
4Still nigh me, O my Saviour, stand! And guard in fierce temptation's hour; Hide in the hollow of thy hand, Show forth in me thy Saving power, Still be thy arms my sure defence, Nor earth nor hell shall pluck me thence.
5Since thou hast bid me come to thee, (Good as thou art, and strong to save) I'll walk o'er life's tempestuous sea, Upbourne by the unyielding wave, Dauntless, though rocks of pride be near, And yawning whirlpools of despair.
6When darkness intercepts the skies, And sorrow's waves around me roll, When high the storms of passion rise, And half o'erwhelm my sinking soul, My soul a sudden calm shall feel, And hear a whisper, "Peace; be still!"
7Though in affliction's furnace tried, Unhurt on snares and death I'll tread; Though sin assail, and hell, thrown wide, Pour all its flames upon my head, Like Moses' bush, I'll mount the higher, And flourish unconsumed in fire.
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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.