THE strain upraise of joy and praise, Alleluia. To the glory of their King Shall the ransomed people sing Alleluia. And the choirs that dwell on high Shall re-echo through the sky Alleluia.
They in the rest of Paradise who dwell, The blessed ones, with joy the chorus swell, Alleluia. The planets beaming on their heavenly way, The shining constellations join, and say Alleluia.
Ye clouds that onward sweep, Ye winds on pinions light, Ye thunders, echoing loud and deep, Ye lightnings wildly bright, ln sweet consent unite your Alleluia.
Ye floods and ocean billows, Ye storms and winter snow, Ye days of cloudless beauty, Hoar frost and summer glow, Ye groves that wave in spring, And glorious forests, sing Alleluia.
First let the birds, with painted plumage gay, Exalt their great Creator's praise, and say Alleluia. Then let the beasts of earth, with varying strain, Join in creation's hymn, and cry again Alleluia.
Here let the mountains thunder forth sonorous Alleluia. There let the valleys sing in gentler chorus Alleluia. Thou jubilant abyss of ocean, cry Alleluia. Ye tracts of earth and continents, reply Alleluia. To God, who all creation made, The frequent hymn be duly paid: Alleluia.
This is the strain, the eternal strain, the Lord Almighty loves: Alleluia. This is the song, the heavenly song, that Christ the king approves: Alleluia.
Wherefore we sing, both heart and voice awaking, Alleluia. And children's voices echo, answer making, Alleluia.
Now from all men be out-poured Alleluia to the Lord; With Alleluia evermore The Son and Spirit we adore. Praise be done to the Three in One, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.
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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.