Charles Wesley born 300 years ago
As we today celebrate the birth of Charles Wesly 300 years ago on December 18th 1707, I enclose the words of one of the greatest hymns of the poet of Methodism. Still Wesley has the power to inspire us and to take us deep into the wonders of the Christian faith with such hymns.
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
’Tis mystery all: th’Immortal dies:
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine.
’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more.
’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
Let angel minds inquire no more.
He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace—
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
Still the small inward voice I hear,
That whispers all my sins forgiven;
Still the atoning blood is near,
That quenched the wrath of hostile Heaven.
I feel the life His wounds impart;
I feel the Savior in my heart.
I feel the life His wounds impart;
I feel the Savior in my heart.
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Nowadays we rarely sing the fifth verse. What a shame as it is quite a treasure!
posted by Paul Martin at 2:49 PM
3 Comments:
I always feel that this hymn has a lot to say to those who claim that Methodists are second class Christians because we don't routinely yet - I stress the "yet" - speak or sing in tongues.
When we sing that in our Church (not always) I feel it is one of several hymns that bring down the Holy Spirit leaving the congregation excited and motivated.
However when sung by those who don't believe the words, it turns into a real dirge. In my experience it only works if sung "in the Spirit".
One other point: that fifth verse, I've tried singing (quietly because I'm on a tea break at the day job) it to the tune but it doesn't seem to scan.
I agree, the words are special.
4:12 PM
"Wesley has the power to inspire us and to take us deep into the wonders of the Christian faith with such hymns."
Cool thought.
Hope this doesn't sound blasphemous, but I've learned to love this song (and other hymns)
via Indelible Grace.
http://www.igracemusic.com/hymnbook/hymns/a11.html
Love how they "help us express our heart cries in words richer than our own".
I'm not a good one with words...so Wesley help me in my communication and understanding with God
8:30 PM
I guess if Methodism was to have a "national Anthem" this would be it.
Terry thanks for the link - good stuff!
david, I have sung the fifth verse to the consternation of my wife who is as a result threatening me with separate beds tonight. I can assure you that the fifth verse does fit the tune.
9:46 PM
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