Charles Wesley (1707-1788) was a prolific hymn writer of the
18th century. Coming from a musical family, he left a lasting legacy of
congregational song. The youngest of 18 children, Charles possessed prodigious
talents that soon blossomed. Little did he know that “Love Divine, All Loves
Excelling,” would rise to become one of the most popular and consistently
vocalized Christian songs.
Both John and Charles were instrumental in changing the
spiritual environment of Britain during the 18th century. In doing so, they
formed the bedrock of what Methodism has become worldwide. Their unwavering
devotion to expressing Christian spirituality through hymns has impacted
individuals across all denominational lines.
Scholars suggest that Charles was able to compose about 10
lines of verse daily for 50 years. Charles’ brother John sometimes served as
editor to his hymns. John’s typical response was, “some were good, some were
mediocre, and some were exceptional.” John can also be credited with improving
the singability of Charles’ hymns.
It has been estimated that Charles Wesley wrote some
six thousand hymns over the course of his lifetime. How could such a great
number of hymns come from the pen of a parson who spent so little time in his
study?
First, Wesley was naturally gifted—in intellect as well as
personal discipline. The poetry that welled up in his heart allowed him to express
his faith through hymn-writing. Secondly, Wesley organized himself for the
task. He developed his own technique and special type of shorthand. This
allowed him to jot down ideas that came to him as he rode. Then, “As soon as he
reached an inn, he would rush in and ask for a pen and ink to write down the
hymn he had composed.” This was his customary method to “transform his rough
notes into finished verse.”
“’A substantial number of his writings were completed while
riding on horseback.’ The whole ordeal sounds easier than it was. In fact, a
horse once threw him which interrupted that part of his work. Wesley later
recounted, ‘My companion thought I had broken my neck; but my leg only was
bruised, my hand sprained, and my head stunned, which spoiled my making hymns
till the next day.’ This vignette demonstrates Wesley’s commitment to Christ
and the Gospel. ‘His writings were passionate and well-crafted, conveying the
true essence of Christian teaching” even “across denominational lines.’ Beggs
capsules His essence: ‘What really set[s] Charles apart from other hymn writers
was his effective use of scriptural allusions’ which ‘provided a spiritual
roadmap whereby individuals could imagine a Christ-centered life.’” Mark Beggs,
Stageandstory.org
The hymn first appeared in Wesley’s “Hymns for Those That
Seek, and Those That Have Redemption in the Blood of Jesus Christ” published in
1747.
Due to the closely matching lyrics, many scholars believe it
was inspired by John Dryden’s “Fairest Isle” sung in Act 5 of his opera “Venus.”
The lyrics are so closely matching, that it is believed he may have been
inspired by the lyrics to apply a Christian message to them.
While the hymn is one of Wesley’s best known, it is also
considered a prayer. In the prayer of the hymn we are asking Jesus to enter our
hearts, set our hearts free from sin, and make us a new creation in him
Read the hymn slowly and meditate on the words while letting
it sink deep into the soul. Take time. Get alone. And grasp the thought that
this hymn was first a poem that sprang from the heart of one loved and
worshiped our Lord Christ.
Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: The word "tremble" is that solemn awe produced by the sense of the Divine presence and majesty which causes trembling. It denotes profound reverence for God.”
Studylight.org, Calvin’s Commentary on the Bible: Tremble
before His face, intimating that we should prostrate ourselves as
suppliants before Him when we consider His awful majesty. Not that He would
deter worshippers from drawing near to God. They should esteem it their
greatest pleasure and enjoyment to seek His face. But He would have us humbled
to the right and serious worship of God.
“Fear of God is the blush upon the face of holiness
enhancing its beauty.” (Charles Spurgeon)
Biblerepository.com: The term “thank God” is not merely an enthusiastic expression; it’s a deep and genuine gratitude that gives hope. Paul realizes that while he may fall short in his actions, Jesus covers that gap. Our relationship with Christ is crucial in addressing sin. As we mold our minds to align with God’s principles, we also engage in a lifelong journey of transformation.
Enduringword.com: Paul looks outside of himself and unto Jesus. As soon as he looks to Jesus, he has something to thank God for – and he thanks God through Jesus Christ our Lord . . . Through means that Paul sees Jesus standing between himself and God, bridging the gap and providing the way to God. Lord means Paul has put Jesus in the right place – as Lord and master of his life.
Scripturesavvy.com: This verse brings us profound hope, by
explaining that when we accept Christ into our lives, we become a new creation.
We are not merely reforming ourselves or updating old habits; we are
experiencing a complete overhaul of our very being. The expression “new
creation” tells us that God’s work in us is not superficial; instead, it is a
total renewal of our hearts and minds.
Clarke’s Commentary: It is vain for a man to profess
affinity to Christ according to the flesh, while he is unchanged in his heart
and life, and dead in trespasses and sins; for he that is in Christ, that is, a
genuine Christian, having Christ dwelling in his heart by faith, is a new
creature.
We are fortunate to be the recipients of the poetic genius of Charles Wesley. He influenced Methodism more than any other hymn writer. Upon hearing of Charles’ death, an elderly Londoner asked, “Who will write poetry for us now?” What better way to be thought of, than by your poetic and spiritual impact on congregational song?
