1AH, when shall I awake From sin's soft-soothing power, The slumber from my spirit shake, And rise to fall no more! Awake, no more to sleep, But stand with constant care, Looking for God my soul to keep, And watching unto prayer!
2O could I always pray And never, never faint, But simply to my God display My every care and want! I know that thou wouldst give. More than I can request; Thou still art ready to receive My soul to perfect rest.
3I feel thee willing, Lord, A sinful world to save, All may obey thy gracious word, May peace and pardon have; Not one of all the race But may return to thee, But at the throne of sovereign grace May fall and weep, like me.
4Here will I ever lie, And tell thee all my care, And, Father, Abba, Father, cry, And pour a ceaseless prayer; Till thou my sins subdue, Till thou my sins destroy, My spirit after God renew, And fill with peace and joy.
5Messiah, Prince of peace, Into my soul bring in Thy everlasting righteousness, And make an end of sin. Into all those that seek Redemption through thy blood The sanctifying Spirit speak, The plenitude of God.
6Let us in patience wait Till faith shall make us whole; Till thou shalt all things new create In each believing soul; Who can resist thy will Speak, and it shall be done! Thou shalt the work of faith fulfil, And perfect us in one.
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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.