Charles Wesley, (born December 18, 1707, Epworth, Lincolnshire, England—died March 29, 1788, London).

An English clergyman, poet, and hymn writer who, with his elder brother John, started the Methodist movement in the Church of England. Wesley was a prolific hymn-writer who wrote over 6,500 hymns during his lifetime.

We will be sharing many of his works starting with this post, a more familiar hymn, written in 1738. It is suggested to be one of Charles Wesley’s most beloved of his works. Written on the heels of his conversion, Charles Wesley wrote “And Can It Be That I Should Gain?” as a way to celebrate his personal salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus.

And Can It Be That I Should Gain

1 And can it be that I should gain
an interest in the Saviour’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?

2 ‘Tis mystery all: the Immortal dies!
Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the first-born seraph tries
to sound the depths of love divine.
‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,
let angel minds enquire no more.

3 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!

4 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.

5 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 the eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ, my own