An original manuscript from the 7000 hymns written by Charles Wesley (1707-88), one of the founders of MethodismCharles Wesley, brother to John, wrote this and many similar hymns while in Bristol. Those who joined the Methodist movement in 18th century England were often illiterate but Charles Wesley's skilful use of poetry was the means by which the beliefs of the movement were propagated. Easily remembered, and sometimes set to popular secular song tunes, they led to the statement that 'Methodism was born in song.' The music, like Methodism, travelled from Bristol to all parts of the world, creating new musical traditions.
Share this link: