Here, Charles captures the paradox of the Paschal Mystery (the redemptive death and resurrection of Christ), saying that even the chief of the angels cannot fathom the depth of this love divine. Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year B, Home The first stanza expresses wonder and amazement at the redemptive act of God and his offering of free grace to all, even those "who caused his pain." Aside from the omission by John of the original fifth stanza in his 1780 hymnal, the hymn has remained in its original form. The statement from Mr. Bray’s sister sparked within Charles a conviction like he had never felt before. Also, it is reported that his brother John sang a hymn to the tune CRUCIFIXION on his own conversion to "vital religion" three days later. 'Tis mercy all, immense and free; Alive in Him, my living Head, Green writes, "The prolific hymnist (eventually he wrote six to seven-thousand hymns) wrote a hymn to commemorate his day of salvation. Since its first publication, it has been included in most Methodist hymnals and in the hymnals of many other Protestant denominations. Every verse, every line of this incredible church hymn is fraught with meaning. Timothy Dudley-Smith. London: Triangle SPCK, 1987. Amazing love! That thou, my God, shouldst die for me? Emptied Himself of all but love, . Not What My Hands Have Done: 9. This wonder is further emphasized by the repeated phrase "For me" in lines three and four. The Story Behind The Hymn: And Can It Be This is a Methodist hymn written by Charles Wesley (1707-1788). "And Can It Be" was first published in John Wesley's Psalms and Hymns (1738). History of Hymns 363. History has it that it was written shortly after his conversion on May 21, 1738, which was one Pentecost Sunday (Whitsunday), three days before the 'heart-warming' experience of his brother, John Wesley on May 24, 1738, at Aldersgate Street. According to the editor of The Oxford Edition of the Works of John Wesley, “And Can It Be” was written immediately following Charles Wesley’s conversion to Christianity on May 21, 1738. Born in Hertfordshire, Bishop Thomas Ken (1637–1711) was orphaned as a child and raised by his sister Anna and her husband Izaak Walton. Anglican hymn writer Timothy Dudley-Smith, notes that the following then happened: Charles got out of bed and opening his Bible read from the Psalms: “He have put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God,” followed by the first verse of Isaiah 40, “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.” He wrote in his journal, “I have found myself at peace with God, and rejoiced in the hope of love Christ” (Dudley-Smith, 1987, 1). I read varying accounts to the number of songs attributed to him, but it appears to be well over 5000. Bold I approach th'eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own. The words of many of our favorite hymns are born out of life-changing experiences. who him to death pursued? “And Can It Be That I Should Gain.” Hymnary.org, https://hymnary.org/text/and_can_it_be_that_i_should_gain. 2 'Tis mystery all! That Thou, my God, should die for me! Charles Wesley, like Isaac Watts with his superb hymn When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (written about three decades before), gazes in wonder at the suffering Saviour. (877) 899-2780, Discipleship Ministries is an agency of The United Methodist Church© 2021 Discipleship Ministries. 1 … Wesley starts the first stanza by expressing admiration over the love shown by Jesus dying for him and wonders how we who "pursued" his death are now graced by it. Aside from the omission by John of the original fifth stanza in his 1780 hymnal, the hymn has remained in its original form. Nashville, TN 37212 For me? is a Christian hymn written by Charles Wesley. "And Can It Be That I Should Gain?" Amazing love! how can it be the Name High Over All'. This missing stanza speaks of personal assurance of salvation. Includes: Holy, Holy, Holy! How can it be that the shedding of Jesus’ blood 1900 years ago is relevant to me today? And 2. The Hymn for this week is Charles Wesley's "And Can It Be That I Should Gain" (Trinity #455) Dr. Roger J. let earth adore, how can it be Wesley opens with an exclamation, "And can it be that I should gain an interest in my Savior's blood!" This is good for a couple of reasons: finding a more singable key, and finding a key that works well when transitioning between numbers in a worship song set. ... is almost universally associated with `` and Can it be that I should Gain hymn t'ry... 2003 song `` you are my King ( Amazing Love ) `` which reached No our future glorification in Savior. Him is mine `` Free Grace '' in John Wesley, 1738.... With `` and Can it be that Thou, my God, die! 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