“And Can It Be”

[Nelson Bradford]

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst. ~ 1 Timothy 1:15

A good case could be made acclaiming Charles Wesley as the greatest hymn writer ever known. He averaged two hymns a week for 50 years, most written on horseback. Every spiritual experience or thought was the inspiration for a new hymn. He wrote for the people on the edge of society that the established church ignored. His objective was to bring theology to the heart where people could experience God at a personal level.

He joined his older brother John in evangelizing Great Britain. It is estimated they traveled 250,000+ miles, mostly on horseback. They were radicals in their day because they took the gospel to the poor and illiterate in outdoor services. Charles led crowds of 40,000 people in singing his hymns.

He died ending a life of total service to the cause of Christ. However, he didn’t begin that way. He had strict religious training when he was young. During his second year at Oxford University he grew serious about spiritual things. Even though neither he nor John had been converted they tried to live as Christians so methodically that they were called “Methodists” by their Oxford brethren.

During missionary service in Georgia he was demanding and autocratic. He made one woman so angry she fired a gun at him. The Wesley brothers were a total failure as missionaries and returned to London defeated, with no peace or joy.

At Aldersgate Hall they met a group of Moravians and came to realize that salvation was by faith alone and both were converted. After this experience, Charles was filled with joyful enthusiasm and began his lifelong journey of hymn writing.

On May 20, 1738, he described his “heart-warming” Aldersgate experience in these classic words . . .

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’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?

Refrain
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

- Charles Wesley, 1738

Copied from Sing to the Lord © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Company

Hymn commentary courtesy J. D. Sherrow

[Murray Woods]

Thank you, Nelson, for this reminder of the strength and value of the Wesleys' hymnody, especially of Charles'.
I think I remember singing this hymn in our church many years ago, when we actually sang hymns of theological and literary value. That was before we turned "jump-up" and "7-11".
It's one of the reasons why, at Christmas time, I enjoy hearing "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing", with its "insidious" theological resume, in department stores here in Toronto.
Ah, well, there will be many musical surprises in heaven. Maybe even for me.
Thanks again.