Christ First Forum

I thoroughly enjoy the old hymns. Here is another one of my favorite hymn written by Charles Wesley (Dec 18, 1707 to Mar 29, 1788). He was a 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. 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. I trust you cherish these old hymns that aren’t sung very often in our world nor in our churches of today, which to me is very sad. I trust you will listen to the words and the message of this very inspiring hymn and that you will enjoy it as I have.

- And Can It Be -

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?

Amazing love! How can it be
That thou, my God, shouldst die for me!

‘Tis mystery all! Th’ Immortal dies!
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine!
‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
Let angel minds inquire no more.

Amazing love! How can it be
That thou, my God, shouldst die for me!

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.

Amazing love! How can it be
That thou, my God, shouldst die for me!

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.

Amazing love! How can it be
That thou, my God, shouldst die for me!

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 th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown through Christ, my own.

Amazing love! How can it be
That thou, my God, shouldst die for me!