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146
Hymns
John Wesley
John Wesley (1703-1791), along with his brother Charles, was an active participant and leader of the 18th century Revivals, a prominent missionary, and founder of the Methodist movement. Born in England and educated in the Anglican Church, he received degrees from Oxford, was ordained as a deacon and served as a minister for three years before his critical period at Oxford (1729-35). The Christian Bible-study group (the "Holy Club", later called "Methodist"), led by he and his brother, and including George Whitefield, was influential in shaping Wesley's development, as was the teaching of William Law. Gradually the doctrine of salvation by faith alone, by grace, leading to entire sanctification and Christian perfection, became the center of his belief and preaching, and coincided with his involvement in a wave of missionary activity. These years (1735 to the end of his life) are described in Wesley's own Journal, an invaluable source of information.
The text of 1026 hymns, the Methodist hymnal of 1876.
“A Collection of Hymns for the use of the people called Methodists”– these are the words, or lyrics, to 1026 hymns, constituting the Methodist hymnal published by Wesley in 1780 with the “New Supplement” compiled and added in 1876. This collection reaches back to Wesley’s missionary work in Georgia (1737), enlarged and expanded several times as needs arose and Methodist congregations grew. The original 1780 publication contained 525 hymns, most of which were written by Wesley’s brother Charles, the “hymnist of Methodism”, while a number were written by Wesley himself, Isaac Watts and others. Many of these hymns are well known throughout the Protestant Churches: “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”, “Come, Ye that Love the Lord”, “And Can It Be That I should Gain”, etc. These hymns can be read as poetry in their own right, or used as the basis for singing the familiar melodies.

    This electronic versions contains topical and first-line indexes, in addition to the main numerical listing.
Music & Worship
Hymns