Charles Wesley

Charles Wesley (1707–1788) was an English hymn writer and Anglican clergyman whose hymns played a central role in the Methodist revival of the eighteenth century. Born in Epworth, England, he was the son of Samuel Wesley and the younger brother of John Wesley. Educated at Oxford University, Charles experienced a profound conversion in 1738 that deeply shaped his preaching and hymn writing.

Wesley wrote more than six thousand hymns, making him one of the most prolific hymn writers in Christian history. His texts are rich in Scripture and theology, expressing themes of salvation by grace, the new birth, assurance of faith, and joyful praise. Hymns such as Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, and And Can It Be That I Should Gain continue to be widely sung. Through his hymns, Charles Wesley gave voice to the spiritual experience of believers and left a lasting mark on Christian worship throughout the world.