Читать книгу Best Loved Hymns and Readings - Martin Manser - Страница 14

This hymn was among the very first of the 8000 or so hymns written by the great hymn writer Charles Wesley over the course of 50 years. It was probably conceived shortly after 21 May 1738, the day upon which Charles underwent a revelatory conversion to evangelicalism under the influence of the Moravian missionary Peter Boehler. It is also said to have been sung by Charles’ brother John on the evening of his own conversion some time later.

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 Lord, 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.

‘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.

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.

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.

Charles Wesley (1707-88)