Classic Christian Hymns · Public-domain text

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Charles Wesley

One of the most prolific and inspiring hymn writers of all time (1707–1788). Along with his brother John, he founded the Methodist movement. Wesley wrote over 6,500 hymns, often finding inspiration while riding on horseback. His hymns, such as 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing' and 'And Can It Be', are celebrated for their theological depth and emotional warmth. His writing was fueled by a dramatic conversion in 1738, after which he dedicated his life to outdoor preaching and writing songs that ordinary, uneducated people could sing to experience God's love.

Source: Hymns for Those that Seek and Those that Have Redemption

Love divine, all loves excelling

Joy of heaven, to earth come down

Fix in us thy humble dwelling

All thy faithful mercies crown

Jesus, thou art all compassion

Pure, unbounded love thou art

Visit us with thy salvation

Enter every trembling heart

Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit

Into every troubled breast

Let us all in thee inherit

Let us find that second rest

Take away our bent to sinning

Alpha and Omega be

End of faith, as its beginning

Set our hearts at liberty

Come, Almighty to deliver

Let us all thy life receive

Suddenly return, and never

Nevermore thy temples leave

Thee we would be always blessing

Serve thee as thy hosts above

Pray, and praise thee without ceasing

Glory in thy perfect love

Finish, then, thy new creation

Pure and spotless let us be

Let us see thy great salvation

Perfectly restored in thee

Changed from glory into glory

Till in heaven we take our place

Till we cast our crowns before thee

Lost in wonder, love, and praise

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

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