Wesley Corpus

Last updated: Sept. 3, 2007. Ascension Hymns (1746)1 Baker list, 121 Editorial Introduction: Charles Wesley deeply appreciated the value of celebrating the major Christian festivals connected to the life of Christ. This is evident from the first volume containing his poetry, Hymns and Sacred Poems (1739), which included (on pp. 206-15) a series of hymns on Christmas Day, Epiphany, Easter Day, Ascension Day and Whitsunday (Pentecost) all clearly traced to Charles. Desiring to provide a richer set of worship resources, in 1745-46 Wesley published a series of pamphlet hymn collections for these festivals. The first collection was Nativity Hymns (1745), released in time for Christmas 1745. The second was Resurrection Hymns (1746), released just prior to Easter. Then, in early May 1746 he published Hymns for Ascension Day, shortly prior to the celebration on this festival (May 9 that year). This third collection contained seven hymns, all new. While Ascension Hymns was not as popular as Nativity Hymns (1745), it stayed in print through Wesley's life. No significant variant readings emerged through its reprints. Editions: Charles Wesley. Hymns for Ascension Day. Bristol: Farley 1746. 2nd Bristol: Farley, 1747. 3rd Dublin: Powell, 1747. London: Cock, 1753. Bristol: Pine, 1761. London: Hawes, 1775. London: Paramore, 1784. London: New Chapel, 1789. Table of Contents Hymn I Hymn II Hymn III Hymn IV Hymn V. John 14:1, 2, 3 Hymn VI Hymn VII Page 3 Hymn I. Lift up your heads, ye gates, T' admit your King again! Return'd from earth he waits With half his angel train: Wide open throw the heavenly scene, Receive the King of Glory in. Instinct with living powers The huge portcullis raise, Ye everlasting doors Disclose the holiest place, Wide open throw the heavenly scene, Receive the King of Glory in. Page 4 He comes, he comes from far, The strong and mighty Lord, Mighty and strong in war, To claim his just reward: Wide open throw the heavenly scene, Receive the King of Glory in. The Lord of hosts is he, The omnipotent I AM, Glorious in majesty, Jehovah is his name: Wide open throw the heavenly scene, Receive the King of Glory in. Jehovah, Jesus, Lord Of earth and heaven receive, Who comes, that man restor'd With God again may live; Wide open throw the heavenly scene, Receive the King of Glory in.