Wesley Corpus

Last updated: Sept. 3, 2007. "Hymn for the People of Custrin" (1759)1 cf. Baker list, 235 Editorial Introduction: The Seven Year's War (1756-63) engulfed most of Europe, with Prussia joining Britain as allies against France, Russia, and much of the rest of the continent. In 1758 a Russian army roved through Brandenburg sacking several cities. On August 15 they laid siege to the town of Custrin (modern Kostrzyn) in Poland. The siege lasted for ten days, being lifted only when a Prussian army led by Frederick the Great engaged the Russians and defeated them in a very costly battle. Shortly after, in an effort to raise relief funds for the people of Custrin, a pamphlet describing their suffering was published in Britain, titled The Case of the Unhappy People of Custrin (London: H. Miller, 1759). Charles Wesley was moved by the case of the people of Custrin and sought to offer support in raising relief funds. In this effort he cooperated with his regular London publisher, William Strahan, in publishing an abridgement of The Case of the Unhappy People of Custrin. The abridgement shortens the original pamphlet by omitting opening and closing sections. The only thing added in the Strahan version is a hymn by Charles Wesley on behalf of the people of Custrin. Edition: Charles Wesley. The Case of the Unhappy People of Custrin. London: Strahan, 1759.