Wesley Corpus

Last updated: Feb. 6, 2008. 2The alterations are noted in Intercessory Hymns (1759). The four hymns are presented in this collection as revised. Invasion Hymns (1759)1 Baker list, 233 Editorial Introduction: The Seven Year's War (1756-63) engulfed most of Europe, with Prussia joining Britain as allies against France, Russia, Austria, Sweden and others. While the British and Prussian forces enjoyed some initial encouraging victories, things took a negative turn in the first half of 1759. Frederick the Great and the Prussian forces suffered some severe defeats, and there was growing threat of a French invasion of England. In this context Charles Wesley initially rushed into print a set of four hymns pleading for God to intervene and defend Britain in this dangerous hour see Intercession Hymns (1759). In July he published a larger set of Hymns on the Expected Invasion, which incorporated the four earlier hymns (much revised2) and added three additional pieces in the same vein. He capped the collection with one further hymn that raised the contrasting apocalyptic suggestion that Wesley looked not for Britain's rescue but for the return of Christ to conquer all nations and create true justice on the earth an echo of "Hymns for the 1745." The hymns praying for God's rescue of Britain were the ones answered. On the night of November 20, 1759, Admiral Edward Hawke led the British fleet in charge of protecting the Channel against a French fleet attempting to mount the invasion. Hawke won a decisive victory, effectively terminating the power of the French navy as an offensive threat. Charles Wesley celebrated this victory with his Thanksgiving Hymns (1759). While the French alone were no longer a major threat, they could buttress the power of allies. In June 1779, Spain declared war on Britain and planned a naval invasion with support from the French. In this context, some twenty years after its initial publication, Charles Wesley reprinted (without revision) the Invasion Hymns, now dated "1779" in the title. Once again, from the perspective of the British, the prayer for protection in the hymns appeared to be effective. Editions: Charles Wesley. Hymns on the Expected Invasion, 1759. London: Strahan, 1759. Bristol: Farley, 1759. np, 1779 with title: Hymns on the Expected Invasion, MDCCLXXIX.