Wesley Corpus

In his personal copy of the 4th edn. (1750)2 John noted in manuscript some suggested corrections and Charles adopted a few ( the most significant, which Charles did not adopt, are noted below in footnotes). Likewise, when John came across the 6th edn. (1761) still lacking the final hymn, he wrote to Charles protesting and saying that this hymn was his favorite in the collection. The hymn was restored in the next edition and appears in all from that point. For more details on the textual history and the contents of this collection see the excellent article by Frank Baker, "The Metamorphoses of Charles Wesley's Christmas Hymns, 1739-88," Proceedings of the Charles Wesley Society 7 (2001): 43-59. Charles followed this collection on Christ's birth with three further pamphlets for key festivals: Resurrection Hymns (1746), Ascension Hymns (1746), and Whitsunday Hymns (1746). Editions: Charles Wesley. Hymns for the Nativity of our Lord. London: Strahan, 1745. 2nd Bristol: Farley, 1745. lacking hymn 18 Newcastle: Gooding, 1746. no copy extant 3rd Dublin: Powell, 1747. lacking hymn 18 Cork: Harrison, 1748? 3rd Bristol: Farley, 1749. no copy extant 4th Bristol: Farley, 1750. 10th London: Cock, 1750. it is unclear why Cock thought this was the 10th edn. 4th Dublin: Powell, 1751. lacking hymn 18 11th London: Foundery, 1755. 5th Bristol: Farley, 1756. lacking hymn 18 6th Dublin: Powell, 1760. lacking hymn 18 6th Bristol: Pine, 1761. lacking hymn 18 Bristol: Pine, 1762. Bristol: Pine, 1764. Bristol: Pine, 1766. Bristol: Pine, 1768. Bristol: Pine, 1770. Bristol: Pine, 1772. London: Hawes, c. 1774. London: Hawes, 1777. London: Hawes, 1778. London: Paramore, 1782. London: Paramore, 1784. London: Paramore, 1787. London: New Chapel, 1788. London: Paramore, 1791. Table of Contents Hymn I Hymn II Hymn III Hymn IV Hymn V Hymn VI Hymn VII Hymn VIII Hymn IX Hymn X Hymn XI Hymn XII Hymn XIII Hymn XIV Hymn XV Hymn XVI Hymn XVII Hymn XVIII Page 2 3"This" changed to "his" in 1782 edn. and following. Hymn I. Ye simple men of heart sincere, Shepherds who watch your flocks by night, Start not to see an angel near, Nor tremble at this3 glorious light. An herald from the heavenly King I come, your every fear to chase; Good tidings of great joy I bring, Great joy to all the fallen race!