Wesley Corpus

Whitsunday Hymns (1746)1 Baker list, 122 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 series began with Nativity Hymns (1745), released in time for Christmas 1745. Next came Resurrection Hymns (1746), released shortly before Easter. This was followed in early May by Ascension Hymns (1746), just prior to that festival forty days after Easter. The last in the series was Hymns of Petition and Thanksgiving for the Promise of Father released immediately before the observance of Pentecost on May 19, 1746. This last collection quickly came to be referred to by its subtitle "Hymns for Whitsunday." It was the largest of the collections in the series, containing thirty-two hymns, all new. It was also the only volume in the series that was not issued anonymously, appearing under the names of both Wesley brothers. Indeed, this became the last volume of new poetry issued jointly by the brothers. What is unclear, given their practice of not indicating authorship, is whether any of the hymns included should be ascribed to John. The majority are surely the work of Charles. Whitsunday Hymns was reprinted regularly, with only minor revisions occurring over the course of these printings. Editions: John and Charles Wesley. Hymns of Petition and Thanksgiving for the Promise of Father. Bristol: Farley, 1746. 2nd Bristol: Farley, 1747. 3rd Dublin: Powell, 1747. London: Cock, 1753. Bristol: Grabham Pine, 1760. Bristol: Pine, 1768. London: Hawes, 1775. London: Hawes, 1779. Dublin: Joyce, 1781. London: Paramore, 1786. Last updated: November 20, 2018. Table of Contents Hymn I Hymn II Hymn III Hymn IV Hymn V Hymn VI. John 7:37, 38, 39 Hymn VII. John 14:16 Hymn VIII. John 14:16 Hymn IX. John 14:16, 17 Hymn X. John 14:18, 19, 20, 21 Hymn XI. John 14:21, 22, 23 Hymn XII. John 14:25, 26, 27