LOVE DIVINE, ALL LOVES EXCELLING

Most often, a hymn text has a story behind it as to how it was inspired by a life event or because of God’s provision and/or faithfulness.  When it comes to poems or hymns written by Charles Wesley, so many do not have such a story.  He was always writing them, and afterwards, he had few dramatic tales to talk about the occasion!

It was said of Charles that he had inherited this gift from his father, and although the skill had been resident in him early in life, his conversion unlocked it and set it free.  His journals say little about his composing.  He had within him a treasury of poetry.  His mind instinctively invested words with harmony, and hymn after hymn flowed from his pen.

A friend tells of many times, even when Charles was nearly eighty, and while riding his little pony, he would jot down his thoughts on a card he kept in his pocket.  Arriving at his friend’s house and leaving his pony in the front garden, he would enter the house, crying out, “Pen and ink, Pen and ink.”  When those were supplied, he would write down the composition he had been working on in his mind.

Looking through a hymn book, you will often see Charles Wesley’s name, but the number of hymn’s he wrote is really only estimated.  LOVE DIVINE, ALL LOVES EXCELLING remains a favourite of many.  It reminds us that, because God is love, He expresses His love to each of us. 

As you listen to Charles’ wonderful hymn may you know that God loves you!