O FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES TO SING

There is no question that Charles Wesley had a conversion or a spiritual awakening experience.  When he sent word to his saintly Mother, Susanna, she returned a note which stated…and I quote…"I heartly rejoiced that you have attained to a strong and lively hope in God’s mercy through Christ.  Not that I can think that you were totally without saving faith before, but it is one thing to have faith, and another thing to be sensible we have it.”

Charles' life did change and he gained victory over both his temper and his unfortunate drinking habit.  He said, “I was amazed to find my old enemy, intemperance, so suddenly subdued, that I almost forgot I was ever in bondage to him.” A whole new vitality came to his preaching and gospel ministry.

As the first anniversary of his conversion approached, Charles wrote an eighteen-stanza hymn describing his praise to the Lord.  In 1780, when Charles’ brother, John, compiled his collection of hymns stanzas 7 to 10 from this hymn, the text was published as the first hymn.  It is the hymn we know today as…O FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES TO SING.  It is a song to lead in worship of God.  It is Charles’ hymn in praise of his Saviour and it can be yours.