The sacred hymn "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" never loses its appeal for it speaks to the basic need of every human heart, a personal dependence upon the infinite God. This Christian song, written by Charles Wesley, is found in nearly every published hymnal and has been translated into almost every known language.
Greatness of "Jesus, Lover of My Soul"
Of the 6500 hymns written by Charles Wesley, "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" is generally considered to be his finest. A prominent American preacher, Henry Ward Beecher, acclaimed the hymn's greatness when he wrote: "I would rather have written that hymn of Wesley's than to have the fame of all the kings that ever sat on earth; it is more glorious, it has more power in it."
It is interesting to note that when Charles Wesley first presented it to his brother, John, founder of the Methodist Church, rejected it on account that it was too sentimental. The hymn came into general use only after the author's death. It was first published in 1740 in a collection of 139 hymns known as Hymns and Sacred Poems.
Charles Wesley and "Jesus, Lover of My Soul"
There have been stories concerning the experiences that prompted Charles Wesley to write this sacred music, though not fully authenticated. One of them was his experience in the United States. He was caught in a raging storm at sea when it appeared that all would be lost. On December 3 the ship miraculously reached land. Wesley wrote in his journal that he knelt down and blessed the Hand that had conducted him through such inextricable mazes. Another story saw this text as a picture of Wesley's own life as a young man struggling to find his peace with God before his dramatic Aldersgate conversion experience on May 21, 1738.
A hymn of this quality does not need any accounting of its origin, or how Wesley conceived of it. The meaningful simplicity of the words is sufficient. Christ is presented as a "lover," "healer," "refuge," "fountain," "pilot" – the Christ, the only one ever wanted, and more than all in Him is found. Any believer can join Wesley with his significant lyrics.
Tune Name "Martyn"
Many tunes have been used with Wesley's words, including several fine anthems and classical settings. The best-known of these tunes in America is "Martyn," composed by Simeon B. Marsh.
Composer Simeon B. Marsh
Simeon Marsh 1798-1875) was born in Sherborne, New York. He was an organist, choir director and singing-school teacher. He was also a devout Presbyterian Christian layman. One day in the fall of 1834, he wrote out this tune he called "Martyn."
No reason has been given for the significance for this name. However, it was originally intended as a new setting for one of John Newton's lesser known hymns, "Mary at Her Savior's Tomb." Because of this association, the melody is sometimes listed in hymnals as the "Resurrection Tune." Thirty years later, a leading American musician of sacred music, Thomas Hastings, discoverdd that the "Martyn" tune was well-suited for Wesley's text. He began using it with great response in his new publications.
First Stanza of "Jesus, Lover of My Soul"
"Jesus, lover of my soul, Let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll, While the tempest still is high!
Hide me, O my Savior hide – Till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide, O receive my soul at last!"
Related Charles Wesley Hymns
- Christ the Lord is Risen Today
- Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
- O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
- Love Divine, all Loves Excelling.
Words and Music:
Source:
101 Hymn Stories, by Kenneth W. Osbeck, Kregel Publications, Michigan, 1982
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