The Rev. Charles Wesley

Charles Wesley, A. M., Student of Christ Church, Oxford, youngest son of the Rev. Samuel Wesley, Rector of Epworth, and Susanna his wife, was born at Epworth, December 18, 1708; and died in London, March 29, 1788, aged seventy-nine years and three months.

He was a good man, a powerful preacher, and the best Christian Poet, in reference to Hymnology, that has flourished in either ancient or modern times. The Hymns used in the religious service of the Methodists were composed principally by him; and such a collection exists not among any other people. Most Collections among other sects of Christians are indebted to his compositions for some of their principal excellencies.

Mr. Charles Wesley’s Life, in connexion with that of his brother John, has been written by Dr. Coke and Mr. Moore; by Dr. Whitehead; and lately by Dr. Robert Southey, Poet Laureat. Of all these Dr. Whitehead’s Account claims the preference, as formed from Mr. C. Wesley’s own Diary.