And Can It Be

Here's a favourite hymn, one of Wesley's, a Methodist anthem - by an enthusiastic yet High Church Anglican - that is really so very Catholic; I'm sure that Bl Columba Marmion OSB, faithful interpreter of the Apostle and his doctrine, would fully agree with the admirable sentiments expressed therein about us living now "in Christ", Whose unfathomable riches are ours by grace:

The second stanza has been omitted, yet I think it well expresses the strength of Wesley's Christology:

'Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies!

Who can explore His strange design?

In vain the firstborn seraph tries

to sound the depths of love divine.

'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;

let angel minds inquire no more.

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

One of the great tragedies of Church history is that Wesley, living a century before Newman, was caught in the prejudices of his age and, despite his catholic leanings, never considered the Catholic Church.  Here is one of his great and eminently catholic hymns for Advent, which I like to sing to the tune "Stuttgart":

Come, Thou long expected Jesus

Born to set Thy people free;

From our fears and sins release us,

Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel’s Strength and Consolation,

Hope of all the earth Thou art;

Dear Desire of every nation,

Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,

Born a child and yet a King,

Born to reign in us forever,

Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.

By Thine own eternal Spirit

Rule in all our hearts alone;

By Thine all sufficient merit,

Raise us to Thy glorious throne.