"This book originated in a conference, Music, Cultural History and the Wesleys, hosted by CHOMBEC (Centre for the History of Music in Britain, the Empire and the Commonwealth) and held at the University of Bristol in July 2007"--Pref.

In 1780 John Wesley issued A Collection of Hymns for the People Called Methodists, containing over 1000 hymns, mostly by his brother Charles. These hymns are organized as follows: Part I. Introductory Hymns I. Exhorting Sinners to Return to God II. Describing ... III. Praying for a Blessing Part II. Convincing I. Formal Religion II. Inward Religion Part III. I. Praying for Repentance II. For Mourners Convinced of Sin III. For Persons Convinced of Backsliding IV. For Backsliders Recovered Part IV. For Believers I. Rejoicing II. Fighting III. Praying IV. Watching V. Working VI. Suffering VII. Seeking for Full Redemption VIII. Saved IX. Interceding for the World Part V. I. For the Society Meeting II. Giving Thanks III. Praying IV. Parting Supplement I. Select Psalms II. Hymns of Adoration III. The Lord Jesus Christ IV. The Holy Spirit V. Penitential Hymns VI. The Experience and Privileges of Believers VII. Christian Ordinances and Institutions VIII. Death and the Future Life IX. Various Seasons and Occasions

Hymnody is widely recognised as a central tenet of Methodism’s theological, doctrinal, spiritual, and liturgical identity. Theologically and doctrinally, the content of the hymns has traditionally been a primary vehicle for expressing Methodism’s emphasis on salvation for all, social holiness, and personal commitment, while particular hymns and the communal act of participating in hymn singing have been key elements in the spiritual lives of Methodists. An important contribution to the history of Methodism, British Methodist Hymnody argues that the significance of hymnody in British Methodism is best understood as a combination of its official status, spiritual expression, popular appeal, and practical application. Seeking to consider what, when, how, and why Methodists sing, British Methodist Hymnody examines the history, perception, and practice of hymnody from Methodism’s small-scale eighteenth-century origins to its place as a worldwide denomination today.

In a time when Charles Wesley's hymns, and even his name, are slowly fading from the purview of many Christians, this book is intended to recover the precious heritage of our past, and to bring to the reader's attention a sample of the massive body of Christian verse which that genius composed throughout his life. The main body of the book is a selection of well known, lesser known, and unknown hymns and Psalm paraphrases, intended for devotional use and for teaching the basic Christian doctrines. These selections are arranged around the Christian year, as is appropriate, since Wesley was and remained a devout Anglican. Associated essays give a biographical outline of Wesley's life and ministry, analyze his verse, explore the sources of his music, and discuss various theological and devotional issues which arise from his hymns. With this volume goes the prayer that it will be used of God to recover Scriptural worship "in reverence and holy fear," appreciate his poetry, foster humble piety, promote doctrinal awareness, and to love and serve the same God of all grace and Christ of redemption whom it was Wesley's delight to serve.