The Blessed Hope

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But can it be that I should prove

Author: Charles Wesley
Published in 40 hymnals

Piano/Organ
	Three Hymn Tunes by Lowell Mason

Representative Text

1 But can it be that I should prove
For ever faithful to thy love,
From sin for ever cease?
I thank thee for the blessèd hope;
It lifts my drooping spirit up,
It gives me back my peace.

Refrain:
He lives, He lives,
I know that my redeemer lives.

2 In thee, O Lord, I put my trust,
Mighty and merciful and just;
Thy sacred word is passed;
And I, who dare thy word receive,
Without committing sin shall live,
Shall live to God at last.

3 I rest in thine almighty power;
The name of Jesus is a tower
That hides my life above;
Thou canst, thou will my helper be;
My confidence is all in thee,
The faithful God of love.

4 Wherefore, in never-ceasing prayer,
My soul to thy continual care
I faithfully commend;
Assured that thou through life shalt save,
And show thyself beyond the grave
My everlasting friend.

Source: The Song Book of the Salvation Army #714

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Author: Charles Wesley

Charles Wesley, M.A. was the great hymn-writer of the Wesley family, perhaps, taking quantity and quality into consideration, the great hymn-writer of all ages. Charles Wesley was the youngest son and 18th child of Samuel and Susanna Wesley, and was born at Epworth Rectory, Dec. 18, 1707. In 1716 he went to Westminster School, being provided with a home and board by his elder brother Samuel, then usher at the school, until 1721, when he was elected King's Scholar, and as such received his board and education free. In 1726 Charles Wesley was elected to a Westminster studentship at Christ Church, Oxford, where he took his degree in 1729, and became a college tutor. In the early part of the same year his religious impressions were much deepene… Go to person page >

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First Line:	But can it be that I should prove
Title:	The Blessed Hope
Author:	Charles Wesley
Meter:	8.8.6.8.8.6
Language:	English
Copyright:	Public Domain

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Notes

But can it be that I should prove. C. Wesley. [In Temptation] Published in the Wesley Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1749, No. 112, in 6 stanzas of 6 lines (Poetical Works, iv., p. 479). It was well known in the old Wesleyan Hymn Book, but is omitted from the Methodist Hymn Book, 1904, except stanzas iv.-vi., which are embodied in "Light of the world, Thy beams I bless” q.v.

--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, New Supplement (1907)

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