Lord, that I may learn of The. C. Wesley. [Humility desired.] Published in his Short Hymns, &c, 1762, vol. i., No. 1005, in 4 stanzas of 4 lines (Poetical Works, 1868-72, vol. ix. p. 392). On its introduction into the Wesleyan Hymn Book, 1780, No. 293, stanza ii., 1. 1, was changed from “Let me cast myself aside" to "Let me cast my reeds aside." This reading is repeated in the revised edition of 1875, and other hymn-books. A cento partly from this hymn and partly by J. Berridge appeared in Berridge's Sion's Songs, 1785, in 6 stanzas of 4 lines, as "Jesus, cast a look on me." Of this text stanzas i, iii. and iv. are altered from Wesley's hymn as above, and stanzas ii., v. and vi. are by Berridge. This cento is given without alteration in Lord Selborne's Book of Praise, 1862, and in whole or in part in numerous collections throughout English-speaking countries.
--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)
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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