My mind was drawn this week to the hymn And Can It Be? which was composed by Charles Wesley in 1738. I’ll let Wesley’s lyrics and a couple of performances of the song speak for themselves. This arrangement is not the traditional tune to which the hymn has been sung, but one that I first heard on GLAD’s The Acapella Project (1988).
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace!,
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
4 comments
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June 2, 2010 at 10:18 am
Adam
This is a great song. I have heard the original tune, and I like this one far better.
I continue to be amazed at how young people are drawn to this song, though it is so old.
This will be in the Thursday Hymn Reflections in the future, due to the great words!!!
June 3, 2010 at 7:18 pm
Tim Pyles
Adam,
I wasn’t sure if you had featured this song yet in your Hymn Reflections; I’ll look forward to seeing it in the future; I continue to enjoy your Hymn Reflections and other posts.
June 6, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Robert C.
I love that song. It’s one of my favorites. The first time I heard it was at church camp a few years ago..
June 8, 2010 at 9:08 pm
Paula Harrington
One of my favorites! Thanks for posting.