It’s difficult to imagine that Charles Wesley authored more than six thousand hymns when so much of his life was spent on horseback as a traveling preacher. As he rode, he scribbled ideas for hymns on small cards and would later write them. His followers faced much persecution and needed encouragement, which is one reason why Wesley wrote so many hymns.
The persecution of the Methodists during the 1740s took many forms; the most commonly described in the journals of the early Methodists were those inflicted by mobs. Meeting houses and the homes of poor people were destroyed. Many people, including women and children, were beaten severely. People were evicted from their homes, and many lost their jobs, causing unbearable social ostracism.
In 1743, Charles Wesley traveled to Cornwall to help a struggling group of Methodists in a lawless place known for debauchery of all kinds. Even the clergy of the local established churches participated in the activities. Wesley was met with a violent mob who tried to throw him down, but he said, “They had no power to touch me. My soul was calm and fearless.” A second time he and his followers were threatened with death as the mob destroyed much of the home where they were meeting. He calmly told the attackers that Christ died for all of them. He wrote in his journal:
“Several times they lifted up their hands and clubs to strike me; but a stronger arm restrained them. The longer they stayed, and the more they raged, the more power I found from above. I bade the people stand still and see the salvation of God.”
The mob began quarreling among themselves and chased each other out of the building. Knowing that God was his protector, Wesley was led to write the text for the hymn, “Rejoice, the Lord is King!” This greatly encouraged his followers. The inspiration for this hymn came from Paul’s letter of joy and encouragement to the Philippians while he was imprisoned in Rome for preaching the gospel. Like Paul, Wesley admonished his fellow believers: Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice (Philippians 4:4).
Charles Wesley’s hymns have been sung around the world by every generation since those days. Most people aren’t aware of the miraculous deliverance that inspired this one. But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee (Psalm 5:11).
Rejoice, the Lord is King!
Your Lord and King adore,
Mortals, give thanks, and sing,
And triumph evermore:
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice,
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice.
Jesus the Saviour reigns,
The God of truth and love,
When he had purged our stains,
He took his seat above:
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice,
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice.
His kingdom cannot fail,
He rules o’er earth and heav’n,
The keys of death and hell
Are to our Jesus giv’n:
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice,
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice.
He sits at God’s right hand,
Till all his foes submit,
And bow to his command,
And fall beneath his feet:
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice,
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice.
He all his foes shall quell,
Shall all our sins destroy,
And ev’ry bosom swell
With pure seraphic joy:
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice,
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice
Rejoice in glorious hope,
Jesus the Judge shall come;
And take his servants up
To their eternal home:
We soon shall hear th’archangel’s voice,
The trump of God shall sound, rejoice.
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