Page:The Methodist Hymn-Book Illustrated.djvu/51

 THE STORY OF THE HYMNS AND THEIR WRITERS

Hymn 1. O for a thousand tongues to sing.

Author:Charles Wesley.

Charles Wesley was converted on May 21, 1738, so that this hymn was probably written about May 21, 1739. The poet tells us nothing about the day, save that at Mrs. Claggett's he met Whitefield, Cennick, and other friends. It is said that in May, 1739, Charles Wesley spoke to Böhler about confessing Christ, and received the reply, 'Had I a thousand tongues, I would praise Him with them all'. The famous verse was thus suggested to one who never failed to make use of good material.