309. Author of life divine
Charles Wesley, 1707-88
This fine communion hymn is from Hymns on the Lord’s Supper, 1745, by John and Charles Wesley. It is attributed in many hymnals to Charles, but there is no conclusive evidence to show which of the two brothers wrote it. The thought of the hymn is said to be in full accord with John’s teaching concerning the Holy Communion.
For comments on Charles Wesley see [Hymn 6].
MUSIC. WESLEY. The original source of this tune has not been traced. In the English Hymnal it is set to the words, “Behold a little child.” The tune should not be confused with Lowell Mason’s of the same name (See [332]).