158-9. [Jesus, Lover of my soul]
Charles Wesley, 1707-88
The greatest hymn of all time.
Many of the stories concerning the origin of this hymn, such as that of the bird flying in time of storm to Wesley, or a dove pursued by a hawk finding refuge in his room, or Wesley’s own escape from a threatening mob, cannot be substantiated and must be dismissed as legendary, however plausible and fitting they may be.
The hymn first appeared in Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1740, with the title, “In time of Prayer and Temptation.” The third stanza, omitted from all hymnals, reads:
Wilt Thou not regard my call?
Wilt Thou not accept my prayer?
Lo, I sink, I faint, I fall,
Lo, on Thee I cast my care.
Reach me out Thy gracious hand,